![A portion of the new Ferris wheel at Navy Pier...]()
Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune
A portion of the new Ferris wheel at Navy Pier is pictured in front of the Chicago skyline as construction continues on the rebuilt attraction on Feb. 3, 2016.
![Workers continue construction of the new Navy Pier Ferris wheel...]()
Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune
Workers continue construction of the new Navy Pier Ferris wheel on Jan. 21, 2016, in Chicago.
![People ride on the swings near the new Ferris wheel...]()
Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune
People ride on the swings near the new Ferris wheel May 24, 2016, at Navy Pier. The new attraction opens to the public Friday.
![Workers put the finishing touches on Navy Pier's new 196-foot...]()
Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune
Workers put the finishing touches on Navy Pier's new 196-foot "Centennial Wheel" Ferris wheel on May 23, 2016. The attraction is set to open to the public May 27.
![Crews install the new Ferris wheel Jan. 20, 2016, at...]()
Anthony Souffle, Chicago Tribune
Crews install the new Ferris wheel Jan. 20, 2016, at Navy Pier.
![A sea gull flies past Navy Pier's new Ferris wheel...]()
Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune
A sea gull flies past Navy Pier's new Ferris wheel on May 24, 2016.
![Navy Pier's new 196-foot "Centennial Wheel" Ferris wheel can be...]()
Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune
Navy Pier's new 196-foot "Centennial Wheel" Ferris wheel can be seen as it nears completion May 23, 2016, in Chicago. The wheel is set to open to the public May 27.
![The new Ferris wheel at Navy Pier in Chicago gets its final...]()
Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune
The new Ferris wheel at Navy Pier in Chicago gets its final gondola installed March, 2, 2016.
![Workers prepare to fasten a third support column onto two...]()
John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune
Workers prepare to fasten a third support column onto two others at the Navy Pier Ferris wheel construction site on Jan. 19, 2016, in Chicago.
![Construction continues on the new Navy Pier Ferris wheel on...]()
Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune
Construction continues on the new Navy Pier Ferris wheel on Jan. 21, 2016, in Chicago.
![Canada geese fly near the new Ferris wheel at Navy...]()
Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune
Canada geese fly near the new Ferris wheel at Navy Pier on Feb. 5, 2016.
![The last gondola is installed on the new Ferris wheel...]()
Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune
The last gondola is installed on the new Ferris wheel at Navy Pier on March, 2, 2016.
![The interior of a new Navy Pier Ferris wheel gondola is...]()
Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune
The interior of a new Navy Pier Ferris wheel gondola is shown Feb. 29, 2016.
![Workers prepare to install a piece of the new Navy Pier...]()
Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune
Workers prepare to install a piece of the new Navy Pier Ferris wheel Jan. 20, 2016, in Chicago.
![Workers prepare to install the centerpiece of the new Navy Pier...]()
Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune
Workers prepare to install the centerpiece of the new Navy Pier Ferris wheel on Jan. 20, 2016, in Chicago.
![The Jardine Water Purification Plant and Milton Lee Olive Park...]()
Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune
The Jardine Water Purification Plant and Milton Lee Olive Park are seen from the new Ferris wheel on May 24, 2016, at Navy Pier.
![A portion of the new Ferris wheel at Chicago's Navy...]()
Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune
A portion of the new Ferris wheel at Chicago's Navy Pier stands as construction continues on Feb. 3, 2016.
![Workers fasten two support columns together at the Navy Pier...]()
John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune
Workers fasten two support columns together at the Navy Pier Ferris wheel construction site on Jan. 19, 2016, in Chicago.
![The new Ferris wheel at Navy Pier in Chicago is...]()
Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune
The new Ferris wheel at Navy Pier in Chicago is seen with a cloud formations above it on a warm and muggy Thursday morning, May 26, 2016.
![The moon rises past the Navy Pier Ferris wheel construction...]()
John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune
The moon rises past the Navy Pier Ferris wheel construction site on Jan. 19, 2016, in Chicago.
![Mike Bloodgood and Dan Niemczyk check out the skyline view...]()
Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune
Mike Bloodgood and Dan Niemczyk check out the skyline view from the new Ferris wheel on May 24, 2016, at Navy Pier.
