13 Surprising Elevator Facts
Most of us step into elevators without a second thought, pressing a button and waiting for the doors to close. Yet behind that simple ride lies a history full of invention, daring, and even imagination. Elevators have carried people from ancient times to modern skylines, turning daily convenience into an unsung marvel. Let’s uncover some surprising facts that show just how much these machines have shaped the way we live.
1) From Ancient Lifts to Tourist Thrills
The story of elevators stretches back further than most people realize. Early lifts appeared in ancient times, with simple rope and pulley systems moving goods and people. Over centuries, they evolved into vital machines that now power our skylines and daily routines. Today, Americans take billions of rides each year, often without thinking twice. From small wooden platforms to sleek glass capsules, elevators have always carried more than just passengers, they’ve carried ideas of progress. They’ve turned the way we move into something faster, safer, and even memorable, proving technology often hides right under our feet.
2) Before Modern Elevators, Top Floors Were Undesirable
Long ago, living on the highest floors was considered inconvenient. Climbing flights of stairs daily was exhausting, so wealthier residents often chose lower floors while the poor settled higher up. This arrangement flipped when reliable elevators arrived, suddenly making penthouses the most desired homes. What was once seen as burdensome became a luxury, offering privacy, light, and breathtaking views. Today, high-rise living defines status in many cities around the world. Elevators didn’t just change architecture; they reshaped social patterns and expectations, proving that technology has a way of reversing what people once thought impossible.
3) An American Inventor Created the First Modern Passenger Elevator
The first modern passenger elevator appeared in New York City in 1857. Designed by Elisha Otis, it transformed how people thought about traveling upward. Before this invention, buildings were rarely taller than a few stories because climbing stairs limited practicality. With Otis’s design, safety became reliable, and suddenly, vertical construction had no boundaries. This leap gave birth to skyscrapers, changing the look of cities forever. The elevator didn’t just move people; it redefined how humans interact with space. From that single creation, the way we build and live was elevated to entirely new heights.
4) People Once Trained for Years to Be Elevator Operators
Before self-service buttons became standard, elevators required skilled operators. These individuals controlled levers, managed doors, and ensured smooth rides. Their jobs often involved etiquette, uniforms, and a calm presence for passengers who were sometimes nervous about mechanical lifts. Training could take years, especially in grand hotels and offices where presentation mattered. Today, only a handful of manual operators remain in historic buildings. For visitors, riding with them feels like stepping into a time when even something as ordinary as taking an elevator felt personal and polished, a unique mix of service and precision.
5) Fastest Elevator in the World Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre, China
In Guangzhou, China, elevators move with incredible speed inside the CTF Finance Centre. They reach nearly 45 miles per hour, traveling dozens of floors in under a minute. To make the ride comfortable, engineers designed systems that reduce ear pressure changes, turning a potentially jarring journey into a smooth experience. Passengers often describe it as thrilling, almost like flying indoors. These elevators represent not only technological advancement but also the way buildings compete to impress visitors. They show how speed itself can become part of the attraction, not just the destination.
6) Fastest in the U.S. One World Trade Center, NYC
One World Trade Center in New York features elevators that climb 102 floors in under a minute. Passengers rise at about 23 miles per hour, making the ride both efficient and exciting. While the speed is impressive, the experience is also enhanced by digital displays that show a time-lapse of Manhattan’s skyline growing through history. The ride becomes more than transport; it feels like a journey through time and progress. For many visitors, the moment combines reflection with wonder, proving that technology can turn even short trips into powerful experiences.
7) Tallest Mine Elevator Drop Mponeng Gold Mine, South Africa
While most elevators are designed to take people up, some are built to plunge deep underground. The Mponeng Gold Mine in South Africa has elevators that descend nearly one and a half miles. Workers ride down thousands of feet in just minutes, entering tunnels where conditions are harsh and temperatures rise. The trip is fast but vital, carrying miners to places most people never see. Unlike glamorous skyscraper elevators, these are tools of survival and industry, showing how elevators don’t just reach the skies but also conquer the depths of the earth.
