If you want a view of the skyline of Cincinnati from a unique perspective, you need to take a ride on SkyStar Observation Wheel!
SkyStar is the largest mobile observation wheel in the US and takes guests 150 feet in the air in the comfort of a climate controlled gondola that is fully enclosed, holds up to 6 people, and is secure once you are seated inside.
The ride is very smooth and lasts about 12 minutes and has four full revolutions that give you a full 360 view of the entire city. You also will be able to get a birds-eye view of the Roebling Bridge and riverfront of Northern Kentucky located across the Ohio River.
How long will the SkyStar Wheel be in Cincinnati?
SkyStar’s stay in Cincinnati has been extended until June 16th, 2019 so make sure that you check it out before its gone!
SkyStar Hours of Operation
- Monday-Thursday 4pm-11pm
- Friday 12pm-12am
- Saturday 10am-12am
- Sunday 10am-10pm
Ticket Info and Where to Purchase SkyStar Tickets
- SkyStar admission is $12.50 Per Person (plus tax)
- Ages 2 and under are FREE!
- 6 people max per Gondola
Vouchers purchased online will still need to be redeemed at the ticket window for an actual ticket.
Tickets are available onsite and online at SkyStar Tickets.
The Best Time to Ride the SkyStar Wheel
The best time to SkyStar really depends on your viewing preference. The wheel and the city look beautiful both day or night and if you are feeling a little indecisive, opt for timing your ride around sunset.
Where to Park When You Visit SkyStar
SkyStar is located at 55 E Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH. There is some on-street metered parking available on the same street but I would suggest parking at Central Riverfront Garage located at 99 Second St E, if you plan on staying a while and don’t want to be concerned about monitoring your parking meter.
What if you have a fear of heights?
I personally don’t have a fear of heights but Mindy from Go There, Try That does and she shared about how she conquered and overcame her fear of heights on the SkyStar here.
Share on Social
You can share connect with SkyStar on social media using the hashtags #SkyStarWheel and #SkyStarCincy on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
More Information
You can find more information from the SkyStar website.
Where to Eat at the Banks
The Banks has several great options within walking distance if you want to grab a bite to eat.
YardHouse is located next door to SkyStar and you will find a great happy hour menu and plenty of beers on tap. In fact, they boast that they carry more than 100 taps of the best American craft and import beers. If you are not a big fan of beer you will still find plenty of other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available.
A popular appetizer item that you MUST try is their Poke Nachos! Seriously they are a game changer! I could eat them as a meal and would be a happy gal.
A Few Noteworthy YardHouse Menu Items
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Magic Margarita (The presentation is EVERYTHING with this drink… and it also tastes good)
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Liquid Compass Double IPA (I’m not a big fan of beer but the beer fans in our party enjoyed it)
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Poke Nachos (You already know how I feel about these. A MUST!!!)
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Lobster, Crab & Artichoke Dip (Delicious and a nice twist on a classic)
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Jumbo Bavarian Pretzel (Giant pretzels that come with two sauces. Make sure that you try both)
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Fried Mac + Cheese (A fan favorite of the kids in our party…and the kids at heart)
Across the street from SkyStar, you have another great option at Taste of Belgium. What Jean-François Flechet started as a Belguin waffle stand in Findlay Market back in 2007 has now expanded into a larger menu and several restaurant locations across the city of Cincinnati and Columbus.
All of the waffles at Taste of Belgium are made in specialized cast iron press. The waffle is dense and unlike the fluffier type of waffle, you may be envisioning when you think of a Belgian waffle and the outcome is delicious!
A Few Noteworthy Taste of Belgium Menu Items
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Bier cheese and pretzels (Their Bier cheese is very unique and worth checking out)
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Brussel sprouts (They have bacon in them, need I say more?)
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Carbonade Poutine (Dare I say that this Poutine was better than the poutine that I ate in Canada)
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Mini Red Velvet Waffles (This one is a no brainer)
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Belgian Hot Chocolate (Belgian chocolate, yes please!)
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Frites with Chipotle Mayo (Who doesn’t love great fries?!!)
Another great restaurant to check out if you are in the mood for tacos is Condado Taco where you can build your own dream taco.
Other Things to Do Near the Banks
If you are looking for other things to do before or after your ride on the SkyStar Wheel I would suggest the following.
- Smale Park (7 Tips for Visiting Smale Park with Kids)
- Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum
- Take a Ballpark Tour
- Attend a Reds Baseball Game
- National Underground Freedom Center
Disclosure: I rode the SkyStar and enjoyed the menu tastings as part of a media event. All opinions are my own.
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