Ride the Big Eli Ferris Wheel
Any visit to Jacksonville, Illinois on a Sunday afternoon during summer and fall must include one stop. That stop would be Community Park to catch a ride on the Big Eli Ferris Wheel.
During our stay at Blessings on State Bed & Breakfast, our good friends mentioned Big Eli. They suggested we stop on our way out of town. We had driven by the Ferris wheel during our previous visit but didn’t stop. This trip? We stopped….and oh, so glad we did!
History behind Big Eli Wheel #17 stands outside the fence around the ride.
Location:
Corner of Main & Morton Streets
Jacksonville, IL 62650
(in Community Park)
Contact:
(618) 946-3773
Hours:
4:00 - 6:00 on Sunday
Memorial Day thru Autumn
Fees: Free
Website:
Jacksonville Rotary
Sign atop Eli Bridge Company proudly proclaims "Home of Big Eli Ferris Wheels."
The Dream of a Bridge Builder
Let’s back up a bit to 1893. That was the year William E. Sullivan returned home from Chicago with a dream. And, a Ferris Wheel ride at the Columbian Exposition was all it took.
What was Sullivan’s dream? A “portable” Ferris Wheel easily broken down and quickly rebuilt. He switched gears from the family bridge building business to his dream.
Final resting place and permanent home of Big Eli #1 just outside the factory in Jacksonville, Illinois.
In 1900, William opened the Eli Bridge Company in Jacksonville, Illinois. It was May 23, 1900 when the 1st “Big Eli Ferris Wheel” debuted in the town’s Central Park.
The frame of Big Eli #1, now over 100-years-old, stands outside the factory. The family-owned company continues the tradition manufacturing ferris wheels and other rides.
Big Eli #1 is a Designated Local Landmark.
Jacksonville Rotary Club members prep Big Eli #17 for rides.
100-Year-Old Big Eli Ferris Wheel Still in Operation
What’s the story about #17 Big Eli Wheel? Built in 1907, the portable Ferris Wheel was on the road—for 50 years. In 1957 it returned to Jacksonville for renovation.
The local Rotary Club purchased #17 and placed the 12-seater in a local park. It operated there until 1985 when the Club donated it to the City. Refurbished once again, through generous donations, Big Eli #17 found a permanent home in Jacksonville’s Community Park.
Rotary Club members volunteer their time each Sunday afternoon from 4-6 pm. They operate the 100-year-old wheel Memorial Day through fall. Incidentally, the rides are free!
Our view just before we hit top of the wheel during our ride.
Our Short but Sweet Ride
After a night at Blessings on State B&B, our trip plans had us leaving Jacksonville around 2:00. Knowing Big Eli Wheel would not open until 4:00, we decided to stop anyway and take a few photos.
To our surprise, four Rotary Club members were there prepping the ferris wheel for a private party at 2:30.
We told them our story and they allowed us to ride before the party began. Talk about perfect timing!
Not only was the ride one to remember, we found the volunteers to be super friendly. We were very impressed with their kindness.
Watch the short video I took while riding Big Eli!
Revival of Pleasant Childhood Memories
I grew up 1-mile from an amusement park in North Georgia. My family spent many hours at Lake Winnepesaukah. We called Lake Winnie—still do.
Getting a quick ride on Big Eli flooded me with many, many cherished childhood memories at the park. Feeling the wind blow through my hair, the gentle up and down, the hum of the workings—all of it had me feeling like a kid again.
Thank you, Rotary Club and the City, for your gift of time and resources to do what the Eli Bridge Company says is their business, “to make people happy.”
You have all achieved success.
Rotary Club members, in blue and yellow shirts, on Big Eli duty during a hot August afternoon. L to R: David Fisher, Cathy Wahl, (yours truly in the middle), Karen Walker, and Todd Evans.
About the International Rotary Club
The International Rotary Club that began in Chicago in 1905 is now a network 1.4 million strong. Its 46,000+ clubs filed with neighbors and friends, co-workers and community leaders are problem-solvers.
The Rotary mission statement says, “We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.”
Rotary Club members take action. They fight disease, support education, and help with children’s and maternal issues. Their efforts protect the environment, grow local economies, and help provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene around the globe.
How did it begin? Jacksonville, Illinois Club (past) President, Cathy Wahl told me, “Very few people know that Rotary was named because of a practice that Paul Harris, our founder, implemented when he was a young man in Chicago. He was lonesome. He found four friends and they began to meet after work. They rotated between offices so the name “rotary” came. I don’t believe that he ever thought that it would be 1.4 million Rotarians all over the world.”
FYI...the Jacksonville Rotary is the only Club to have its own Ferris Wheel.
Wanting more ideas on relaxing, playing or learning?
Check out our "Things to Do" page for other Worthy Detour stops.
