Centennial Wheel, Chicago

One of the Navy Pier's biggest draws, the new and improved Centennial Wheel has become an iconic part of Chicago’s skyline and a treasured piece of the city’s cultural heritage. A Ferris wheel experience like no other, this remarkable wheel elevates you to approximately 200 feet above the pier, offering amazing views of the skyline and Lake Michigan in utmost comfort.

Debuting in 2016 to celebrate Navy Pier's 100th birthday, the Centennial Wheel features enclosed gondolas – two-sided cars in blue and white, with robust structures and safety glass designed to withstand winds of up to 115 mph. Inside, guests are pampered with amenities such as TV screens, speakers, plush seating, air-conditioning, and uninterrupted 360-degree vistas. Each ride lasts for a delightful 12 minutes, completing three rotations, allowing ample time to admire the scenery and capture fantastic citywide photos. For those seeking expedited access, a fast pass ($25) will whisk you to the front of the line.

Tip:
Nearby attractions – the Wave Swinger, the Light Tower, and the Carousel – operate late spring through early fall, weather permitting.

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Leandro Neumann Ciuffo.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Chicago. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Centennial Wheel
Sight Location: Chicago, USA (See walking tours in Chicago)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Chicago Navy Pier Walking Tour

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