Sky Ride

The Sky Ride was a transporter bridge with two 628-foot towers connected by a 1,850-foot span suspended above Burnham Harbor. Rocket-shaped cars moved between the towers, carrying passengers on an elevated journey high above the water and cityscape.

The structure was built specifically for the 1933 Century of Progress World's Fair and completed in just six months. It became an engineering marvel of that era and a symbol of the groundbreaking exposition.

The double-decker rocket cars represented technological progress and attracted visitors eager to experience this visual expression of innovation and future hopes. The structure served as a gathering point during the World's Fair where people could witness and celebrate the era's belief in modern advancement.

Visitors should expect the site to have been crowded during the fair season with potential wait times. The best times for riding were on less busy days or early mornings to enjoy the experience without heavy crowds.

The system was one of only two transporter bridges built in the United States and used innovative elevator technology to move cars between the towers. The construction employed advanced engineering methods that were groundbreaking for that period.

Location: Illinois

Location: Chicago

Inception: February 2, 1933

Official opening: February 2, 1933

GPS coordinates: 41.86090,-87.61150

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:56