Colossal 150 foot Ferris wheel is a stunning addition to Branson Strip

Navy Pier Ferris Wheel

Navy Pier Ferris Wheel*

In January, The Track Family Fun Parks, in Branson, Missouri, announced that it had purchased the 15-story Ferris wheel formerly featured at Chicago’s Navy Pier and that it would be disassembled, transported to Branson, and reassembled for the enjoyment of Branson visitors during the summer of 2016. Recently a spokesperson for The Track Family Fun Parks said that, depending on a number of factors, they are hoping for a Memorial Day Weekend opening.

Modeled after the first Ferris wheel built for the 1893 Chicago World’s Columbian Exposition, the Ferris wheel stands 150 feet tall, has 40 gondolas that can hold up to 240 passengers, and will light up the Ozarks nighttime skies with the glow of its 16,000 lights. It was a popular iconic attraction at the Chicago’s famous Navy Pier tourist destination. “Branson will be a great new location for this amazing Ferris wheel,” said Brian Murphy, COO of Navy Pier. “It was a landmark here for many years, and we are happy to know that it will continue to attract thousands of visitors each year to such a family-friendly destination.”

“We are very excited to be the new home to this iconic Ferris wheel,” said Craig Wescott, President and CEO of The Track Family Fun Parks. “Our hope is that adding this unique attraction, which can be enjoyed by people of all ages, will enhance our guests’ experience during the time they spend in Branson.”

The Ferris wheel represents a $2.5 million investment that the company is making as part of its 35th anniversary. The Track Family Fun Parks has four locations in Branson offering a variety of activities including “high-rise and classic go-kart tracks for all ages, laser tag, bumper boats/cars, mini golf, batting cages, kids’ rides, arcades, and more with no gate admission charge.” The Ferris wheel will be located in Track 4 on the famed Branson Strip at 3345 West 76 Country Boulevard.

For more information about The Track Family Fun Parks, the Ferris wheel or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions, or for lodging arrangements, please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services; call 1-800-785-1550 or visit www.BransonTourismCenter.com

* Photo Credit: Navy Pier

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