West Virginia is taking its promotional slogan “Almost Heaven” to heart over the holiday weekend by bringing in a patriotic way to nearly reach there.
The America 250 Wheel, the largest portable observation wheel in the world, has been making the rounds (pun definitely intended) of major fairs and fests since February. It debuted at the Florida State Fair and by August will travel to the Wisconsin State Fair, but West Virginia pulled off a major coup by securing it for July 2–5 as the centerpiece of July Fourth weekend celebrations at the State Capitol Complex in Charleston.
“We wanted an attraction that people would tell their kids and grandkids about,” says West Virginia Secretary of Tourism Chelsea Ruby. “It took all of about two minutes for the governor to okay the idea.”
At a towering 230 feet, significantly taller than the Capital Wheel at Maryland’s National Harbor and the Centennial Wheel at Chicago’s Navy Pier, the America 250 Wheel stands 23 stories high, just 62 feet below West Virginia’s tallest building, the ornate, gold-topped Capitol Dome itself. More fun facts: It’s transported via 11 semi tractor trailers, requires four days to assemble, can carry 1,450 riders per hour, and affords a 14-mile view from its zenith. “Riders will see the Kanawha River in front of the Capitol, all of downtown Charleston and surrounding communities, and some beautiful mountain sunsets,” Ruby says.
Following those sunsets, the wheel’s elaborate lightshow, incorporating an effect that mimics sparklers, will cast its glow on the entire Capitol Complex. Especially appropriate to the holiday, the ride has a bottom-to-top patriotic theme, including forty-five gondolas decorated in tribute to each of the forty-five American presidents, complete with audio mini-bios that play during the ten-minute ride. (Hey, kids, no fighting over the Grover Cleveland gondola!)
“It’s more than just a ride,” Ruby says. “It’s truly an all-American experience from beginning to end.” The transformation of the Capitol Complex into a fairground includes food vendors, live music, and an artisan market.
Unlike at most stops, America 250 Wheel rides will be free while in Charleston. “We want to make sure the celebration is memorable and that all West Virginians have a chance to participate,” Ruby says.
Speaking of which, given that the State Capitol Complex includes the governor’s mansion, is Governor Patrick Morrisey expected to take a spin himself? “Absolutely,” Ruby says. “He wouldn’t miss it.”
Steve Russell is a Garden & Gun contributing editor who also has written for Men’s Journal, Life, Rolling Stone, and Playboy. Born in Mississippi and raised in Tennessee, he resided in New Orleans and New York City before settling down in Charlottesville, Virginia, because it’s far enough south that biscuits are an expected component of a good breakfast.
