Ferris Wheels

In the summer of 1893, mankind’s first Ferris wheel was unveiled (not literally) at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Illinois, in commemoration of four hundred years since the European discovery of the Americas. The legendary structure was designed by George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr., a Pittsburgh steel engineer, and was a direct response to the showstopper of the 1889 Exposition in Paris, the Eiffel Tower.
Mr. Ferris’s wheel was over 260 feet (80 m) tall, capable of carrying about 2,000 people on it at one time, and its main axel alone weighed more than 71 tons. A 20 minute ride cost 50 cents.
Since that time hundreds of Ferris Wheels, or “observation wheels” as the most colossal ones are also known, have been built around the world. This list ranks the ten best that are currently in operation. Evaluations were based not only on size (only three of the world’s twelve tallest make the cut, and two of the top five) but also on beauty, uniqueness and other historical noteworthiness. Also, the environmental context in which the wheels are found plays an important role, and consideration was made to represent a fair variety of global locales. This list, in that regard, is intended to serve as a master checklist for enthusiasts of Ferris Wheels and of the complete Ferris Wheel experience.

Navy Pier in Chicago

Singapore Flyer

 

Santa Monica Pier

Big-O

Texas Star

Wonder Wheel

Riesenrad

Cosmo Clock 21

London Eye

Tianjin Eye