National Ferris Wheel Day is observed each year on February 14. It marks the birthday of George Washington Gale Ferris Jr., the civil engineer who designed the first large observation wheel for the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
In 1893, organizers of the world’s fair wanted an attraction that could rival the newly built Eiffel Tower. Ferris proposed a massive rotating steel wheel that would lift passengers high above the fairgrounds, offering panoramic views. The idea was bold for its time and faced skepticism, but it quickly became the exposition’s main attraction.
Today, the day recognizes both the engineering achievement behind the original structure and the cultural role Ferris wheels now play. They are often associated with fairs, waterfronts, and city skylines, as well as the experience they create.
🎡 Five Surprising Ferris Wheel Facts
Ferris wheels are often linked to fairs and waterfront views, but their early design and later variations reveal bold engineering ideas and surprising historical details.
Cars the Size of Buses
The 1893 Chicago wheel featured 36 wooden cars, each about 24 feet long and 13 feet wide—roughly the size of a trolley car. Each car held up to 60 passengers, giving the wheel a total capacity of 2,160 people at once.
Powered by Steam
The first wheel was driven by two 1,000-horsepower steam engines. To reduce coal smoke near riders, steam was generated in a separate building a block away and delivered through underground pipes.
Sketched on a Napkin
George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. reportedly conceived the structure during an engineers’ banquet in 1891 after being challenged to design something that would rival the Eiffel Tower.
Vienna’s “Gap-Toothed” Wheel
The Wiener Riesenrad, the oldest surviving wheel of its kind, lost many cars during World War II. Only 15 of the original 30 were replaced, creating its distinctive open appearance.
A Sauna in the Sky
The SkyWheel Helsinki includes a sauna cabin, allowing visitors to enjoy a traditional steam session while overlooking the harbor.
Ways to Celebrate National Ferris Wheel Day
National Ferris Wheel Day is a chance to enjoy the view, explore engineering history, or revisit memories tied to fairs and city skylines. Here are a few ways to mark the day.
- Take a Ride: Visit a local amusement park, fairground, or waterfront attraction with a Ferris wheel. A short ride offers panoramic views and a simple way to experience the scale of the structure.
- Learn the Story Behind It: Read about George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. and the original 1893 Chicago wheel. Short documentaries and historical features explain how the design was engineered and financed.
- Explore a Virtual Ride: If you cannot visit one in person, watch ride-through videos of major observation wheels around the world. Many showcase skyline views and explain structural details.
- Share Your Memories: Post a photo from a previous ride using #NationalFerrisWheelDay and include where it was taken.
- Sketch or Paint: Sketch, paint, or photograph a Ferris wheel silhouette. The circular structure and repeating spokes make it an interesting subject for design practice.
- Visit an Observation Wheel at Night: If available in your area, ride after sunset. Illuminated wheels highlight how lighting design has become part of modern urban architecture.
🎡 National Ferris Wheel Day Upcoming Dates
National Ferris Wheel Day is observed each year on February 14 . The date remains the same annually, while the weekday changes.
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | February 14 | Saturday |
| 2027 | February 14 | Sunday |
| 2028 | February 14 | Monday |
| 2029 | February 14 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | February 14 | Thursday |
