What Is "Texas Star" State Fair of Texas

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Last updated: April 10, 2026

Quick Answer: The Texas Star is a 216-foot Ferris wheel at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas that debuted in 1985 at a cost of $2.2 million. It can carry 264 passengers in 44 gondolas and held the title of North America's tallest Ferris wheel from 1985 until July 2013, taking riders on a 12-minute journey with panoramic views of Fair Park and downtown Dallas.

Key Facts

The Texas Star stands 216 feet tall (65.8 m) with 44 gondolas holding up to 264 passengers per rotation
Built by Italian manufacturer SDC Corp. in Reggio Emilia and debuted at the 1985 State Fair of Texas during Texas's Sesquicentennial celebration
Cost $2.2 million to build and shipped from Italy to Dallas for installation at Fair Park
Held the record as North America's tallest Ferris wheel from 1985 until July 2013, when Mexico's 250-foot Star of Puebla surpassed it
Currently owned and operated by Talley Amusements; each 12-minute ride accommodates up to 1,320 passengers hourly, making it the State Fair's most popular attraction

Overview

The Texas Star is an iconic Ferris wheel located at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas, serving as the centerpiece attraction of the annual State Fair of Texas. Standing 216 feet tall, this impressive structure has become synonymous with the State Fair experience since its debut in 1985, offering visitors a breathtaking perspective of the fairgrounds and the Dallas skyline from 20 stories above the ground.

Built by the Italian manufacturer SDC Corp. at a cost of $2.2 million, the Texas Star was shipped to Dallas specifically for the 1985 State Fair, coinciding with Texas's Sesquicentennial celebration. Upon its opening, it immediately became the tallest Ferris wheel in the Western Hemisphere, holding the title of North America's tallest until July 2013, when Mexico's Star of Puebla at 250 feet surpassed this record. Despite this, the Texas Star remains one of the most recognizable and beloved amusement rides in the United States.

How It Works

The Texas Star operates as a traditional Ferris wheel with several key features that make it a premier attraction:

Capacity and Design: The wheel contains 44 enclosed gondolas capable of holding up to 264 passengers simultaneously, allowing for approximately 1,320 riders per hour during peak operation at the State Fair.
Ride Duration: Each complete rotation takes exactly 12 minutes, providing visitors with an extended experience to fully appreciate the views from multiple angles as they ascend and descend.
Year-Round Venue: While primarily famous for operating during the 24-day State Fair of Texas each fall, the Texas Star is a permanent fixture at Fair Park and operates for special events and occasions throughout the year.
Modern Operations: Currently owned and operated by Talley Amusements, a company founded by the Talley family with deep roots in the amusement industry, the ride is regularly maintained and updated with modern safety systems.
Panoramic Views: Riders enjoy unobstructed 360-degree views of Fair Park's attractions, the entire Dallas metropolitan area, and on clear days, views extending to the surrounding suburbs and landscape.

Key Comparisons

Aspect	Texas Star	Star of Puebla (Mexico)	London Eye (UK)
Height	216 feet (65.8 m)	250 feet (76 m)	443 feet (135 m)
Passenger Capacity	264 (44 gondolas)	520 (54 cabins)	800+ (32 capsules)
Ride Duration	12 minutes	15 minutes	30 minutes
Opening Year	1985	2013	2000
Location Type	Fair Park (seasonal)	Puebla amusement park (year-round)	Thames River (permanent landmark)

Why It Matters

The Texas Star represents more than just an amusement park ride; it is a cultural icon and symbol of Texas pride. For over four decades, it has been central to the State Fair of Texas experience, attracting millions of visitors who view the ride as a quintessential part of enjoying the fair.

Economic Impact: As the State Fair's most popular attraction, the Texas Star generates substantial revenue and draws visitors to Fair Park, benefiting Dallas's tourism industry and local businesses surrounding the fairgrounds.
Historical Significance: Its 1985 debut marked a pivotal moment in Dallas's entertainment landscape, and its record-holding status elevated the city's profile as a destination for world-class attractions and engineering achievements.
Engineering Marvel: The Ferris wheel showcases Italian engineering excellence and represents a significant investment in Dallas's permanent infrastructure, demonstrating the city's commitment to providing exceptional recreational experiences.
Accessibility and Inclusivity: The enclosed gondolas and modern safety systems make the Texas Star accessible to a wide range of visitors, including families with children and individuals with mobility considerations, democratizing the experience of aerial sightseeing.

The Texas Star continues to evolve as a beloved landmark. Whether experienced for the first time or visited year after year, the ride offers a timeless perspective that connects visitors to Dallas's history, geography, and community spirit. Its enduring popularity reflects both the universal appeal of Ferris wheels as attractions and the specific charm of the Texas State Fair experience.