![Workers attach a gondola to the new Ferris wheel Feb. 29,...]()
Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune
Workers attach a gondola to the new Ferris wheel Feb. 29, 2016, at Navy Pier.
![Workers install the centerpiece of the new Navy Pier Ferris wheel...]()
Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune
Workers install the centerpiece of the new Navy Pier Ferris wheel on Jan. 20, 2016, in Chicago.
![Crews measure out components as they install the new Ferris...]()
Anthony Souffle, Chicago Tribune
Crews measure out components as they install the new Ferris wheel Jan. 20, 2016, at Navy Pier.
![An aerial view shows construction work on the new Navy...]()
Zbigniew Bzdak, Chicago Tribune
An aerial view shows construction work on the new Navy Pier Ferris wheel in Chicago on Jan. 27, 2016.
![A portion of the new Ferris wheel at Chicago's Navy...]()
Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune
A portion of the new Ferris wheel at Chicago's Navy Pier stands as construction continues on Feb. 3, 2016.
![The new Ferris wheel is reflected on an elevator wall on May...]()
Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune
The new Ferris wheel is reflected on an elevator wall on May 24, 2016 at Navy Pier.
![A view of the Chicago skyline and the new Ferris wheel...]()
Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune
A view of the Chicago skyline and the new Ferris wheel at Navy Pier on March 2, 2016.
![Crews install the new Ferris wheel on Jan. 20, 2016,...]()
Anthony Souffle, Chicago Tribune
Crews install the new Ferris wheel on Jan. 20, 2016, at Navy Pier in Chicago.
![The new Ferris Wheel on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at...]()
Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune
The new Ferris Wheel on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at Navy Pier. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
![Workers continue construction of the new Navy Pier Ferris wheel...]()
Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune
Workers continue construction of the new Navy Pier Ferris wheel on Jan. 21, 2016, in Chicago.
![Workers attach gondolas to the new Ferris wheel on Feb....]()
Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune
Workers attach gondolas to the new Ferris wheel on Feb. 29, 2016, at Navy Pier.
![Workers prepare to install the center hub of the new Navy...]()
Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune
Workers prepare to install the center hub of the new Navy Pier Ferris wheel Jan. 20, 2016, in Chicago.
![Two of 40 new gondolas are shown Feb. 29, 2016, on...]()
Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune
Two of 40 new gondolas are shown Feb. 29, 2016, on the new Navy Pier Ferris wheel.
![Workers have begun to attach gondolas to the new Ferris wheel...]()
Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune
Workers have begun to attach gondolas to the new Ferris wheel Feb. 29, 2016, at Navy Pier. There will be 40 gondolas for riders to enjoy views of the Chicago skyline.
![Spokes are stacked nearby as workers fasten two support columns...]()
John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune
Spokes are stacked nearby as workers fasten two support columns together at the Navy Pier Ferris wheel construction site on Jan. 19, 2016, in Chicago.
![Workers continue construction of the new Navy Pier Ferris wheel...]()
Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune
Workers continue construction of the new Navy Pier Ferris wheel on Jan. 21, 2016, in Chicago.
![Maye Sutherland takes in the view as she rides the...]()
Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune
Maye Sutherland takes in the view as she rides the new Ferris wheel on May 24, 2016, at Navy Pier.
![Workers begin to attach a gondola to the new Ferris wheel on Feb....]()
Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune
Workers begin to attach a gondola to the new Ferris wheel on Feb. 29, 2016, at Navy Pier.
![A view of Navy Pier from the new Ferris wheel...]()
Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune
A view of Navy Pier from the new Ferris wheel on May 24, 2016.
![Crews install the new Ferris wheel on Jan. 20, 2016,...]()
Anthony Souffle, Chicago Tribune
Crews install the new Ferris wheel on Jan. 20, 2016, at Navy Pier.
![The new Ferris wheel with Lake Point Tower in the background...]()
Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune
The new Ferris wheel with Lake Point Tower in the background on March 2, 2016.
![The Ferris wheel at Navy Pier is illuminated by the setting...]()
John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune
The Ferris wheel at Navy Pier is illuminated by the setting sun on Feb. 10, 2016, in Chicago.
