There’s a distinct thrill that comes when you rise above the familiar streets of a city and see it from a new perspective. For me, Spokane’s Ferris wheel, perched gracefully in Riverfront Park, offered precisely that—a chance to view the city’s heartbeat from above, to witness the interplay of nature, architecture, and human life in a single sweeping glance. I had heard whispers about the beauty of Spokane from above, and nothing prepared me for the sensation of ascending slowly, the city unfolding beneath me like a living map.
Riverfront Park: The Gateway to Spokane’s Skyline
The Ferris wheel is located at Riverfront Park, 507 N Howard St, Spokane, WA 99201, a landmark destination that is as much about its scenery as its history. Riverfront Park occupies the heart of Spokane and is a hub of activity year-round, combining open green spaces, historic structures, and entertainment facilities. When I arrived, the sun was climbing, casting a warm glow over the Spokane River and the iconic Spokane Falls. Families, couples, and solo adventurers like me wandered along the walkways, the air filled with laughter, the occasional splash of the fountains, and the soft hum of street performers.
Before approaching the Ferris wheel, I took a leisurely stroll along the park’s pathways. The juxtaposition of industrial-era brick buildings and lush greenery created an inviting canvas. Local vendors offered fresh coffee, pastries, and artisanal crafts, giving a preview of the sensory delights to come. Observing the Ferris wheel from below, I could feel its gentle sway and hear the low murmur of excited riders ascending to heights that promised sweeping views.
The Spokane Wheel Experience
Officially called the Looff Carrousel Ferris Wheel, the ride is a modern recreation inspired by Spokane’s historic amusement culture, designed to offer panoramic views of the city in all directions. Tickets can be purchased on-site or in advance via Riverfront Park’s official website, and for convenience, platforms like Viator, GetYourGuide, and Tripadvisor often provide bundled experiences that include the Ferris wheel and other park attractions.
As I approached the ticket booth, I noticed the range of options. A single adult ride costs approximately \$12–\$15, while family or combo packages—including carousel rides and park entry—can provide excellent value. Purchasing tickets online allowed me to skip the line, a small but meaningful convenience during the weekend rush. I learned that early mornings or late afternoons provide the best lighting for photography, while mid-morning rides are ideal for observing the hustle and bustle of the city waking up.
Ascending Above Spokane
Boarding the Ferris wheel felt like entering a small, suspended pod of calm. The moment the cabin began its ascent, I felt a mix of exhilaration and serenity. The first few meters offered glimpses of the park’s vibrant green lawns, the sparkling Spokane River, and clusters of people enjoying picnics, jogging, and exploring public art installations. I couldn’t help but smile at how small the people looked from above, their movements resembling those of intricate, living patterns in a detailed diorama.
Rising higher, the city revealed itself in layers. Downtown Spokane unfolded with its mix of modern glass-fronted buildings and historic redbrick structures. The streets below wove like threads of copper and gray, dotted with the occasional flash of color from cars and bicycles. I could identify familiar landmarks—The Spokane Convention Center, The Fox Theater, and the sprawling shopping districts—all interconnected by wide avenues and narrow alleyways lined with boutique cafes and local eateries.
The Panoramic View
From the apex of the Ferris wheel, approximately 160 feet above ground, the panorama was nothing short of spectacular. The Spokane River carved a silver path through the city, its surface reflecting the sunlight in glimmering patches. I could see the Spokane Falls, where water surged over rocky ledges, sending up misty sprays that caught the sunlight and created fleeting rainbows. From this height, the scale of the falls was truly impressive, and I found myself holding my breath as I traced the river’s winding path toward the horizon.
Mount Spokane, rising in the distance, offered a mountainous backdrop that contrasted beautifully with the cityscape below. The suburban neighborhoods sprawled outward, with tree-lined streets, parks, and residential areas providing a sense of calm and rhythm to the city’s heartbeat. I could also spot Gonzaga University’s campus, its red rooftops and green quads forming a charming contrast to the urban density of downtown Spokane.
The experience was meditative in ways I hadn’t anticipated. From this height, Spokane seemed simultaneously intimate and expansive. I could trace the patterns of daily life, observe the flow of traffic, the gathering of people at cafes, and even spot street performers entertaining passersby along Riverfront Park’s promenades. The Ferris wheel provided not just a visual experience but an emotional connection to the city’s tempo, its pace, and its personality.
Special Features and Unique Experiences
The Ferris wheel isn’t just a ride—it’s a platform for experiences. Some cabins are enclosed with glass panels, offering protection from wind while maximizing the view, and a few even include small bench seating for a more relaxed ascent. During the evening, lights embedded along the structure create a dazzling display, turning the wheel into a luminous crown visible from multiple parts of the city. I once rode at twilight, and watching Spokane transition from day to night, with streetlights flickering on and reflections shimmering on the river, felt almost cinematic.
The park occasionally hosts themed rides and events—holiday lights, summer music festivals, and food truck gatherings—that enhance the overall experience. I timed one of my visits during a late-spring festival, where local musicians played on nearby stages, their music drifting upward as the Ferris wheel rotated slowly above the crowd. The combination of sight, sound, and movement created a memory that felt layered with sensory richness.
Ticketing Tips and Practical Advice
Based on multiple visits, I found several strategies improve the Ferris wheel experience:
- Book Online: Using platforms like Viator, GetYourGuide, and Tripadvisor can save time and often offer discounted combo packages with other Riverfront Park attractions.
