Ferris Wheel

Opened: 1978

Closed: 1990

Location: Oktoberfest, approximately where Festhaus is now located (1978-1981); to the right of Festhaus (1982-1990)

Manufacturer: Eli Bridge Company

Model: Ferris Wheel

Height: 56 feet

Vehicles: Sixteen benches

Description: Ferris Wheel was a classic Ferris Wheel ride with benched seating. Riders were treated to views of the Oktoberfest pond as they ascended the wheel.

History: Ferris Wheel was added mid-1978, replacing the Bavarian Beetle roller coaster that unexpectedly closed mid-season. The ride was a classic Ferris Wheel and painted white. It was originally located approximately where Festhaus’ entrance now sits.

To accommodate Festhaus’ construction in 1982, Ferris Wheel was slightly relocated to the right. It was adjacent to the new building’s construction.

The ride was repainted from white to brown in the mid-1980s. This occurred in either 1986 or 1987.

Ferris Wheel’s last year was 1990. After its removal from Kings Island, it was relocated to Libertyland amusement park in Memphis, Tennessee. It operated there as Whirl-a-Wheel through the park’s closure in 2000. Whether the ride was relocated or scrapped following its closure at Libertyland is unknown.

Ridership: 3.7 million rides