In this article, I am going to discuss the top 10 biggest Ferris wheels in the US. In this list, I have considered the largest Ferris wheels in the US.
Ferris Wheels have a long history. The first Ferris Wheel was made in America a long time ago. It was built using wood and was used to attract people to have fun.
Nowadays, almost every amusement park has a Ferris Wheel. They are not just for tourists, but they bring a lot of joy to everyone who watches them. That’s why the Ferris Wheels keep getting bigger and bigger over time, so more people can enjoy them.
Let’s take a look at a list of the biggest Ferris Wheels in the United States:
Table of Contents
1. The High Roller – Las Vegas, Nevada:
The High Roller stands tall on the Las Vegas Strip and takes the crown as the tallest Ferris wheel in the United States.
This magnificent structure reaches a height of 550 feet and offers 360-degree views of the vibrant city and the surrounding desert.
The High Roller features 28 spacious cabins, each accommodating up to 40 passengers, making it an iconic symbol of Las Vegas.
2. Texas Star – Dallas, Texas:
The Texas Star, located at Fair Park, holds the title of the tallest Ferris wheel in the state of Texas.
This giant observation wheel rises to a height of 212 feet and boasts 44 gondolas that provide breathtaking views of the Dallas skyline and the sprawling fairgrounds.
3. Seattle Great Wheel – Seattle, Washington:
The Seattle Great Wheel, overlooking Elliott Bay, stands as a prominent landmark in the heart of Seattle.
It has a height of 175 feet, offering passengers an opportunity to admire the city’s skyline, the waterfront, and the majestic Mount Rainier in the distance.
Its fully enclosed gondolas make it a popular attraction in the rainy Pacific Northwest.
4. Navy Pier Ferris Wheel – Chicago, Illinois:
The Ferris wheel in Chicago, situated on the iconic Navy Pier, is an integral part of the city’s skyline.
It reaches a height of 196 feet and boasts 42 climate-controlled gondolas, providing stunning views of Lake Michigan, the Chicago skyline, and the sprawling Navy Pier itself.
5. SkyWheel Myrtle Beach – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina:
The SkyWheel Myrtle Beach, a magnificent Ferris wheel, overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and soars 187 feet above the boardwalk.
It offers riders awe-inspiring views of the beach, the coastline, and the lively cityscape of Myrtle Beach. The SkyWheel features 42 glass-enclosed gondolas, making it a popular attraction day and night.
6. Orlando Eye – Orlando, Florida:
The Orlando Eye, a prominent feature of the Icon Park complex, offers visitors a unique perspective of the city’s skyline and theme park capital.
Standing tall at 400 feet, it boasts 30 air-conditioned capsules that allow visitors to witness stunning vistas of Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and the surrounding Florida landscape.
7. Capital Wheel – National Harbor, Maryland:
The Capital Wheel stands tall on the banks of the Potomac River, offering breathtaking views of Washington, D.C., and the surrounding area.
It rises to a height of 180 feet, showcasing landmarks such as the Capitol Building, the Washington Monument, and the Jefferson Memorial. The wheel’s climate-controlled gondolas ensure a comfortable ride year-round.
8. SkyView Atlanta – Atlanta, Georgia:
The SkyView Ferris wheel, located in downtown Atlanta, stands as a prominent feature of the city’s skyline.
It reaches a height of 200 feet, providing panoramic views of the city’s skyline, Centennial Olympic Park, and the bustling streets below.
The gondolas on the wheel are equipped with climate control, ensuring a pleasant experience in all seasons.
9. Smoky Mountain Wheel:
The city of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is home to the esteemed Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a Ferris wheel boasting an impressive height of 200 feet. This notable attraction ranks among the top 5 largest Ferris wheels in the United States.
After dusk, the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel presents a captivating spectacle with its vibrant array of colors, courtesy of a stunning display featuring 24,000 LED lights. Each day, a multitude of visitors converge upon this location to witness and appreciate the awe-inspiring nocturnal splendor it offers.
10. Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel – Santa Monica, California:
Since 1996, the iconic Santa Monica Pier has housed a beloved attraction that enchants visitors—the Ferris wheel. The Ferris wheel stands tall at 130 feet and offers riders sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, the sandy beaches, and the vibrant Santa Monica coastline.
During the evening hours, the Ferris wheel’s colorful lights captivate onlookers, making it a truly mesmerizing sight.
Closing Thought
These top 10 biggest Ferris wheels in the US not only offer thrilling rides but also provide unforgettable experiences. Whether you seek breathtaking city views, coastal panoramas, or a glimpse of natural beauty, these Ferris wheels deliver on all fronts.
So, make sure to take a ride on these towering giants and witness the world from a whole new perspective when you find yourself in one of these cities.
Faqs
The tallest Ferris wheel in the United States stands at a height of 550 feet (167.6 meters) and is known as the “High Roller” in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Las Vegas, Nevada, holds the record for having the most Ferris wheels in the United States.
Two Ferris wheels in the United States ranked among the top 10 largest Ferris wheels in the world. The High Roller in Las Vegas and the Seattle Great Wheel in Seattle, Washington, were the ones that made the list.
No, not all of the top 10 biggest Ferris wheels in the US are located in amusement parks. Some are part of amusement park complexes, such as the High Roller in Las Vegas and the Orlando Eye in Orlando, Florida. However, others are standalone attractions situated in iconic city locations, like the Seattle Great Wheel and the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel in Chicago.
Yes, visitors can ride most of the Ferris wheels on this list. However, it’s important to note that availability and operating hours may vary. It is recommended to check the specific Ferris wheel’s website or contact the respective location for the most up-to-date information.