What’s the latest on Kansas City’s new Ferris wheel? Timeline to open, pricing and more
Residents and tourists alike may have noticed a new landmark emerging near Kansas City’s Union Station in recent weeks — a giant Ferris wheel.
New features appear by the day: What began as a set of white metal legs just weeks ago now has a full wheel covered in color-changing lights and 36 enclosed gondola cars.
“We are really pushing to open in November — that first half, if possible,” said Karyn Wilder, the project’s general manager and a vice president with Icon Experiences, the entertainment development group building the Ferris wheel and adjacent mini golf course.
Wilder chatted with The Star about what’s next for the so-called KC Wheel, and how visitors can plan their ride.
How can I ride the new Kansas City Ferris wheel?
An exact opening date hasn’t yet been confirmed, but Wilder told The Star that she is hoping to launch the ride in November. Until then, the wheel will spin and light up just adjacent to Interstate 35 as engineers perform strength and safety testing.
While ticket prices are still being finalized, Wilder said they will go for around the same rate as the company’s two other Ferris wheels, in St. Louis and Washington, D.C. Tickets on those wheels cost $17 for adults and $12 for children.
Groups of up to six people will be placed in the same gondola to enjoy the ride together. The gondolas are climate-controlled, wheelchair-accessible and provide seating for all guests.
Once tickets become available, you can buy them in person or reserve VIP passes on the KC Wheel’s website.
What special features will the new Ferris wheel offer?
One of the wheel’s 36 gondolas is designated the “VIP” gondola, offering perks like timed tickets guests can reserve in advance, leather seats, special lighting, drink holders and a free drink with each VIP pass.
“They’re super popular at our other wheels for those really special occasions like engagements or a special date night,” Wilder said. “I’ve even had people get married on it before.”
She added that the Ferris wheel’s lights will change color nightly to help illuminate the city’s skyline with carefully chosen colors.
These might include following citywide themes like Chiefs colors during football season, but can also be rented out for private uses like gender reveals or to welcome special conferences or other events to town.
“At the end of the day, KC is our city for this wheel,” she said. “That’s what we want everybody to embrace: This is yours, it’s your city’s, (and) we want to work hard so it’s something that you’re proud of and (is) not only enjoyed by locals, but then brings people to your city to visit and see all of the wonderful things that KC has to offer.”
What else is under construction around the Ferris wheel?
The area around the Ferris wheel is still under construction, but will eventually include a mini golf course and various refreshment stands as well as a central outdoor seating area.
The development, called Pennway Point, will be free to enter on its own — but tickets will be required for the entertainment options there, like the Ferris wheel and mini golf course.
While some have questioned why the wheel is being built between I-35 and Broadway Boulevard, Wilder characterized the previously undeveloped lot at the corner of Jefferson and West 25th Streets as a prime location bridging the gap between Union Station and Boulevard Brewery.
“I think a chance to develop anything that’s sitting undeveloped is good for a city,” she said. “Every new and great entertainment space starts with one person making that investment to bring it to life.”
Do you have more questions about new development in Kansas City? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.
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