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See photos and video from a ride on the KC Wheel that just opened in downtown Kansas City

Many a Kansas Citian has watched as the 150-foot-tall KC Wheel observation wheel took shape south of downtown Kansas City over the past few months and wondered what the view would be from the ride.

The wait is over. The Ferris wheel near Interstate 35 and Broadway Boulevard opened for operations on Thursday. The Star got a preview ride on the wheel where we shot plenty of photos and video to share with our readers.

Enjoy the ride.

A view from outside the grounds of the KC Wheel in downtown Kansas City.
A view from outside the grounds of the KC Wheel in downtown Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
A concession stand and ticket windows are at the entrance to the KC Wheel at Pennway Point district.
A concession stand and ticket windows are at the entrance to the KC Wheel at Pennway Point district. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Gondalas await riders on the KC Wheel in downtown Kansas City.
Gondalas await riders on the KC Wheel in downtown Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Here is the view from the base of the KC Wheel seen at Pennway Point district.
Here is the view from the base of the KC Wheel seen at Pennway Point district. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Pennway Putt, a mini golf course is available for guests to play on at the base of the KC Wheel.
Pennway Putt, a mini golf course is available for guests to play on at the base of the KC Wheel. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Dominic Arnone, wheel operator, readies the loading area at the KC Wheel at Pennway Point district.
Dominic Arnone, wheel operator, readies the loading area at the KC Wheel at Pennway Point district. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
The gondolas on the KC Wheel gently rock to stay level as riders are carried through the air on the observation wheel.
The gondolas on the KC Wheel gently rock to stay level as riders are carried through the air on the observation wheel. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
A bird’s eye view of the mini golf course at the base of the KC Wheel in downtown Kansas City.
A bird’s eye view of the mini golf course at the base of the KC Wheel in downtown Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
A skyline view of Kansas City is seen from the VIP gondolal looking south on the KC Wheel at Pennway Point district,
A skyline view of Kansas City is seen from the VIP gondolal looking south on the KC Wheel at Pennway Point district, Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
The Argentine rail yard and I-35 can be seen looking to the west from the VIP gondola on the KC Wheel at Pennway Point district.
The Argentine rail yard and I-35 can be seen looking to the west from the VIP gondola on the KC Wheel at Pennway Point district. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
A skyline view of Kansas City is seen from the VIP gondola looking northeast on the KC Wheel at Pennway Point district.
A skyline view of Kansas City is seen from the VIP gondola looking northeast on the KC Wheel at Pennway Point district. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
The National WWI Museum and Memorial as seen from the KC Wheel at Pennway Point district on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, in Kansas City.
The National WWI Museum and Memorial as seen from the KC Wheel at Pennway Point district on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
A skyline view of downtown Kansas City is seen from a gondola on the KC Wheel at Pennway Point.
A skyline view of downtown Kansas City is seen from a gondola on the KC Wheel at Pennway Point. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
The Kansas City skyline is seen from the KC Wheel at Pennway Point district on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023.
The Kansas City skyline is seen from the KC Wheel at Pennway Point district on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com

This story was originally published December 14, 2023 at 12:16 PM.

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Emily Curiel
The Kansas City Star
Emily Curiel, is a visual journalist at The Star. With a broad scope of coverage, Curiel navigates subjects including breaking news, sports, features and long-form narratives. She is a first-generation graduate from San Francisco State University and a native of Los Angeles.
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