Information
Landmark: Navy Pier Centennial WheelCity: Chicago
Country: USA Illinois
Continent: North America
Navy Pier Centennial Wheel, Chicago, USA Illinois, North America
Overview
Rising high above Lake Michigan, the Navy Pier Centennial Wheel is a Chicago icon, its glass gondolas offering sweeping views from the city’s historic lakefront pier.It blends the nostalgic magic of a classic Ferris wheel with sleek, modern engineering, giving riders sweeping views of the Chicago skyline and the shimmering expanse of Lake Michigan.The Centennial Wheel went up in 2016, part of Navy Pier’s Centennial Vision project to breathe new life into the waterfront while keeping its old charm-steel gleaming against the backdrop of Lake Michigan.The new Ferris wheel took the place of the older, smaller ones that once turned above Navy Pier, their painted seats creaking in the wind.The project aimed to turn the pier into a vibrant, world-class hub for entertainment and culture, where visitors might hear live music drifting over the water.Dutch Wheels, a top Ferris wheel maker from the Netherlands, designed and built the wheel, drawing on their experience crafting some of the world’s biggest and most intricate observation wheels-steel beams gleaming under the morning sun.Standing 196 feet high-roughly the height of a 20-story building-the Centennial Wheel ranks among the tallest Ferris wheels in the country.The wheel’s steel frame is built to take on brutal weather, standing firm even when winds whip past at 115 miles an hour.The gondolas feature tempered glass that won’t shatter, along with strong, reinforced parts built to last, even through years of wind and rain.The wheel’s programmable LED lights put on vibrant, shifting displays after dark, splashing blues, reds, and golds across the night sky and turning it into a striking landmark along Chicago’s lakeshore.Gondolas and ride experience: You’ll find 42 enclosed, climate‑controlled cabins, each with cushioned seats that fit up to eight people.The cabins feature big, clear-pane windows that open onto wide, uninterrupted views, while sealing out wind and rain so they can run all year.Each gondola comes with soft, padded benches, media screens that share stories and facts about Chicago’s landmarks and the pier, and speakers that play music or the occasional announcement.The ride runs for about 12 minutes, spinning through three full rotations so you can take in every view-even the glint of sunlight on the rooftops below.Accessibility: Guests with mobility challenges can reach the wheel easily, and a smiling staff member is ready to lend a steady hand.You’ll find the wheel at the east end of Navy Pier, right at 600 E Grand Avenue in Chicago, IL 60611, where the lake breeze rolls in from the shore.You can reach Navy Pier by hopping on a CTA bus or riding the Red Line to Grand Station, just a short walk away.Visitors driving to the pier can park nearby, just a short walk past the coffee stand.Just steps away, Navy Pier packs in theaters, buzzing restaurants, and lively shops, plus a handful of rides-so the Centennial Wheel becomes just one highlight in a full day of fun.The Centennial Wheel is usually open every day from about 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., but the schedule can shift with the seasons, a sudden storm, or special events.Adult tickets (13–64) cost $18, children’s tickets (3–12) are $12, and seniors (65+) pay $16.A VIP gondola-your own cabin for four-runs $50 per person.You can buy tickets online ahead of time or at the pier’s booth, but on busy days it’s worth booking early to skip the long lines curling past the water’s edge.On the ride, you’ll take in sweeping 360-degree views-Chicago’s skyline glittering in the sun, Lake Michigan stretching out in deep blue, and landmarks like the Willis Tower, John Hancock Center, and Millennium Park.Sunset is when the magic really happens-gold and amber spill across the sky as the city’s lights flicker to life.At night, the Ferris wheel glows against the dark sky, adding a splash of color to Navy Pier’s lively scene.Climate‑controlled gondolas keep riders comfortable whether it’s sweltering in July or crisp in December, and that’s part of why people flock here all year.Whether you’re with family, catching up with friends, or sharing a quiet date, the Centennial Wheel lifts you high above the city, offering an unforgettable view of Chicago’s skyline and shimmering lake.The Centennial Wheel offers more than just a ride-it hosts special events, private rentals, and seasonal celebrations, from sparkling summer fireworks to cozy winter gatherings, all adding an extra spark to your visit.It’s a bright emblem of Chicago’s lively waterfront, still drawing locals and visitors to Navy Pier with the same pull as the scent of popcorn drifting along the docks.The Navy Pier Centennial Wheel isn’t just a ride-it’s a chance to soak in sweeping views of Lake Michigan, feel the pull of Chicago’s history, and settle into the smooth comfort of its modern cabins, all in one unforgettable landmark.