![Two of six large supports for the new Navy Pier...]()
Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune
Two of six large supports for the new Navy Pier Ferris wheel are raised into place Jan. 19, 2016.
![A look at the gondola on Navy Pier's new 196-foot...]()
Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune
A look at the gondola on Navy Pier's new 196-foot "Centennial Wheel" Ferris wheel on May 23, 2016.
![Workers begin construction on a new 196-foot-high Ferris wheel at...]()
Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune
Workers begin construction on a new 196-foot-high Ferris wheel at Navy Pier on Jan. 19, 2016, in Chicago.
![The Ferris wheel at Navy Pier is shown Feb. 10,...]()
John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune
The Ferris wheel at Navy Pier is shown Feb. 10, 2016, in Chicago.
![LED lights are tested on the new Ferris wheel at...]()
Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune
LED lights are tested on the new Ferris wheel at Navy Pier in Chicago on May 25, 2016.
![Crews install the new Ferris wheel near the swings ride...]()
Anthony Souffle, Chicago Tribune
Crews install the new Ferris wheel near the swings ride Jan. 20, 2016, at Navy Pier.
![Workers continue construction of the new Navy Pier Ferris wheel...]()
Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune
Workers continue construction of the new Navy Pier Ferris wheel on Jan. 21, 2016, in Chicago.
![Crews install the new Ferris wheel Jan. 20, 2016, at...]()
Anthony Souffle, Chicago Tribune
Crews install the new Ferris wheel Jan. 20, 2016, at Navy Pier.
![Workers begin construction on a new 196-foot-high Ferris wheel at...]()
Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune
Workers begin construction on a new 196-foot-high Ferris wheel at Navy Pier on Jan. 19, 2016, in Chicago.
![Mike Bloodgood photographs the skyline from the new Ferris wheel...]()
Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune
Mike Bloodgood photographs the skyline from the new Ferris wheel on May 24, 2016, at Navy Pier.
![Workers install the center hub of the new Navy Pier...]()
Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune
Workers install the center hub of the new Navy Pier Ferris wheel on Jan. 20, 2016, in Chicago.
![An aerial view of construction work on the new Navy...]()
Zbigniew Bzdak, Chicago Tribune
An aerial view of construction work on the new Navy Pier Ferris wheel in Chicago on Jan. 27, 2016.
![A view of Navy Pier from the new Ferris wheel...]()
Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune
A view of Navy Pier from the new Ferris wheel on May 24, 2016.
![With Navy Pier shut down Jan. 19, 2016, members of...]()
Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune
With Navy Pier shut down Jan. 19, 2016, members of the media and guests take photos and look on as workers begin construction on a new Ferris wheel.
![A fireworks video plays in the center of the new...]()
Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune
A fireworks video plays in the center of the new Ferris wheel at Navy Pier in Chicago as LED lights are tested on May 25, 2016.
![An aerial view shows construction work on the new Navy...]()
Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune
An aerial view shows construction work on the new Navy Pier Ferris wheel in Chicago on Jan. 27, 2016.
![Mayor Rahm Emanuel tries out a newly installed gondola on...]()
Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune
Mayor Rahm Emanuel tries out a newly installed gondola on the Ferris wheel and waves to a photographer underneath through the glass bottom.
![Workers install the center hub of the new Navy Pier Ferris...]()
Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune
Workers install the center hub of the new Navy Pier Ferris wheel on Jan. 20, 2016, in Chicago.
![The new Ferris wheel at Navy Pier takes shape as...]()
Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune
The new Ferris wheel at Navy Pier takes shape as workers attach gondolas to the structure Feb. 29, 2016.
![Workers prepare to install a centerpiece that will operate the...]()
Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune
Workers prepare to install a centerpiece that will operate the wheel during construction of the new Navy Pier Ferris wheel, Jan. 20 2016, in Chicago. The new wheel will be nearly 200 feet high and is expected to be completed by Memorial Day.
![Workers fasten two support columns together at the Navy Pier...]()
John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune
Workers fasten two support columns together at the Navy Pier Ferris wheel construction site on Jan. 19, 2016, in Chicago.
![People walk up a stairway near the new Ferris wheel...]()
Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune
People walk up a stairway near the new Ferris wheel May 24, 2016, at Navy Pier.
