St. Paul’s Wild Plan For Minnesota’s Tallest Ferris Wheel

Minnesota has a couple of Ferris wheels, most notably at Valleyfair and the Mall of America, but a new Ferris wheel could soon be built in the state, and it would likely be the biggest one yet.

Minnesota Could See Its Biggest Ferris Wheel Yet

The Ferris wheel has its roots in the Midwest. The first one was built by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. as a centerpiece for the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. Today, Ferris wheels are iconic attractions in cities all over the world, and a new one may soon be erected in St. Paul.

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As part of a major $17 million improvement project at CHS Field, the City of St. Paul and the St. Paul Saints hope to add a Ferris wheel to make the venue a year-round attraction.

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"The Wheel at Saint Paul" - How Big Could It Be?

Estimated to cost around $9 million and called “The Wheel at Saint Paul,” the new ride has already received preliminary approval from the FAA. The project is now awaiting state bonding money to move forward.

Officials have not revealed the exact size, but they say it will rival Ferris wheels in Chicago and St. Louis. Considering the cost and FAA involvement, it’s likely the wheel will stand between 180 and 200 feet tall, making it the largest in Minnesota.

Several financial and political challenges remain before the project can move forward, but St. Paul and the Saints are working hard to get all the pieces in place.