A Ferris wheel is an amusement ride consisting of a rotating upright wheel with multiple passenger carrying components attached to the rim of the wheel.

The original Ferris wheel was created by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. in 1893 as the American answer to the Eiffel Tower. It was built for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition held in Chicago and over the a 19 week period more than 1.4 million people took the 20 minute ride. It measured 250 feet in diameter and carried 36 cars, each capable of holding 60 people.

Today, Ferris wheels are neon lit wheels that whirl through the sky at boardwalks, county fairs and festivals around the globe. Some Ferris wheels are massive and are a must see attraction in many cities around the world.

The posts that are shown under this category are the Ferris wheels that have become “must see” attractions in their locations. I hope that you will enjoy seeing these engineering marvels and that I will be able to communicate why these Ferris wheels should be included in a visit to the city they are located.

Places to See

(Click on the photo below for more information on each topic.)