Texas Skyway Offers Scenic Gondola Ride in Dallas
The aerial ride provides guests at the State Fair of Texas with views from a peak height of 73 feet.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Theme Parks
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The Texas Skyway transports fairgoers across the State Fair of Texas grounds in Dallas via a gondola system. The ride connects the area behind Big Tex to the Midway, covering nearly 1,800 feet.
Why it matters
The attraction serves as a prominent logistical link between two of the most popular sections of the fairgrounds. It remains a fixture of the annual event, providing attendees with an elevated perspective of the festivities.
The Texas Skyway spans nearly 1,800 feet and reaches a peak height of 73 feet. The system utilizes 36 cars to transport passengers.
The players
State Fair of Texas
This annual event held in Dallas is one of the largest and most historic state fairs in the United States.
Big Tex
Big Tex is a 55-foot-tall cowboy statue that serves as the official greeter and icon of the State Fair of Texas.
The details
The ride uses a six-foot vertical lift to clear the fairgrounds, shuttling guests between Big Tex and the Midway. The gondola cars were originally manufactured in Austria and saw one season of use at a German flower show before arriving in Dallas.
Timeline
The Texas Skyway was built in 2006.
The ride made its debut at the State Fair of Texas in 2007.
Travel Outlook
The Texas Skyway is a fixed infrastructure element that contrasts with the temporary seasonal pop-ups common at state fairs. Its longevity reflects the trend of major events investing in permanent transit assets to manage heavy foot traffic.
Visitors to the fair can use the Skyway as an efficient shortcut between the Midway and the Big Tex area to save time walking. Travelers should be prepared for potential lines during peak hours when the fair is at its busiest.
The takeaway
The Texas Skyway demonstrates how repurposed international equipment can become a staple of local traditions. Guests can take advantage of the ride to survey the entire fairgrounds from a unique aerial vantage point.
Further reading
Learn more about local attractions by visiting Theme Parks.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kxii.
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