Each year, February 14 brings National Ferris Wheel Day, a celebration of the invention that has delighted thrill-seekers and romantics alike for over a century. Beyond the iconic structure that’s become a fixture in amusement parks worldwide, Ferris wheels hold a special place in engineering history and pop culture. This day also honors the birthday of George Washington Gale Ferris Jr., the engineer behind the first Ferris wheel, which debuted at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
The History Behind the Ferris Wheel
The Ferris wheel was born from an ambitious vision. In 1893, the planners of the Chicago World’s Fair sought an attraction that could rival the Eiffel Tower, unveiled four years earlier in Paris. George Ferris, an American civil engineer, took on the challenge and presented his concept of a massive rotating wheel. At an impressive 264 feet tall, this towering wheel offered fairgoers panoramic views of the city, attracting massive crowds and earning a place in history.
Ferris wheels have since become a staple in amusement parks around the world. From the original wheel in Chicago to the iconic London Eye and the High Roller in Las Vegas, Ferris wheels have grown taller and more technologically advanced over time, but the simple thrill of riding high above the ground remains timeless.
Fun Facts About Ferris Wheels
From record-breaking heights to surprising connections to romance, Ferris wheels hold secrets and milestones worth exploring. Here are a few fun facts to give you a new perspective on this classic attraction:
- First of Its Kind: The original Ferris wheel, often called the “Chicago Wheel,” was a true engineering marvel for its time, capable of carrying over 2,000 passengers per ride.
- World Record Holders: Today, the tallest Ferris wheel in the world is the Ain Dubai, standing at 820 feet, offering breathtaking views of the United Arab Emirates.
- Symbol of Love: With its circular, never-ending shape and gentle ride, the Ferris wheel has become a favorite among couples, which makes its celebration fittingly land on Valentine’s Day.
- Environmental Milestone: The London Eye was the first major Ferris wheel to be built with environmental concerns in mind, with parts crafted to reduce carbon footprint.
When is National Ferris Wheel Day Celebrated?
Ready to mark National Ferris Wheel Day on your calendar? Below is a list of upcoming dates for National Ferris Wheel Day through 2030, so you’ll know when to plan your next ride:
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | February 14, Friday |
| 2026 | February 14, Saturday |
| 2027 | February 14, Sunday |
| 2028 | February 14, Monday |
| 2029 | February 14, Wednesday |
| 2030 | February 14, Thursday |
Ways to Celebrate National Ferris Wheel Day
Celebrating National Ferris Wheel Day opens up opportunities to relive memories, learn something new, and even get creative. Here are a few ways to make the most of this day, whether by taking in the view from a Ferris wheel or sharing the experience in your own unique style:
- Take a Ride: Head to a local amusement park or city landmark with a Ferris wheel and enjoy the view from above. It’s a perfect excuse to relive childhood memories or share a special moment with someone.
- Learn the History: Dive into the fascinating story of George Ferris and his groundbreaking creation. Documentaries and online videos offer a window into the engineering marvels of Ferris wheels through the years.
- Plan a Virtual Ride: If you can’t visit a Ferris wheel in person, explore virtual rides online. Many famous Ferris wheels have videos that showcase their stunning views and unique design features.
- Share Your Memories: Post a photo from a past Ferris wheel ride on social media with #NationalFerrisWheelDay, sharing why this attraction holds a special place in your heart.
- Sketch or Paint: Try capturing the elegance of a Ferris wheel through art. Whether it’s a quick sketch or a full painting, creating your own Ferris wheel art can be a fun and relaxing way to mark the day.
Before You Go:
We have many more national days lists for you to explore.
- Food-related national days: complete list of national food days, pasta & noodles days, vegan & vegetarian days, mushroom days, ice-cream days, pizza days, coffee days, chocolate days, wine days, alcohol & drinking days.
- Non-food national days: National Days Calendar 2025 (check out the printable calendars in my Etsy shop), National Days for Teachers, and a wide array of special lists such as cat days, dog days, animal days, cleaning & organizing days, book days, music days, family & relationships days, national days for women, stationery days and even Harry Potter days.
- Country-specific national days: Australian national days, more coming soon.
