It’s not every day that an institution turns 100 years old. When that milestone is reached, it’s a really big deal.

In the case of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, it’s a wheel-y big deal. That’s because, as part of its 100th birthday celebration, the museum is opening the Centennial Ferris Wheel!  

Open March 15 through Nov. 2 in the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience®, the 12-story-tall wheel offers unique views of the museum grounds, downtown Indianapolis, and beyond.

The History of the Ferris Wheel

While the experience is new at The Children’s Museum, Ferris wheels have delighted riders for more than a century. For that, we can thank a civil engineer and bridge builder named George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. (Have you ever wondered why “Ferris” in “Ferris wheel” is capitalized? That’s why — it’s a person’s last name!)

Organizers of the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago wanted an attention-grabbing feature, one that would surpass the buzz created by the Eiffel Tower, which had debuted just four years earlier at the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris.

Ferris’ idea for a giant revolving observation wheel was initially turned down. It took some convincing — and several hundreds of thousands of dollars — to build the 264-foot-tall attraction.

It was an instant hit. Over the course of the fair, nearly 1.5 million people paid 50 cents to take a ride, which lasted about 20 minutes. A whopping 2,160 people could ride at once.

Fun Ferris Facts

Elevate your Ferris wheel knowledge even more with these fun facts!

• Measuring 820 feet, Ain Dubai in Dubai is the tallest Ferris wheel in the world. It can hold 1,750 people.
• At 550 feet, the High Roller Observation Wheel in Las Vegas is the tallest Ferris wheel in the United States and can carry around 1,100 people.
• What would you do if you saw a Ferris wheel in the middle of the road? Motorists in Tianjin, China, face that each day! The Tianjin Eye is located in the middle of a bridge, rotating as cars whiz past on either side.
• Stationed in sunny Santa Monica, California, the Pacific Wheel is the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel.
• The Big O in Tokyo, Japan, rests in a “cradle” and has no center support structure — which makes it easy for the Thunder Dolphin roller coaster to swoop through the middle!
• National Ferris Wheel Day is Feb. 14.
• Gravity plays an important role in the operation of Ferris wheels. Though a motor and gears pull the wheel up, gravity pulls the wheel down. The force also helps the gondolas remain upright while the wheel is rotating.

Take a Ride at The Children’s Museum

With its STEM concepts in action and family-friendly appeal, a Ferris wheel is the perfect addition to The Children’s Museum. Don’t miss your chance to take an unforgettable ride!

Height requirements apply. Guests must be at least 32” tall to ride with adult supervision or 42” tall to ride without. Tickets are $8 for nonmembers and Access Pass holders, $6 for members, and $5 on First Thursday Nights and museum Free Days. An accessible gondola is available. 

Purchase tickets on-site or add to your online ticket purchase at childrensmuseum.org.

The Centennial Ferris Wheel is presented by the Indiana Fever and Indiana Pacers.