Ferris wheels are one of the most popular attractions in amusement parks and other places of entertainment. They offer a thrilling ride and a panoramic view of the surroundings. The United States has some of the biggest and most impressive Ferris wheels in the world, ranging from 180 feet to 550 feet in height. Here are the top 10 biggest Ferris wheels in the US as of 2023
Top 10 Biggest Ferris Wheels in the US of 2023
1. The High Roller
The High Roller is the biggest Ferris wheel in the US with an astonishing height of 550 feet. It is also the second tallest Ferris wheel in the world, after the Ain Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The High Roller is located on the Las Vegas Strip in Nevada and is owned by Caesars Entertainment. It opened to the public on March 31, 2014 and has 28 passenger cabins that can accommodate up to 40 people each. The ride lasts about 30 minutes and offers a spectacular view of the city and its landmarks. The High Roller also features special events and experiences, such as yoga classes, corporate events, and a bar car with free drinks.
2. Texas Star
Texas Star is a famous Ferris wheel in Texas and the second-biggest Ferris wheel in the US. It is situated in Dallas and has a height of 212 feet. The Texas Star was built in 1985 and is part of the State Fair of Texas, an annual fall event that attracts millions of visitors. The Ferris wheel has 44 gondolas that can hold up to six people each. The ride offers a scenic view of the fairgrounds and the downtown skyline. The Texas Star is also known for its bright lights that change colors at night.
3. Centennial Wheel
Centennial Wheel is one of the iconic landmarks of Chicago and the third biggest Ferris wheel in the US. It is located at Navy Pier, a popular tourist destination on Lake Michigan. It has a height of 196 feet and was built in 2016 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Navy Pier. The Centennial Wheel has 42 climate-controlled gondolas that can seat up to eight people each. The ride lasts about 15 minutes and offers a stunning view of the lake, the city, and its attractions. The Centennial Wheel also features interactive screens, music, and lighting effects.
4. Myrtle Beach SkyWheel
Myrtle Beach SkyWheel is another prominent Ferris wheel in South Carolina and the fourth biggest Ferris wheel in the US. It is located on Myrtle Beach, a popular seaside resort town. It has a height of 187 feet and opened in May 2011. The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel has 42 glass-enclosed gondolas that can fit up to six people each. The ride lasts about 10 minutes and offers a breathtaking view of the ocean, the beach, and the boardwalk. The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel also features a dazzling display of LED lights at night.
5. Great Smoky Mountain Wheel
Great Smoky Mountain Wheel is a magnificent Ferris wheel in Tennessee and the fifth biggest Ferris wheel in the US. It is situated in Pigeon Forge, a mountain resort town near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It has a height of 200 feet and opened in June 2013. The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel has 42 climate-controlled gondolas that can hold up to eight people each. The ride lasts about 12 minutes and offers a spectacular view of the mountains, the forest, and the town. The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel also features a colorful display of LED lights at night.
6. Colossus
Colossus is a colossal Ferris wheel in Missouri and the sixth biggest Ferris wheel in the US. It is located at Six Flags St. Louis, an amusement park in Eureka. It has a height of 180 feet and opened on April 18, 1986. Colossus has 60 open-air gondolas that can seat up to four people each. The ride offers a thrilling view of the park and its roller coasters. Colossus also features red, white, and blue lights that create a patriotic effect.
7. Pacific Wheel
Pacific Wheel is a stunning Ferris wheel in California and the seventh biggest Ferris wheel in the US. It is located on the Santa Monica Pier, a historic landmark and a popular attraction on the Pacific coast. It has a height of 130 feet and opened in 1996. It was replaced by a new wheel in 2008, which became the world’s first solar-powered Ferris wheel. The Pacific Wheel has 20 gondolas that can seat up to six people each. The ride lasts about nine minutes and offers a gorgeous view of the ocean, the beach, and the city. The Pacific Wheel also features a dazzling display of LED lights that create different patterns and colors.
8. Seattle Great Wheel
Seattle Great Wheel is a spectacular Ferris wheel in Washington and the eighth-biggest Ferris wheel in the US. It is located on Pier 57, a waterfront complex on Elliott Bay. It has a height of 175 feet and opened in June 2012. The Seattle Great Wheel has 42 climate-controlled gondolas that can fit up to eight people each. One of the gondolas is VIP, which has leather seats, a glass floor, and a stereo system. The ride lasts about 12 minutes and offers a stunning view of the bay, the city, and the mountains. The Seattle Great Wheel also features a colorful display of LED lights at night.
9. SkyStar Wheel
SkyStar Wheel is a remarkable Ferris wheel in Kentucky and the ninth-biggest Ferris wheel in the US. It is located at The Banks, a mixed-use development on the Ohio Riverfront in Cincinnati. It has a height of 150 feet and opened in August 2018 as a temporary attraction for the city’s bicentennial celebration. However, due to its popularity, it was extended until April 2023. The SkyStar Wheel has 36 climate-controlled gondolas that can hold up to six people each. The ride lasts about 12 minutes and offers a splendid view of the river, the bridges, and the downtown skyline. The SkyStar Wheel also features a brilliant display of LED lights at night.
10. Capital Wheel
Capital Wheel is an impressive Ferris wheel in Maryland and the tenth biggest Ferris wheel in the US. It is located at National Harbor, a waterfront destination on the Potomac River near Washington D.C. It has a height of 180 feet and opened in May 2014. The Capital Wheel has 42 climate-controlled gondolas that can seat up to eight people each. One of the gondolas is VIP, which has leather seats, a glass floor, and a wine cooler. The ride lasts about 15 minutes and offers a magnificent view of the river, the city, and its monuments. The Capital Wheel also features a stunning display of LED lights at night.
Conclusion
These are the top 10 biggest Ferris wheels in the US as of 2023. They are all amazing attractions that offer a unique and thrilling experience to their visitors. Whether you are looking for a romantic date, a family outing, or a solo adventure, you can find a Ferris wheel that suits your taste and budget. Next time you are in one of these cities, don’t miss the chance to ride one of these giant wheels and enjoy the view from the top.