Ever felt the thrill of soaring 300 feet in the air? The Space Tower at the Minnesota State Fair offers just that. This isn’t just any amusement park ride. It’s a piece of history a testament to a bygone era.
Built in 1964 the Space Tower arrived in the US in pieces. Imagine German-made parts traversing the ocean arriving in Duluth before making their way to the State Fairgrounds. One man owned it initially alongside other fair attractions. After his passing the tower changed hands several times. Eventually Errol and Gretchen Kantor took ownership in the early 1980s. They’ve been running it ever since.
The Space Tower isn’t just a ride. It’s a family affair. The Kantor’s sons Ben and Joe now operate the tower. Ben is a pilot Joe’s a lawyer. Yet for twelve days every year they become amusement park operators. This speaks to the dedication that keeps this iconic ride running. They know it inside and out. They even climb to the top to perform safety checks. Their arms must surely burn after such an ascent.
The Space Tower is a unique machine. It runs on two DC motors. These are located at the very top. The ride’s original wiring is still in place. It is a testament to the lasting quality of some older technologies. It’s essentially an elevator that sits on the outside.
The Space Tower’s popularity is undeniable. It attracts thousands of people daily. On busy days as many as 7000 people ride. The total number of riders per year easily exceeds 50000. It’s also a family tradition. Generations of families have enjoyed its views for decades. The view is stunning. You can see for miles on a clear day.
The Space Tower isn’t just a ride. It is a symbol of Minnesota State Fair history. It is a place that brings people together. It provides breathtaking views. It’s a legacy that continues to delight and amaze. It is a story waiting to be experienced.