The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel is a 57-meter tall Ferris wheel located at the Oceanside Boardwalk and Promenade, in the town of Myrtle in South Carolina. As of its opening in May 20, 2011, it is considered as the highest Ferris wheel in the country, east of the famed Mississippi river. It is also heralded as the sole 'observation wheel' in the entire country.
The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel is a joint project of Ronald Bussink and Chance Morgan. The developers, Pacific Development and Koch Development Company, chose the location because of its beautiful boardwalk. The theme park which features the SkyWheel, gift shops, ticket booths, and restaurants, was designed by Architect James Hubbard.
The SkyWheel has 42 gondolas, which are enclosed in glass. The gondolas, which are designed as ballooned squares, are temperature-controlled. The gondola, which was imported from Switzerland, can accommodate six to eight riders. The SkyWheel is mounted on a deck placed 6.1 meters above sea level to protect the attraction from storm surges.
Aside from giving the riders a spectacular view of the city and the Atlantic Ocean, the park also plays host to a nightly 1-million LED show. The SkyWheel is open to visitors throughout the entire year.