Seattle Great Wheel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Seattle Great Wheel |
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Seattle Great Wheel in 2017
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| General information | |
| Type | Ferris wheel |
| Location | 1301 Alaskan Way Seattle, Washington, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 47°36′22″N 122°20′33″W / 47.6061°N 122.3425°W |
| Construction started | April 17, 2012 |
| Opened | June 29, 2012 |
| Cost | $20 million |
| Owner | Great Western Pacific |
| Height | 175 feet (53.3 m) |
| Design and construction | |
| Structural engineer | Chance Rides GeoEngineers, B&T Design and Engineering |
| Main contractor | Manson Construction Co. |
The Seattle Great Wheel is a huge Ferris wheel located at Pier 57 in Seattle, Washington. It sits right on Elliott Bay. When it opened in June 2012, it was the tallest Ferris wheel on the West Coast of the United States. It stands about 175 feet (53 meters) tall.
Opening Day Fun
The Seattle Great Wheel officially opened to the public on June 29, 2012. A special ceremony was held that afternoon. Many people gathered to celebrate this new attraction.
The U.S. Coast Guard was there with a special flag presentation. Seattle's mayor, Michael McGinn, gave a speech. The University of Washington cheerleaders and marching band also performed. About 200 people eagerly waited in line for the very first ride.
Building the Wheel
The Seattle Great Wheel was the third of its kind in North America. The other two are the Niagara SkyWheel in Canada and the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel in South Carolina. The Niagara SkyWheel is the same height as Seattle's. The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel is a bit taller.
What makes the Seattle Great Wheel special is that it is the only one of these three built over water. It extends out over Elliott Bay.
Wheel Design and Features
The Seattle Great Wheel has 42 special cabins called gondolas. Each gondola has climate control, so it's comfortable inside. Most gondolas can hold up to eight passengers.
There was also a special VIP gondola. This one had fancy red leather seats and a glass floor. It could seat four people. The entire ride lasts about 12 minutes and goes around three times.
Images for kids
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Seattle skyline and Great Wheel near twilight
