SCOTT TOWNSHIP, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Something big is coming to Lakeland Orchard & Cidery in Scott Township that will give guests a sky-high experience. The family-owned business is investing in a brand-new attraction.
It’s a custom-built gondola-style Ferris wheel that is currently being manufactured overseas in Turkey, and the Robas say it’s all about enhancing the guest experience.
From strawberry and apple picking to homemade cider, The Lakeland Orchard and Cidery has been a family spot for more than 10 years. Now they are adding more fun to their grounds with a gondola Ferris wheel.
"So we're always trying to improve the place and make it, you know, the guest experience a little bit better. And being on top of the hill here, like we are, we thought we already have pretty great views from the ground. But if we could get up, you know, 60, 70, 80 feet in the air, the views would get even better," said Jeff Roba, president of Roba's Tree Farm Inc.
After going through a zoning process, the family chose a Turkey-based company to build the wheel for around $1,000,000.
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"So deposit's been placed, hopefully about 12 months from now, it'll get on a boat and get over here," said Roba.
The massive gondola wheel will take a year to build, then a month to ship, and a few weeks to install. Roba's hoping to make it a permanent fixture, ready for next August.
"Adding things like this brings more people out to the orchard here, which then allows us to do more farming, which is the whole goal here, is to do as much farming as we can on this property," explained Roba.
The gondola cabins can fit up to six adults, a big upgrade from traditional Ferris wheel benches. Safety, comfort, and family experience were all part of the plan.
"We think the gondolas are quite a bit safer, they've got plexiglass all the way around…The gondolas are a much bigger structure that will hold up to six people, six adults pretty comfortably…Families can ride this thing together and get to experience it together," said Roba.
Roba told 28/22 News he’s most excited to see their millions of tulips from above, come spring of 2027. Until then, construction is underway, and the countdown is on.