8) Building With the Most Elevators Empire State Building
The Empire State Building in New York is famous for many reasons, but one remarkable feature is its 73 elevators. Since opening in 1931, these elevators have moved millions of workers, tourists, and visitors through the iconic tower. Back then, the sheer number of elevators was a marvel, making it possible for such a tall building to function. Today, the system continues to operate efficiently with upgrades for energy and speed. The elevators here remind us that behind every architectural wonder are hidden machines quietly making the experience possible.
9) Oldest Still Operating Passenger Elevator in the U.S.
In Chicago’s Rookery Building, an elevator installed in 1888 still operates today. It’s the oldest functioning passenger elevator in the United States, a rare working piece of history. While carefully maintained and modernized for safety, it retains the craftsmanship and character of its era. Stepping inside feels like moving back in time, connecting riders to the origins of modern vertical travel. The Rookery’s elevator is more than a machine; it is a living landmark, proving the durability of early designs and the importance of preserving engineering milestones.
10) Safety vs. Fear the Real Stats
Elevators are among the safest ways to travel, yet many people still feel uneasy stepping inside. In the United States, accidents are rare, with most incidents involving maintenance workers rather than passengers. Escalators actually cause more injuries each year. Still, fears remain strong, often rooted in stories and movies rather than fact. For those who worry, it helps to remember elevators are designed with multiple safety systems. The reality is that people face greater risks walking across the street than riding in one of these carefully engineered lifts.
11) Sideways Elevators Are Real
Most people think elevators only go up and down, but new technology is changing that idea. In Germany, developers created elevators that move sideways as well as vertically. Instead of using traditional cables, these systems glide on tracks, opening possibilities for more flexible building designs. This shift allows architects to reimagine skyscrapers, connecting spaces in new ways. Passengers can ride smoothly from one part of a structure to another without climbing a single stair. It’s a glimpse of what future buildings might look like when imagination meets innovation.
12) Longest Continuous Elevator Ride
Shanghai Tower in China offers the longest unbroken elevator ride in the world. It travels nearly 1,900 feet in one go, reaching observation levels at dizzying heights. The journey is so quick and smooth that riders often compare it to flying. Instead of stopping repeatedly, the uninterrupted ride emphasizes the sheer scale of the building. It shows how far engineering has come, turning something ordinary into a unique experience. For those who step inside, the ride itself becomes just as memorable as the sweeping views at the top.
13) Space Elevator Dreams
The idea of a space elevator might sound like pure science fiction, but it has been seriously studied for decades. Engineers imagine a long cable stretching from Earth into orbit, carrying vehicles into space without rockets. Though materials strong enough are not yet available, research continues with hopes of one day making it real. The dream of stepping into an elevator and ending up among the stars is both inspiring and humbling. It represents humanity’s constant push to reach higher and explore further than ever before.
10 U.S. Elevators That Became Tourist Attractions
Elevators are usually about getting from one floor to another, but in some places they’ve become attractions in their own right. Whether glass walls reveal entire skylines or angled rides make the journey unforgettable, these elevators turn ordinary trips into lasting memories. Across the United States, visitors line up not just for the view at the top but for the ride that gets them there. Here are ten elevators that became destinations worth experiencing.
1) Gateway Arch Tram St. Louis, Missouri
Inside the Gateway Arch, visitors find a one-of-a-kind elevator experience. Small pod-like trams carry passengers 630 feet upward through the curved structure. The ride feels unusual because the cars tilt to follow the arch’s shape, making it both quirky and memorable. At the top, the observation area reveals wide views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River. For many, the elevator ride itself is as exciting as the destination. It transforms a national monument into an adventure, proving that even getting there can be a highlight of the journey.
2) Space Needle Elevators Seattle, Washington
The Space Needle’s glass elevators are as iconic as the tower itself. Rising 605 feet in just 41 seconds, they give passengers sweeping views of Seattle as they climb. Riders see the city unfold beneath them, with Mount Rainier often visible in the distance. The smooth, rapid ride combines speed with scenery, turning the journey into part of the attraction. Since opening in 1962, these elevators have remained a favorite for millions of visitors, offering a sense of anticipation that builds with every passing second until the observation deck comes into view.
