Skywheel planned across the river from Cincinnati

  • 2016-06-09
Newport on the Levee, an urban entertainment and retail center just across the river from Cincinnati's downtown will have a new attraction soon.

According to WLWT Channel 5, plans have been underway for about 18 months for a towering observation wheel to be built on the Kentucky side of the Ohio River. St. Louis's Koch Development will build the wheel, which carries a $10 million price tag.

The observation wheel is to be modeled after one located in Myrtle Beach, which is the first wheel of its type in this country. There are observation wheels throughout the world; the London Eye is possibly the most famous.

The Skywheel proposed for Newport would be 20 stories, reaching a height of 235 feet. Thirty gondolas, enclosed in glass, would provide seating for six in each. In addition, the gondolas will be climate-controlled, making the ride comfortable at all times. Year-round operation is planned, and the wheel will be lit at night.

The Skywheel is described decisively as an observation wheel and not a Ferris wheel or other type of thrill ride, would revolve three or four times over a period of ten to twelve minutes, giving passengers a view of Cincinnati, as well as the Kentucky side of the river.

Flyer printing companies can devise useful handouts to help visitors, including things like operating hours, directions, fees, and available parking locations.