The Seattle Great Wheel

The Seattle Great Wheel was built in less than a year, but the story of the Ferris wheel goes back much further than that. Seattle businessman and restaurateur Hal Griffith has envisioned a Ferris wheel in the city for nearly 30 years. As is typical with a project of this magnitude, Griffith met various roadblocks that halted the dream for decades. Then, in a stroke of brilliance, he and his sons thought that maybe a wheel could fit on the pier they already owned. After taking some quick measurements, they realized that the idea could work, and they set about to make it a reality.

With plans to dig a tunnel to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct quickly approaching, the project has taken on added significance. Griffith was concerned that without a big attraction, many waterfront businesses would suffer and may even go out of business during construction. The waterfront community has been overwhelmingly supportive of the project and crucial in helping to realize what was once only an idea.

While it has been little more than a dream for several years, the Seattle Great Wheel will now be a part of the city's skyline and an attraction the whole family can enjoy.

Quick Facts:

The Seattle Great Wheel is the largest observation wheel on the west coast, standing 175 feet tall.

The wheel has 42 fully-enclosed gondolas. Each gondola seats up to eight people, meaning the wheel can hold over 300 passengers at any given time.

The wheel was manufactured in various parts of Europe and the United States, and assembled right at the end of the pier.

The wheel extends nearly 40 feet beyond the end of the pier, over Elliott Bay.

The Seattle Great Wheel is open year round. With fully-enclosed gondolas and a covered waiting area, the rain can't stop the wheel from spinning!

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