3) Willis Tower Skydeck Chicago, Illinois
At Chicago’s Willis Tower, elevators climb 103 stories in less than a minute, carrying visitors to one of the most daring observation decks in the country. Once at the top, “The Ledge” invites guests to step into glass boxes that extend over the city, creating the feeling of standing above open air. The elevator ride is swift and exhilarating, building suspense until the doors open to reveal the skyline. For many, it is not just about the view but the thrill of getting there so quickly, high above the streets of Chicago.
4) One Vanderbilt Glass Elevators New York City
In Manhattan, One Vanderbilt offers elevators that redefine the ride to the top. Transparent on all sides, these glass cars climb the building’s exterior, providing open views of the city during the entire ascent. The sensation feels like floating above the streets of New York. At the top, the Summit observation area surrounds visitors with light and skyline panoramas, but many say the elevator itself is unforgettable. It combines technology with spectacle, proving that sometimes the best part of reaching the top is the breathtaking journey it takes to get there.
5) Luxor Inclinators Las Vegas, Nevada
The Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas is shaped like a giant pyramid, and its elevators had to be just as unique. Instead of traveling straight up, the inclinators move at a 39 degree angle along the slanted walls. The ride feels different from any other, sliding passengers diagonally through the hotel’s massive structure. Guests often ride simply to feel the unusual motion, making it part of the experience. It is a reminder that in Las Vegas, even something as ordinary as an elevator can be turned into an attraction worth remembering.
6) The Strat Tower Las Vegas, Nevada
The Strat Tower stands taller than any other observation tower in the United States, reaching 1,149 feet. To get there, visitors ride elevators that rocket upward in less than a minute. The ride itself is part of the thrill, quickly carrying guests from the ground to the sky. At the top, panoramic views of Las Vegas stretch endlessly, and for the daring, additional attractions like sky jumps and rides wait. Still, the elevator is the first adrenaline rush, setting the tone for what becomes one of the city’s most unforgettable experiences.
7) High Roller Observation Pods Las Vegas, Nevada
The High Roller in Las Vegas is officially a giant wheel, but its glass pods feel like slow moving elevators suspended in the air. Rising 550 feet above the Strip, each capsule carries dozens of passengers in a smooth, steady rotation. The ride is calm and spacious, offering sweeping views of the desert and city lights. Unlike high speed elevators, it takes time to reach the top, but that makes it relaxing. The pods feel like floating rooms, proving that sometimes the best way to rise is slowly, with nothing but the view to enjoy.
8) Roosevelt Island Tramway New York City
The Roosevelt Island Tramway in New York isn’t a traditional elevator, but it functions like one stretched horizontally across the river. This cable car rises 250 feet above the East River, carrying passengers between Manhattan and Roosevelt Island. The ride is short but spectacular, offering skyline views that rival those from many skyscrapers. For commuters, it is everyday transport, but for visitors, it is an attraction of its own. The tram shows how elevator style journeys can exist beyond buildings, turning a simple connection into one of the most scenic rides in the city.
9) Gateway Canyon Tram Colorado
In Colorado’s red rock country, the Gateway Canyons Tram offers an elevator-like ride with nature as the backdrop. Instead of steel and glass towers, the tram glides along cliffs, lifting visitors high above rugged landscapes. The slow ascent reveals sweeping canyon views, making it feel more like floating than climbing. Unlike urban elevators, this one celebrates open air and natural beauty. Many visitors describe the ride itself as the main attraction, creating lasting memories of the region. It proves that elevators don’t have to be inside buildings to offer remarkable experiences worth the trip.
10) Statue of Liberty Elevators New York City
The Statue of Liberty’s elevators give millions of visitors access to its pedestal and crown each year. Rising the equivalent of 377 steps, they make the climb manageable while preserving the thrill of reaching such an iconic landmark. The ride itself may be simple, but the meaning behind it adds weight. Emerging at the top, visitors see the harbor and Manhattan skyline framed by the statue’s crown. It is not just transport but a symbolic passage into history. Here, the elevator reminds us that sometimes the smallest rides carry the deepest significance.
This story 13 Surprising Elevator Facts and 10 U.S. Elevators That Became Tourist Destinations was first published on Daily FETCH
