The Ferris wheel dates back to 1893 and is named after its creator George Washington Gale Ferris Junior.

 The Ferris wheel dates back to 1893 and is named after its creator George Washington Gale Ferris Junior.

When you visit a fair or theme park, it’s difficult not to spot the giant wheel towering above the ground.

February 14 might be known best as Valentine’s Day, but did you know it’s also National Ferris Wheel Day?

This famous date is the birthday of George Washington Gale Ferris Jr., the inventor of the ever-popular Ferris wheel.

It’s an excuse for people all over the country to celebrate National Ferris Wheel Day and take a ride on one of these famous moving wheels.

If you have never taken a ride before, why not use this day to make your first trip on a Ferris wheel?

The very first wheel of this kind was designed and built by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. He designed it especially for the World’s Colombian Exposition in 1893, after graduating with a degree in civil engineering.

George Ferris was interested in designing and building bridges and eventually established his own company.