George Ferris’ visionary feat of engineering, designed to outdo the Eiffel Tower, made its debut at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, and featured thirty-six passenger cars that held between forty and sixty customers (depending on whether they were sitting or standing). Its Navy Pier successor, arguably the most iconic Ferris wheel in the country, was inspired by the original—although it’s about a hundred feet smaller. (Robert Rodi) 600 E. Grand
