National Ferris Wheel Day
National Ferris Wheel Day celebrates the birthday of George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. and his iconic invention that has become a symbol of amusement parks worldwide.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: February 14th annually
- Tagged as: Entertainment & Cultural Holiday
- What’s the hashtag?: #FerrisWheelDay #NationalFerrisWheelDay
- When was it founded?: 1893 (Original Ferris wheel debut)
- Who founded it?: Created to honor G.W.G. Ferris Jr.
History
The Ferris wheel debuted at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago as America’s answer to the Eiffel Tower. The original wheel stood 264 feet tall, featuring 36 cars that could hold 60 passengers each, and cost approximately $400,000 to construct. Over 1.4 million people rode the wheel during the exposition.
Timeline
- 1859: G.W.G. Ferris Jr. born in Galesburg, Illinois
- 1881: Ferris graduates from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- 1893: First Ferris wheel debuts at World’s Columbian Exposition
- 2014: High Roller opens in Las Vegas as America’s tallest Ferris wheel
2025 Dates
| Year | Month | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | February | 14 |
| 2026 | February | 14 |
| 2027 | February | 14 |
| 2028 | February | 14 |
| 2029 | February | 14 |
Observed
The day is celebrated worldwide at amusement parks, fairs, and tourist attractions featuring Ferris wheels.
Fun Facts About Ferris Wheels
- The High Roller in Las Vegas stands 550 feet tall
- The original wheel carried over 2,000 people at once
- The first wheel’s parts were later used to build the USS Illinois
- The original wheel cost 50 cents per ride
Quiz
- Who invented the Ferris wheel?
- How tall was the original Ferris wheel?
- Where was the first Ferris wheel displayed?
-(Answers: 1. G.W.G. Ferris Jr. 2. 264 feet 3. Chicago World’s Fair)
FAQs
Q: Why is it celebrated on February 14th?
A: It’s G.W.G. Ferris Jr.’s birthday
Q: What’s the world’s tallest Ferris wheel?
A: The High Roller in Las Vegas (550 feet)
Importance of Ferris Wheel Day
The holiday honors engineering innovation, celebrates family entertainment, and commemorates a landmark achievement in amusement park history.
Related
- Valentine’s Day
- World’s Fair Day
- Amusement Park Day
- Engineering Day
- Chicago History Day
