Navy Pier Ferris Wheel, Observation wheel at Navy Pier, Chicago, United States.
The Navy Pier Ferris Wheel is an observation wheel with 42 enclosed gondolas that lift passengers about 200 feet (60 meters) above Lake Michigan and downtown Chicago. A single rotation takes roughly 15 minutes and provides views of the skyline and shoreline in all directions.
The observation wheel opened in 2016 to mark the 100th anniversary of Navy Pier. It replaced an earlier wheel that had operated since 1995.
The observation wheel draws visitors and locals who want to experience the lake and city together, especially families looking for a shared moment above the crowds. It creates a quiet vantage point in the middle of Navy Pier's busy atmosphere.
The enclosed gondolas are heated and air-conditioned, making rides comfortable in any season. Visit on clear days or during daylight hours for the clearest views of the city and water.
Each gondola has touchscreens that display information about Chicago landmarks visible during the ride. This helps visitors identify the buildings and neighborhoods they see below them.
Location: Chicago
Official opening: 2016
Operator: Pier Park
Website: https://navypier.org/attractions/ferris-wheel
GPS coordinates: 41.89171,-87.60748
Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:09
Observation wheels allow the exploration of cities and their surroundings from heights ranging from 25 to 250 meters. These steel structures rotate slowly, giving visitors time to observe monuments, watercourses, and neighborhoods spread at their feet. In London, the London Eye looms over the Thames at 135 meters, while in Singapore, the Singapore Flyer stands at 165 meters with views reaching into Malaysia and Indonesia. In Las Vegas, the High Roller rises 168 meters above the lit-up Strip. Each wheel has its unique technical and historical features. The Tianjin Eye in China is integrated into the Yongle Bridge structure above the Hai River. In Vienna, the Wiener Riesenrad in Prater dates from 1897 and retains its original 15 wooden cabins. These attractions offer an alternative way to see cities, taking height for a rotation duration typically between 15 and 30 minutes.
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