Top 9 Tallest Ferry Wheels in the US That Not for the Faint-Hearted

The History of Ferris-Type Wheels

Passengers have enjoyed rides on suspended seats on a big wheel since the 17th century (and possibly as early as the 13th century, according to fictional sources).

The original "pleasure wheels" could have arisen in Bulgaria, when guests rode in chairs hanging from massive wooden rings and rotated by strong men.

Since the early 1600s, there have been reports of "Great wheels" all across the world.

However, it wasn't until 1848 that a Ferris-type wheel was introduced to America, when Frenchman Antonio Manguino built a wooden pleasure wheel to lure people to his new fair at Walton Spring, Georgia.

The original Chicago Ferris Wheel was built for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition.

The next year, he was granted the first US patent for a "Roundabout".

George Washington Gale Ferris Jr., who later introduced the original Ferris wheel at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, had ridden on Somers' wheel in Atlantic City before building his own.

Somers sued Ferris for patent infringement; however, Ferris and his lawyers successfully claimed that the Ferris Wheel and its technology were significantly different from Somers' wheel, and the case was dismissed.

Where does the name Ferris Wheel come from?

But, first, I'd want to discuss the original Ferris wheel (shown), which was conceived and built by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr.

Mr. Ferris referred to the original Ferris Wheel as a "observation wheel!"

It was a 264-foot revolving steel wheel powered by 2,500 Edison incandescent bulbs.

It served as a landmark during the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

The general word Ferris wheel, named for George Ferris, now refers to all such buildings.

They have become the most popular sort of entertainment ride at state fairs across the United States.

Top 9 Tallest Ferry Wheels In The US Today

Top 9 Tallest Ferry Wheels In The US Today

1. Higher Roller (550 ft)

To stand out among the huge casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, Caesar's Entertainment Corporation built the world's biggest Ferris wheel at its Linq Hotel. When the High Roller Observation Wheel launched in 2014, it stood at an incredible height of 550 feet. But, rather of relying solely on size to attract riders, they went above and above with gondolas large enough to accommodate yoga classes, corporate parties, and, of course, a "bar car" with a happy hour and an open bar.

2. The Wheel at Icon Park (400 feet)

The Wheel at Icon Park (formerly known as the Orlando Eye), which debuted in 2015, offers breathtaking views of the area's theme parks, including the nearby SeaWorld Orlando and Universal Orlando. It is one of the tallest rides in Florida (although not the tallest). The Wheel is one of several exciting rides and attractions along the city's International Drive.

3. Texas Star (212 feet)

Texas Star is a popular Ferris Wheel in the United States. It is located in Dallas, Texas. Its height is 212 feet tall! The Texas Star was created in 1985. It seems incredibly brilliant at night because to its 16,000 incandescent red, white, and blue turbo lights.

After 2008, the authorities implemented various improvements, and the system was replaced with LED. The LED structure improves energy efficiency. This Ferris Wheel works during the Texas State Fair, which is an annual fall event.

4. The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel (200 feet.)

Another popular ferris wheel is the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, which is located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The wheel stands 200 feet tall! It ranks among the top five largest Ferris wheels in the United States.

The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel looks particularly vibrant at night because to its magnificent 24,000 LED light show. Every day, thousands of tourists flock there to see the splendor at night.

5. Centennial Wheel (200 ft)

The Centennial Wheel, one of Chicago's most impressive landmarks, is the largest Ferris Wheel in the United States, at nearly 200 feet (196 ft) tall! It is not a new construction in Chicago; it was built in 1995.

The Centennial Wheel commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Lake Michigan landmark. Since 1995, this wheel has hosted more than 17 million riders. If you ever get the chance to visit Chicago, don't miss the Centennial Wheel.

6. Myr The Centennial Wheel (196 feet)

The new Centennial Wheel (shown below), which debuted in 2016 in Chicago, IL, stands 196 feet tall and ranks fifth in our list of the top ten tallest observation wheels in the United States.

The wheel, which stands 48 feet taller than the structure it replaced, was named to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Lake Michigan landmark.

READ MORE: Top 20 Best & Most-Visited U.S National Parks For Upcoming Trips

7. Myrtle Beach SkyWheel (187 ft)

The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel is another of the largest Ferris wheels in the United States. It is located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It is 187 feet tall, making it one of the largest ferris wheels in the United States!

Tourists may enjoy a spectacular view of the Grand Strand from the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel. Furthermore, the wheel features climate-controlled cabins and three revolutions. The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel opened in May 2011.

8. Colossus stands (180 feet)

The Colossus Wheel, located at Six Flags St. Louis Theme Park in Eureka, Missouri, is tied for eighth place on our list of the top ten tallest observation wheels in the United States.

The Colossus Wheel is likewise 180 feet tall (tied with the Capital Wheel) and made its premiere at the 1984 New Orleans World's Fair.

As of 1992, Colossus was illuminated by 2200 lights, creating a 24-pattern performance with a starburst finale.

During the months when the park was closed, they showed a massive clock face that was visible from adjacent Interstate 44.

9. Seattle Great Wheel (175 feet)

The Seattle Great Wheel ranks ninth on our ranking of the ten tallest observation wheels in the United States.

Located at Pier 57 on Elliott Bay in Seattle, Washington.

When it first opened on June 29, 2012, the enormous wheel was the tallest Ferris wheel on the West Coast, standing 175 feet tall.

The wheel is attached so close to the end of the pier that it stretches 40 feet across the bay.

To sustain the 170,000 kg wheel, the pier's pilings had to be modified, which took three years.

Summary

Everyone enjoys amusement parks. They're filled with candies, meals only available at amusement parks, and games and rides designed to thrill, scare, and make you smile. No visit to an amusement park is complete unless we ride the Ferris wheel.

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