Get ready for a sky-high adventure with the tallest Ferris wheels in the USA, where fun meets breathtaking views! From the 550-foot High Roller in Las Vegas, dazzling with neon-lit Strip vistas, to the 400-foot Wheel at ICON Park in Orlando, offering family-friendly thrills and theme park panoramas, these giants are amusement park musts. Spin on the Texas Star (212 feet) at the State Fair of Texas for Lone Star charm, or soar on SkyView Atlanta and the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel (both 200 feet) for city and mountain magic. Whether it’s the Centennial Wheel’s Chicago skyline views, the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel’s oceanfront glow, or the Capital Wheel’s D.C. landmarks, these top 10 Ferris wheels promise unforgettable rides for kids, couples, and thrill-seekers. Check out each wheel’s website for tickets and plan your next high-flying adventure!
High Roller – Las Vegas, Nevada
Buckle up for a sky-soaring adventure on the High Roller, the tallest Ferris wheel in the USA, towering at a jaw-dropping 550 feet above the dazzling Las Vegas Strip! This iconic observation wheel offers breathtaking views of glittering casinos, desert mountains, and neon lights, making it a must-ride for families, couples, and thrill-seekers. With 28 air-conditioned cabins, each fitting up to 40 people, you can sip cocktails on a “Happy Half Hour” ride or marvel at the 30-minute spin’s panoramic magic. Day or night, it’s Vegas’s ultimate high-flying experience!
Address: 3545 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Website: https://www.caesars.com/linq/high-roller
The Wheel at ICON Park (Orlando Eye) – Orlando, Florida
Blast off to 400 feet of fun on The Wheel at ICON Park, Orlando’s giant Ferris wheel that’s a family-friendly hit! Nestled in the heart of Orlando’s entertainment hub, this wheel offers 30 cozy, air-conditioned gondolas with epic views of theme parks, lakes, and the city skyline. Perfect for a break from roller coasters, it’s a relaxing ride that kids and adults love, with Florida’s sunshine adding extra sparkle to your adventure.
Address: 8375 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
Website: https://iconparkorlando.com/attractions/the-wheel/
Texas Star – Dallas, Texas
Hold onto your cowboy hat for a spin on the Texas Star, a 212-foot icon that lights up the State Fair of Texas with 16,000 LED lights! Since 1985, this legendary Ferris wheel has thrilled families with its 44 gondolas, offering stunning views of Dallas’s Fair Park and skyline. Open only during the fair’s fall season, it’s a Lone Star tradition packed with big fun and bigger views!
Address: 3921 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Dallas, TX 75210
Website: https://bigtex.com/plan-your-visit/rides-and-games/texas-star/
SkyView Atlanta – Atlanta, Georgia
Soar over the Peach State on SkyView Atlanta, a 200-foot Ferris wheel delivering family-friendly thrills and stunning views of downtown Atlanta! With 42 climate-controlled gondolas, it’s a comfy ride to catch the city’s skyline, Centennial Olympic Park, and vibrant sunsets. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, this wheel is your ticket to a high-flying Georgia adventure.
Address: 168 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Website: https://skyviewatlanta.com/
Great Smoky Mountain Wheel – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Take a whirl on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a 200-foot-tall treasure in Pigeon Forge that dazzles with 24,000 LED lights! Located at The Island, this family-friendly wheel offers jaw-dropping views of the Smoky Mountains from its climate-controlled cabins. It’s a perfect stop for couples or families craving a scenic, fun-filled ride in Tennessee’s adventure capital.
Address: 131 The Island Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Website: https://islandinpigeonforge.com/rides/great-smoky-mountain-wheel/
Centennial Wheel – Chicago, Illinois
Ride the waves of fun on Chicago’s Centennial Wheel, a 196-foot marvel at Navy Pier with unbeatable views of Lake Michigan and the Windy City skyline! Rebuilt in 2016, this family-friendly wheel features climate-controlled gondolas, making it a cozy spin for all seasons. Whether you’re snapping skyline selfies or soaking in the lake breeze, it’s a Chicago must-do!
Address: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Website: https://www.navypier.org/attractions/centennial-wheel/
Myrtle Beach SkyWheel – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Dive into coastal fun on the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, a 187-foot gem lighting up the Boardwalk with oceanfront views! Its 42 air-conditioned gondolas offer a breezy nine-minute ride, perfect for families chasing Atlantic Ocean vistas or romantic sunset spins. Glowing with vibrant lights, it’s a beachside adventure you’ll never forget!
Address: 1110 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Website: https://www.myrtlebeachskywheel.com/
Capital Wheel – National Harbor, Maryland
Spin into adventure on the Capital Wheel, a 180-foot Ferris wheel offering epic views of Washington, D.C., and the Potomac River! With 42 climate-controlled gondolas, this family-friendly ride is perfect for snapping pics of the Washington Monument or enjoying a VIP gondola for a special treat. It’s a 12-15 minute ride packed with capital city charm!
Address: 141 American Way, Oxon Hill, MD 20745
Website: https://www.thecapitalwheel.com/
Colossus – Eureka, Missouri
Get ready for colossal fun on the 180-foot Colossus at Six Flags St. Louis, a Ferris wheel with a storied past from the 1984 New Orleans World’s Fair! Its 32 gondolas offer sweeping views of the park and beyond, with a 15-minute ride that’s a hit for families. Lit up with dazzling lights, it’s a thrilling addition to your amusement park day!