- Time Your Visit: Early morning rides allow for less crowded cabins, soft lighting, and calmer winds. Late afternoon and sunset rides provide the best photography opportunities.
- Choose Cabin Type: Enclosed cabins provide comfort and protection from wind, while open-air cabins enhance the feeling of soaring above the city.
- Combine Experiences: Consider pairing the ride with the Looff Carrousel, Riverfront Park skating rink (seasonal), or the historic Clock Tower for a multi-layered sightseeing experience.
- Capture the Moment: Bring a camera or smartphone with a wide-angle lens; the views are expansive and offer photographic opportunities impossible to replicate elsewhere in the city.
Dining and Refreshment Options Nearby
After descending, I often linger in the park to enjoy its culinary offerings. Food trucks and nearby cafes provide everything from artisanal sandwiches to locally roasted coffee. For more structured meals, restaurants along N Howard Street or near Spokane Falls Boulevard offer brunch, lunch, or light bites. Booking through OpenTable or checking Yelp can help secure a table quickly, especially on weekends when demand spikes.
I once paired a morning Ferris wheel ride with brunch at The Yards Bruncheon, just a short walk from the park. Savoring a truffle breakfast hash while recounting the cityscape from above created a narrative of the city that lingered long after I left the table. These small moments—elevated views, aromatic coffee, and shared laughter with strangers or friends—illustrate how transportation, observation, and dining can intersect beautifully in Spokane.
Spokane Ferris Wheel in Seasonal Context
Each season transforms the view from the Ferris wheel. In spring, cherry blossoms and lilacs add color to riverside parks. Summer brings vibrant green foliage and bustling street life, while autumn paints neighborhoods in golden hues and crisp air enhances the clarity of long-distance views. Winter, when snow dusts rooftops and the Spokane Falls partially freeze, transforms the city into a glistening tableau, a quiet contrast to the vibrant energy of other months.
During the holiday season, the Ferris wheel is often lit with festive displays, creating an atmosphere of cheer and wonder. I rode once during early December, and the combination of holiday lights, seasonal music, and the panoramic view created a feeling of shared joy among riders that was unforgettable.
Nearby Attractions and Planning Tips
To make the most of a visit to Spokane’s Ferris wheel, I often plan a half-day or full-day itinerary around Riverfront Park:
- Looff Carrousel: A short walk from the Ferris wheel, perfect for families or nostalgic adults.
- Spokane Falls: Stunning from the ground or riverwalk, complementing the aerial view.
- Clock Tower: Historic landmark offering unique photo opportunities.
- North Bank Playfield: Relaxing park area for picnics or people-watching.
For accommodations, I recommend Booking.com, Expedia, or Tripadvisor, which provide a range of Spokane hotels and guesthouses near Riverfront Park. Airbnbs are also plentiful in the city center and surrounding neighborhoods, offering both affordability and local charm. Flights can be booked via Kayak, Skyscanner, or Google Flights for competitive pricing, while restaurants and activities can be reserved via OpenTable or Yelp Reservations.
Personal Reflections
Riding the Spokane Ferris wheel isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s about perspective. The city unfolds in layers: the gentle curves of the river, the bustle of streets below, the historic landmarks, and the modern skyline blending seamlessly. From above, Spokane feels intimate yet expansive, structured yet organic. It’s a reminder that cities, like people, reveal themselves in moments of quiet observation, where a few minutes of suspension above daily life allows for reflection and wonder.
I found myself returning multiple times, each ride revealing new angles, unnoticed details, and subtle changes in the landscape. The play of light on the Spokane River, the shimmer of snow on rooftops, the motion of pedestrians and cyclists—it all contributes to a layered, living canvas. I also noticed how small decisions—choosing the right time, the right cabin, pairing the experience with brunch or coffee—enhanced both enjoyment and memory retention.
Capturing the Experience
For photographers, vloggers, or anyone who enjoys capturing travel memories, the Ferris wheel provides endless opportunities. A wide-angle lens captures the entirety of the cityscape, while a telephoto can highlight architectural details or river features. I personally like to photograph the Spokane Falls from mid-ascent, capturing both the falls and the city streets in a single frame.
For those interested in social media, early morning light provides soft, flattering illumination, while sunset offers dramatic contrasts and reflections. One tip I learned: the Ferris wheel’s rotation is slow, giving ample time to adjust angles, capture multiple shots, or simply enjoy the view without distraction.
Combining Flights, Lodging, and Activities
Traveling to Spokane can be seamless if planned with integrated tools. I often use:
- Flights: Kayak, Skyscanner, Google Flights for flexible search and price comparison.
- Accommodations: Booking.com, Expedia, Airbnb for city-center options near Riverfront Park.
- Activities & Tickets: Viator, GetYourGuide, Tripadvisor for Ferris wheel tickets, park passes, and guided tours.
- Dining Reservations: OpenTable, Yelp Reservations for brunch or dinner before or after Ferris wheel rides.
This approach allows for a curated experience, ensuring that every detail—from transportation to meals—is seamless, maximizing time spent enjoying Spokane rather than coordinating logistics.
Experiencing Spokane from the Ferris wheel is transformative. It offers a literal and metaphorical elevation, allowing visitors to appreciate the city’s beauty, history, and energy simultaneously. Each ride becomes a story: a snapshot of life, movement, and color, a memory etched in both sight and feeling. For anyone visiting Spokane, it is a must-do, not just for the view but for the way it reframes your experience of the city, connecting sky, river, and street in one unforgettable panorama.
