Wheeler Ferris Wheel at Wheeler District
4.6(2.1K)google
4.8(48)yelp
Must-See
Overview
The Wonder Wheel is a 150-foot-tall (46 m) eccentric Ferris wheel at Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park at Coney Island in the New York City borough of Brooklyn. The wheel is located on a plot bounded by West 12th Street to the west, Bowery Street to the north, Luna Park to the east, and the Riegelmann Boardwalk to the south. As with other eccentric Ferris wheels, some of the Wonder Wheel's passenger cabins are not fixed directly to the rim of the wheel, but instead slide along winding sets of rails between the hub and the rim.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration1-2 hours
Best TimeSummer evenings from May to September (6:30 PM to 8:30 PM) are spectacular. The daytime sun fades, and boarding this historic 100-foot Ferris wheel—originally from Santa Monica Pier—as its vibrant LED array sparks up offers panoramic sunset views over the Oklahoma River and the city.
Getting TherePerched along the south bank of the Oklahoma River at 1701 S Western Ave. Driving is essential; travel south from the downtown grid on Western Ave across the river bridge and turn left into the Wheeler District fields. A massive, free paved lot frames the wheel's grassy plaza.
Travel Tips
- Originally sourced from the Santa Monica Pier, this historic wheel sells single-day unlimited bands or family group packs rather than single-ride stubs; the mechanism undergoes mandatory structural engineering safety inspections every Monday, closing the attraction entirely.
Photo Tips
Best LightThe premium photographic window to capture the wheel's custom LED matrix against the sunset is 19:30 to 21:00; high-velocity river winds exceeding 35 mph trigger instantaneous automated computer safety shutdowns, halting all cabin boarding without prior notice.
Photo Spots
- Located on the south bank of the Oklahoma River, complimentary gravel lot parking is provided directly on-site; the adjacent lawn features the iconic giant 'OKC' sculpture, but visitors must conceal all luggage after 21:00 as the open riverfront plaza has limited night lighting.
Reviews
Positive
- Historically relocated from Santa Monica Pier, this riverside Ferris wheel offers a stunning visual vantage point for downtown skyline views and sunsets.
- The surrounding Wheeler District features pristine lawns and a giant 'OKC' statue for photos. It is clean, well-signed, and neatly maintained.
- The active on-site staff are incredibly warm, offering to take family group photos. Boarding management is smooth, stable, and highly safe.
- Single-ride tickets are highly affordable, and you can buy an all-day unlimited pass, offering a high-quality romantic escape on a low budget.
Heads up
- Aside from the Ferris wheel and photo spots, the visual diversity is limited. If you don't picnic, the whole stop takes just 15-20 minutes.
- Situated in a developing district, surrounding dining options and cafes are extremely scarce, making it hollow if you don't drive or bring food.
- The parking lot is a raw gravel surface that kicks up dust on windy days and lacks smooth accessible pathways leading directly to the entrance.
- Hours are highly vulnerable to weather. Due to heavy Oklahoma winds, it frequently hits safety shutdowns, requiring you to verify status online.