Address: 4900 Six Flags Rd, Eureka, MO 63025
Website: https://www.sixflags.com/stlouis/attractions/colossus
Seattle Great Wheel – Seattle, Washington
Sail over Seattle’s waterfront on the Seattle Great Wheel, a 175-foot beauty stretching 40 feet over Elliott Bay! Opened in 2012, this family-friendly wheel offers climate-controlled gondolas with stunning views of Puget Sound, the city skyline, and the Olympic Mountains. It’s a Pacific Northwest adventure that adds waterfront magic to any trip!
Address: 1301 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101
Website: https://seattlegreatwheel.com/
Ferris Wheels: A Timeless Spin Through History
The Birth of the Ferris Wheel: A Revolutionary Idea
The Ferris wheel, an iconic symbol of amusement and wonder, traces its origins to the late 19th century. Invented by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr., a Pittsburgh engineer, the first Ferris wheel debuted at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Standing at 264 feet tall, it was a marvel of engineering, designed to rival the Eiffel Tower’s grandeur from the 1889 Paris Exposition. Ferris’s wheel featured 36 wooden cars, each holding up to 60 passengers, and carried over 1.4 million riders during the fair. Powered by two 1,000-horsepower steam engines, it offered breathtaking views of Chicago and Lake Michigan, cementing its place as a cultural and technological milestone. Despite its success, the original wheel was dismantled in 1906, but its legacy sparked a global fascination with observation wheels.
Early Evolution: Ferris Wheels Spread Across the Globe
Following the 1893 debut, Ferris wheels became staples at world’s fairs, carnivals, and amusement parks. By the early 20th century, wheels popped up in cities like London, Paris, and New York. Coney Island’s 1906 Steeplechase Park wheel, at 150 feet, thrilled crowds, while the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair featured a 200-foot wheel later relocated to become a permanent fixture. These early wheels were often temporary, built for fairs and then disassembled, but they showcased engineering advancements like steel construction and electric power. Traveling carnivals also embraced smaller, portable Ferris wheels, making them accessible to rural communities and spreading their popularity.
Challenges and Decline: Mid-20th Century Struggles
By the mid-20th century, Ferris wheels faced challenges. The rise of thrilling roller coasters and other high-speed rides overshadowed the slower, scenic Ferris wheel. Many permanent wheels fell into disrepair, and the cost of maintenance led to their removal from aging amusement parks. Safety concerns also emerged, as early designs lacked modern standards, leading to occasional accidents that tarnished their reputation. However, temporary wheels at state fairs, like the Texas Star (212 feet, debuted 1985), kept the tradition alive, offering nostalgic charm alongside dazzling light displays.
The Modern Renaissance: Bigger, Bolder, and Smarter
The late 20th and early 21st centuries marked a Ferris wheel renaissance, driven by engineering advancements and a renewed focus on tourism. The 1999 London Eye, at 443 feet, redefined the genre as an “observation wheel,” prioritizing panoramic views over thrill. This inspired a global race for height, with the US joining the fray. The High Roller in Las Vegas, opened in 2014 at 550 feet, became the tallest operational Ferris wheel in the world, featuring climate-controlled cabins and LED light shows. Other modern US giants include The Wheel at ICON Park (400 feet, Orlando) and the Centennial Wheel (196 feet, Chicago), blending cutting-edge tech with family-friendly appeal. Today’s wheels use lightweight materials like aluminum, advanced safety systems, and eco-friendly electric motors, making them safer and more sustainable.
Cultural Impact: Ferris Wheels as Landmarks
Ferris wheels have evolved from fairground novelties to cultural landmarks. They symbolize joy, romance, and city pride, often featured in films, photos, and proposals. The Seattle Great Wheel (175 feet) and Myrtle Beach SkyWheel (187 feet) draw millions with their waterfront views, while the Texas Star remains a State Fair icon. Modern wheels also boost local economies, with the High Roller generating significant tourism revenue for Las Vegas. Their glowing lights and Instagram-worthy views make them social media darlings, ensuring their relevance in the digital age.
The Present Landscape: A Diverse Ferris Wheel Scene
As of 2025, the US boasts an impressive lineup of Ferris wheels, with the High Roller leading at 550 feet, followed by The Wheel at ICON Park (400 feet), Texas Star (212 feet), and others like the SkyView Atlanta and Great Smoky Mountain Wheel (both 200 feet). These wheels cater to families, tourists, and thrill-seekers, offering climate-controlled cabins, VIP experiences, and stunning views. Globally, the Ain Dubai (820 feet) holds the title of tallest ever built, though it’s currently non-operational. Innovations like dynamic lighting, multimedia displays, and even dining options (like the High Roller’s “Happy Half Hour”) keep Ferris wheels fresh and exciting.
The Future: What’s Next for Ferris Wheels?
The future of Ferris wheels looks sky-high. Engineers are exploring taller designs, with proposals like the canceled New York Wheel (630 feet) hinting at ambitions for even grander structures. Sustainability is a focus, with solar-powered wheels and lightweight materials reducing environmental impact. Virtual reality integrations and interactive cabins could enhance the experience, blending tradition with technology. As cities compete for iconic landmarks, Ferris wheels will likely remain symbols of human ingenuity and joy, spinning stories for generations to come.