The KC Wheel is now open. Here’s all you need to know about parking, tickets, and more
The KC Wheel delighted visitors as it opened its doors to the public on Thursday at the Pennway Point entertainment district. This exciting addition is just the beginning of the many planned attractions that will soon grace the area near Union Station.
Just in time for the winter break, Pennway Putt, a 16-hole minigolf course located beneath the wheel, opened its doors on Thursday. This exciting new attraction is sure to delight thousands of Kansas City students.
The Ferris wheel and minigolf course will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. until Jan. 2, regardless of the weather. Karyn Wilder, the project’s manager and vice president of Icon Experiences, the entertainment development group that constructed the wheel, mentioned that the attraction will only close during extreme weather conditions. Additional operating hours will be announced in the future.
People have been asking us about the wheel and what they need to know before experiencing Kansas City’s skyline from 150 feet in the air.
How much do tickets cost?
Limited-time discounted tickets for the KC Wheel are available at a price of $15 for adults and $12 for children aged 3-11. From January 2nd onwards, the prices will increase to $17 for adults and $13.50 for children.
In addition to the regular tickets, there is an option to purchase a separate ticket for the VIP gondola. For a price of $50 per person, the VIP ticket provides a unique experience. These tickets are reserved for a specific time slot, which can be selected during the online purchase process.
Both the VIP and regular gondolas have a maximum capacity of six people.
Pennway Putt offers individual tickets for their mini-golf course, which can be purchased separately. The cost of these tickets is $12 for all ages until January 2nd. However, if you also purchase a ticket for the Ferris wheel, the price for the mini-golf tickets is reduced to $10.
After January 2nd, the tickets for the minigolf course will be priced at $15.
You can easily purchase tickets for the regular and VIP gondolas and minigolf online at kcwheel.com. Please note that the prices listed on the website do not include taxes.
Where can I park?
Free parking can be found near the Ferris wheel, with options available at the lot under Interstate 35 and a smaller lot at the intersection of Jefferson and West 25th streets.
You can conveniently pay for parking at the Union Station parking garage located at 1804 Broadway St., just a short walk away from the KC Wheel. The parking garage offers free parking for the first 30 minutes. For up to four hours, the parking fee is $6, for four to eight hours it is $15, and for more than eight hours, the fee is $23.
Parking at the South Plaza lot on the south side of Union Station is available at a flat rate of $15 throughout the day.
What can I bring on the gondola?
Visitors are currently prohibited from bringing food or drinks into the gondolas until the opening of Wheel House, the restaurant located underneath the Ferris wheel, which is scheduled for early 2024. Havilah Ross, a spokesperson for the KC Wheel, mentioned that once the restaurant is operational, guests will have the opportunity to purchase beverages in a designated cup that can be enjoyed while taking a ride on the wheel.
Pennway Putt also prohibits the consumption of food and beverages on its premises.
Wheelchair users have the option to bring their wheelchair on two out of the 36 gondolas. These specific gondolas are designed to be wheelchair-accessible, featuring door openings that are 32 inches wide. Additionally, a ramp is provided to ensure easy accommodation for wheelchairs.
If you prefer not to bring your wheelchair on board, our staff will gladly store it on the loading platform for you. Rest assured, it will be readily accessible once your ride is over. Additionally, our team is more than willing to assist you in transferring from your wheelchair to the comfortable gondola seats and back again after the ride.
Strollers are prohibited from being taken on the gondola, but there is a designated area for stroller parking. However, service animals are permitted to accompany passengers on the gondola.
What else is going to be at Pennway Point?
At Pennway Point, you’ll find not only the KC Wheel and the minigolf course, but also a variety of bars and restaurants to satisfy your cravings. Indulge in the rich flavors of Boulevard Brewery’s Barrel Aged Tasting Experience and Bar, savor the smoky goodness at Chef J BBQ, sip on premium whiskeys at the Whiskey Bar at Barrel Hall, or enjoy a taste of Vienna at Würstl, a Viennese sausage restaurant.
The Lumi Neon Museum will be located in Neon Alley, nestled directly beneath the Ferris wheel. Kansas City’s iconic signs will extend across the entire width of the outdoor museum.
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