![Workers fasten three support columns together at the Navy Pier...]()
John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune
Workers fasten three support columns together at the Navy Pier Ferris wheel construction site on Jan. 19, 2016, in Chicago.
![A leather chair in the VIP gondola on the new...]()
Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune
A leather chair in the VIP gondola on the new Ferris wheel at Navy Pier.
![Blue lights can be seen glowing on a gondola for...]()
Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune
Blue lights can be seen glowing on a gondola for Navy Pier's new 196-foot Ferris wheel May 23, 2016, in Chicago.
![The finishing touches are being put on the gondolas for...]()
Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune
The finishing touches are being put on the gondolas for Navy Pier's 196-foot Centennial Wheel on May 23, 2016, in Chicago.
![Workers install the center hub of the new Navy Pier Ferris wheel...]()
Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune
Workers install the center hub of the new Navy Pier Ferris wheel on Jan. 20, 2016, in Chicago.
![Workers install some of the final pieces for the Ferris wheel...]()
Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune
Workers install some of the final pieces for the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier on Feb. 5, 2016.
![Workers prepare to fasten a third support column, right, onto...]()
John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune
Workers prepare to fasten a third support column, right, onto two other support columns at the Navy Pier Ferris wheel construction site on Jan. 19, 2016, in Chicago.
![Workers prepare to fasten a third support column onto two...]()
John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune
Workers prepare to fasten a third support column onto two others at the Navy Pier Ferris wheel construction site on Jan. 19, 2016, in Chicago.
![Work continues on the new Ferris wheel at Navy Pier...]()
Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune
Work continues on the new Ferris wheel at Navy Pier in Chicago on Feb. 5, 2016.
![Two of six large supports for the new Navy Pier...]()
Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune
Two of six large supports for the new Navy Pier Ferris wheel are put into place Jan. 19, 2016, in Chicago.
In Chicago, love is in the air for Valentine’s Day.
Navy Pier is looking to make that special day a little less expensive by offering free rides on the Ferris wheel Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2:14 p.m. or for the first 1,200 riders.
Typically, tickets for the Centennial Wheel are $12 for adults and $10 for children ages 3 to 11 during the winter under discounted seasonal rates for Illinois residents.
On Tuesday, the Centennial Wheel will double as a spinning photo booth with Valentine’s Day-themed props in each of the 42 fully enclosed, temperature-controlled gondolas. Couples waiting in line will be randomly selected for an upgrade to the VIP gondola with glass-bottom views.
Tuesday also is National Ferris Wheel Day, honoring the first Ferris wheel showcased at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago and celebrating the current 196-foot-tall Centennial Wheel — named for Navy Pier’s 100th anniversary — which opened Memorial Day weekend in 2016.
Since it opened on May 27, nearly 800,000 people have ridden on the Centennial Wheel, according to Navy Pier spokesman Payal Patel.
It’s also kept couples high on love, with more than 50 marriage proposals counted on the wheel, he said.
lvivanco@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @lvivanco
![Four years into cannabis legalization in Illinois, celebrations of the April 20 informal weed holiday known as 420 are getting bigger and more widespread. Named for the time of day a group of friends met to get high, 420 has become a chance for marijuana users to publicly share a previously illegal drug and the counter-cultural atmosphere surrounding it. The main event in downtown Chicago likely will be the second annual 420 Sesh Fest, at Green Rose Dispensary. The party will include live music, a magic show, carnival games, food trucks, pop ups, and product discounts. It also will feature Grammy-nominated […]](https://www.chicagotribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ctc-l-Illinois-marijuana_175925141.jpg?w=546 "Four years into cannabis legalization in Illinois, celebrations of the April 20 informal weed holiday known as 420 are getting bigger and more widespread. Named for the time of day a group of friends met to get high, 420 has become a chance for marijuana users to publicly share a previously illegal drug and the counter-cultural atmosphere surrounding it. The main event in downtown Chicago likely will be the second annual 420 Sesh Fest, at Green Rose Dispensary. The party will include live music, a magic show, carnival games, food trucks, pop ups, and product discounts. It also will feature Grammy-nominated […]")
