The Seattle Great Wheel

The Seattle Great Wheel was built in less than a year, but its story goes back much further than that. Seattle businessman Hal Griffith had envisioned a Ferris wheel in the city for nearly 30 years, but it wasn't until he realized he could build one on his own pier that his dream became a reality.

The Seattle Great Wheel opened to the public on June 29, 2012. Since then, it has become an icon of the city and a destination for tourists and locals alike.

Here are some fun facts about the Seattle Great Wheel:

• The Seattle Great Wheel is the largest observation wheel on the west coast, standing 175 feet tall.

• The wheel has 42 fully-enclosed gondolas. Each gondola seats up to eight people, meaning the wheel can hold over 300 passengers at any given time.

• The wheel was manufactured in various parts of Europe and the United States, and assembled right at the end of the pier.

• The wheel extends nearly 40 feet beyond the end of the pier, over Elliott Bay.

• The Seattle Great Wheel is open year round. With fully-enclosed gondolas and a covered waiting area, the rain can't stop the wheel from spinning!

• The Wheel weighs 280,300 pounds.

• 550 tons of concrete were poured to create the foundation for the wheel.

Hours of Operation:

Monday-Thursday      11 AM-10 PM
Friday                          11 AM-Midnight
Saturday                     10 AM-Midnight
Sunday                        10 AM-10 PM