Seattle Great Wheel, Ferris wheel at Pier 57, Seattle, United States.
The Seattle Great Wheel is a 175-foot-tall (53-meter) Ferris wheel at Pier 57 that rises above Elliott Bay, offering views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The attraction features 42 climate-controlled gondolas, each able to carry up to eight passengers.
Construction began in April 2012, and the wheel opened two months later in June. Mayor Michael McGinn attended the ceremony that officially welcomed visitors to the attraction.
The wheel's 500,000 LED lights create nighttime displays during weekends and special events, becoming an integral part of Seattle's waterfront entertainment experience.
A ride lasts around 12 minutes and includes three full rotations while passengers sit inside the enclosed gondolas. The wheel is part of Pier 57 on the waterfront and can be visited in different weather conditions.
The wheel extends roughly 40 feet (12 meters) over the water of Elliott Bay, making it the only one of its design built over water in North America. On weekends and during special events, more than 500,000 LED lights illuminate in changing patterns.
Location: Seattle
Inception: April 17, 2012
Official opening: June 29, 2012
Website: https://seattlegreatwheel.com/index
GPS coordinates: 47.60614,-122.34253
Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:24
Seattle stretches between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, offering a mix of urban architecture, public spaces and natural areas. This route connects more than thirty stops, from the Space Needle and Pike Place Market to less visited sites like the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks or the Wing Luke Museum. The selection includes museums of contemporary and classical art, historic neighborhoods and waterfront parks. Pike Place Market sits downtown and has operated as a public market since 1907. Chihuly Garden and Glass displays the glasswork of local artist Dale Chihuly. The Museum of Pop Culture, designed by Frank Gehry, covers music, film and video games. Olympic Sculpture Park spans nine acres along the waterfront, combining outdoor sculpture with views across the bay. The Seattle Art Museum holds collections from different continents and periods. The Ballard Locks connect salt water to fresh water and include a fish ladder for migrating salmon. Discovery Park covers 534 acres with trails through forest and meadow, plus beach access. Gas Works Park preserves parts of a former coal gasification plant on Lake Union. The Museum of Flight documents aviation history with more than 175 aircraft and spacecraft. Mount Rainier National Park lies about two hours southeast and features the 14,411-foot (4,392-meter) glaciated volcano.
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