Spring in Kentucky is an exciting time, with opportunities to get outside, get out on the water, and, of course, enjoy all of the festivities surrounding The Kentucky Derby. The two weeks leading up to the big race are always a good time, especially in Louisville, and the entire state seems to celebrate one of our favorite pastimes. This year may be the biggest celebration ever as Louisville will welcome a massive Ferris wheel to its riverfront. The SkyStar Wheel will arrive in Kentucky this spring and you'll want to start planning a visit now because you only have 5 weeks to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience in the Bluegrass State.
Louisville's Waterfront Park is one of the most popular destinations in the city, perhaps even in the entire state of Kentucky.
Known for the impressive and colorful Big Four Bridge, as well as the location for countless festivals and events, this park is often the heartbeat of Kentucky's largest city. It becomes the center of the state and even the nation each spring as everyone celebrates the Kentucky Derby with many events leading up to it. Thunder Over Louisville, the largest annual fireworks display in the world, kicks everything off this year on April 21, 2018.
However, the action will begin earlier this year because, on March 29, Waterfront Park will become the temporary home to the massive, 143-foot SkyStar Wheel.
This photo above shows a rendering of what the Wheel will look like once placed on Big Four Lawn.
This incredibly eye-catching, state-of-the-art Ferris wheel is actually a traveling attraction that visits a number of cities throughout the year. Louisville will host the Wheel this spring during its most festive time.
The photo above shows a similar Ferris wheel that is very popular in Atlanta to give you an idea of what you'll experience right here in Kentucky.
The SkyStar Observation Wheel has 36 climate-controlled gondolas, each capable of holding six passengers.
Given that you'll reach a height of 143 feet at the tallest point of the Wheel, you can imagine just how remarkable the views of Louisville and the surrounding areas will be. It will be unlike anything you've ever seen before.
The SkyStar Wheel will also host a nightly LED light show and will be a shining participant in all of the Kentucky Derby Festival events, as well as Waterfront Wednesday, which begins April 25. In total, the SkyStar will be in Louisville from March 29 through May 6, 2018 - the day after the Kentucky Derby.
That means you have time to start planning a visit to Louisville for a ride on this impressive Ferris wheel, one of which has never before been in the state of Kentucky.
The Wheel will be open every day from 11 am to 11 pm and tickets cost $14.15 for adults, $12.74 for seniors above the age of 65, and $11.32 for children under 11 (children age 2 and under are free), not including tax. You can purchase tickets at the ride itself, but we recommend purchasing them online ahead of time here. You can use them any time the SkyStar is operating. If this massive Ferris wheel attracts as much attention and excitement as it likely will, then hopefully a visit from this epic attraction becomes a spring tradition in Kentucky!
An already exciting time in Kentucky just got even more thrilling! Will you take a ride on this massive Ferris wheel in Louisville? Tag someone in the comments who you think would enjoy a ride on the SkyStar Wheel!
For more information about the huge Thunder Over Louisville fireworks display that will take place right next to the SkyStar Wheel, check out our previous article here.
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