USA: Chicago’s Navy Pier to Get New Ferris Wheel

Following the announcement that the “Chicago Blues Experience” museum will be opened at Chicago’s Navy Pier (Illinois) in 2017 (cf. EAP News from September 21, 2015), construction works for another new attraction have recently started at the popular leisure destination. On the occasion of Navy Pier’s 100^th anniversary this year, a new Ferris wheel is scheduled to be opened in summer.

The new, year-round attraction will replace the previous Ferris wheel, which has been in operation for 20 years and was closed down in 2015 after approximately 17 million conducted rides. Featuring a total height of 60 meters, the new DW60 wheel delivered by Dutch Wheels will stand 15 meters taller than its predecessor. The 42 enclosed gondolas will accommodate up to 420 passengers at the same time, which is an additional 180 guests per ride compared to the previous wheel. According to Navy Pier, the climate-controlled gondolas will contain entertainment systems with video screens that will play various Navy Pier information during the ride. (eap)