In 2020 the Pripyat Ferris Wheel earned a cameo mention in a N.Y. Times travel essay called “Why Would Anyone Want to Visit?” this place

On the September 30, 2025 episode of Jeopardy!, the Final Jeopardy clue came from the category “Destinations” and asked: “In 2020 the Pripyat Ferris Wheel earned a cameo mention in a N.Y. Times travel essay called ‘Why Would Anyone Want to Visit?’ this place.”

What is Chernobyl?

This clue pointed to a haunting location with global recognition—not for beauty or relaxation, but for one of the world’s worst nuclear disasters. The mention of the Pripyat Ferris Wheel, often associated with eerie imagery of abandonment, signaled the answer. Chernobyl, located in northern Ukraine, is the site of the catastrophic nuclear explosion that occurred in 1986. The nearby town of Pripyat was evacuated, leaving behind a ghost city frozen in time.

The Pripyat Ferris Wheel: A Symbol of Silence

The Pripyat Ferris Wheel has become one of the most recognizable symbols of the Chernobyl disaster. Originally scheduled to open for May Day celebrations in 1986, it never officially carried a passenger. Just days before it was set to debut, Reactor No. 4 exploded, and the area was evacuated.

In the decades since, the Ferris Wheel has remained standing, rusting slowly in the exclusion zone. Its towering presence amid the decay has drawn photographers, filmmakers, and tourists. The New York Times essay titled “Why Would Anyone Want to Visit?” highlighted how such a desolate attraction could become a global fascination. The piece explored the paradox of dark tourism—where tragedy and history intersect to attract visitors rather than repel them.

Chernobyl’s Emergence as a Tourist Destination

Despite its radioactive past, Chernobyl has seen a steady rise in tourism, particularly after the 2019 release of the HBO miniseries Chernobyl. Interest surged worldwide, with travelers signing up for guided tours that venture into the exclusion zone. These tours are strictly regulated for safety and provide visitors with a glimpse into the remnants of Soviet life and the scale of the disaster’s aftermath.

Visitors typically start in Kyiv and head into the zone on day trips, stopping at key sites like the sarcophagus that encloses the reactor, abandoned schools, hospitals, and of course, the Pripyat amusement park. While some may question the ethics of such tourism, others argue it brings education and global awareness.

The Power of Place in Collective Memory

Chernobyl’s place in the world’s collective memory extends beyond Ukraine’s borders. The disaster and its aftermath played a role in shaping international nuclear policy, public perception of nuclear energy, and environmental activism. Visiting Chernobyl is, for many, an act of remembrance and reflection, not just voyeurism.

The New York Times essay from 2020 captured that complicated relationship with places like Chernobyl. The question, “Why would anyone want to visit?” reflects broader debates about memory, trauma, and the need to understand history by physically encountering its traces. The Pripyat Ferris Wheel’s cameo was more than a passing mention—it was a symbol of what remains and what humanity chooses to learn from.

Final Thoughts

The inclusion of Chernobyl in Final Jeopardy serves as a reminder of how even the most unlikely places can become destinations—not for escape, but for confrontation with the past. It reflects the growing trend of people seeking meaning through travel, even in the shadow of tragedy. As the Ferris Wheel continues to stand in silent testimony, so does Chernobyl remain one of the most haunting and thought-provoking places on Earth