Observation Wheel Attraction Opens in Atlantic City

A $14 million observation wheel attraction has opened in Atlantic City. The 227-foot structure is billed as the third largest in the U.S. The project, at the resort’s Steel Pier, has been touted as a step towards diversifying the resort’s attractions.

Despite a severe cold snap along the East Coast, Atlantic City’s Boardwalk opened a new Ferris wheel attraction at the city’s Steel Pier.

The $14 million, 227-foot attraction is designed to give riders views up and down the Atlantic coastline, said operator Anthony Catanoso.

“Seems like you can see forever, you can see all the way down to Sea Isle, all the way up to Barnegat,” he told the Press of Atlantic City. “Beautiful views.”

Catanoso said the Ferris wheel should operate about 300 days a year or whenever the temperature is above 38 degrees. The wheel’s gondolas are both heated and cooled.

“The wheel is going to be a perfect opportunity to have events there, groups, parties, weddings,” he said. “We already have two weddings scheduled for the wheel already.”

The project was partially funded with casino reinvestment dollars and is part of an effort to diversify tourist attractions in the resort beyond casino gambling.

It’s the third-largest wheel in the U.S. The High Roller in Las Vegas is the largest.