On Sept 30, 2019, Lodging Hospitality Management (LHM) will open The St Lois Wheel, a 200-foot-tall, giant observation wheel as part of the $187 million family entertainment complex under construction at St. Louis Union Station. Construction began under the train shed in July 2019.
At 200 feet and 320 tons, the wheel, manufactured by Chance Rides, will feature 42 climate-controlled gondolas, including a VIP gondola. Each gondola weighs 1,500 lbs. and is six feet long, five feet wide and five feet high. The gondolas will hold up to eight people each and a maximum of 1,380 lbs. The Swiss-made gondolas have a glass exterior, interior lights and two-way communication with the operator. The VIP gondola has glass floors, leather bucket seats and other amenities. From the top of the wheel, guests will be able to see nearly twenty miles in any direction.
BELOW: InPark’s Judy Rubin interviews The St Louis Wheel’s Karyn Wilder and LHM’s Stephen O’Loughlin about the wheel and other attractions coming to St Louis Union Station, including The St Louis Aquarium.
Surrounding The St. Louis Wheel, guests can enjoy the new Carousel at St. Louis Union Station. The classic merry-go-round will feature 30 whimsical animals and two themed chariots. The 36-foot-wide carousel also is manufactured by Chance Rides of Wichita, KS. It will open in conjunction with The St. Louis Wheel and will be open seasonally.
An 18-hole mini-golf course also will open near the wheel as part of the new entertainment complex.
The St. Louis Wheel is managed by ICON Attractions, founded in 2013, a developer and manager of giant wheel attractions and retail entertainment experiences
