The Oil Derrick observation tower opened at Six Flags Over Texas in 1969, creating the Tower area with its signature profile. If it were an actual, operational oil derrick, it would be the tallest land-based one anywhere according to the Six Flag’s Railroad’s spiel.

Two high-capacity elevators take guests 300 feet up to one of the two levels at the top of the tower, though it has been long since the ride actually used both elevators. On clear days Oil Derrick patrons can see both Dallas and Fort Worth skylines. Views are especially good of the nearby Texas Rangers Ballpark and Dallas Cowboys Stadium, both of which are less than a mile from the park.

The Oil Derrick actually has several levels, only a couple of which are accessible to park guests. The two guest-accessible levels at the top of the tower stand 255 and 267 feet high. Another level at the 50-foot mark used to be the launching point for a huge fun slide that was removed in the late 1970s. Although railing appears at the 100-foot level, there’s no platform there and the railing exists only to aesthetically “balance” the tower.

The Oil Derrick is often themed during special events. In the past a massive inflatable gorilla adorned the side of the tower during Fright Fest. Each year during Holiday in the Park the Oil Derrick is transformed into a giant Christmas Tree with green lights and a star (also meaning it does not operate during the event).

Six Flags Over Texas’ Oil Derrick has “sister” Intamin-made observation towers located at Kings Island (Ohio) and Kings Dominion (Virginia). Instead of an oil derrick, they were modeled after the Eiffel Tower and opened in the 1970s.