The N.C. State Fair offers many ways to create core memories with friends and family each year, including through new rides, entertainment acts and food choices. In addition to celebrating the stories of the fair this year, we also continue to honor the legacy of our country through America’s 250th Birthday Celebration. One iconic new ride is helping us do just that – The America 250 Wheel!
In 2020, the America 250 Big Wheel was created in the Netherlands, originally designed as a dining car experience. Although that venture never took off, it stands today as the world’s tallest portable observation wheel that not only gives riders a one-of-a-kind view but also celebrates our nation’s history in many unique ways. “In the winter of 2025, Michael Wood and Frank Zaishik saw that the wheel was available for purchase,” said Jennifer Puente, Chief Experience Officer on behalf of the America 250 Wheel. “They both immediately knew that it was the perfect way to celebrate our nation’s history and educate people throughout the country on its legacy.” The wheel first docked in January of 2026 and made its debut at the Florida State Fair in February. Since then, it has traveled to many other states for a variety of events, including the Wisconsin State Fair and the Oklahoma State Fair.
Rising 230-feet into the sky, the America 250 Big Wheel features 45 gondolas and can move up to 1,600 guests per hour! It takes eleven different trucks, all oversized and overweight, to transport the wheel from one location to the next. “It’s actually a really incredible process because of the precision our crew puts into each step,” Jennifer said. “In total, it takes four to five days to fully set up the wheel, and four to five days to take it down.” Once the wheel is completely assembled, the crew uses brushes and Dawn dish detergent to scrub the wheel and make it sparkle. “Michael and Frank, the owners of the wheel, pride themselves on quality and leave no detail unattended,” Jennifer said. “Making the wheel sparkle at each location is a big job, but it’s also one of the most important because it helps make a lasting impact on everyone to see it.” From setting eyes on the wheel to riding it all the way to the top, fairgoers can anticipate an unforgettable moment with friends and family this year!
Each of the 45 gondolas on the America 250 Wheel is themed after a president of the United States and includes information on their presidency, achievements and fun facts. “Our mission has always been to teach America about America,” Jennifer said. “We didn’t just want a ride. We wanted an educational monument that would leave a lasting impression on riders from one state to the next.” In addition to the themed gondolas, fairgoers can enjoy displays on America’s National Parks around the wheel, information on foundational documents in our country’s history like the Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights, a mural featuring many American staples on the front of the wheel, patriotic music throughout each ride and a picture of each President in the evening light show, which is a 256-color LED display. “It’s more than a ride,” Jennifer said. “It’s a traveling celebration of our nation’s history, as well as a place for people to enjoy an educational experience while making core memories together.”
From the very top of the wheel, riders can see fourteen miles in any direction. “It’s definitely a wow factor moment when you reach the top,” Jennifer said. “Although it provides beautiful views anytime of day, sunset is the most coveted time by a majority of riders, especially couples.” To date, the wheel has provided beautiful scenery for at least one engagement. Each ride on the wheel lasts for approximately ten minutes. Riders much be 32” tall with an accompanying adult or 42” tall if riding alone. Tickets can be purchased in advance now through Oct. 15th for $6 per person, or on-site during the fair for $7 per person.
From the presidential themed gondolas and light show to the patriotic music playing throughout each ride, the America 250 Wheel is truly a celebration of our nation’s history and legacy. “This wheel is not just a display hopping on the trend of celebrating America’s 250th birthday, but it’s actually doing it,” Jennifer said. “Each rider can expect a jaw-dropping experience with incredible views, but also walk away with new knowledge about our nation’s presidents, national parks and more. We take pride in teaching people all across this incredible country about our history.” Be sure to take a ride on the America 250 Wheel during your trip to the fair this year, taking place Oct. 15-25th, to experience the beautiful views, educational moments and create lifelong memories together.
