Chicago’s iconic Navy Pier Ferris wheel was retired last fall to make way for a new gondola-style Ferris wheel that wall open in 2016. Although Chicago was ready to depart with the 15-foot-tall Ferris wheel, riders were saddened to see it go. Enter Branson, Missouri, a popular Midwestern destination, which will bring the Navy Pier wheel to the Show Me State.
The 20-year-old Ferris wheel was modeled after the original Ferris wheel, which debuted at Chicago’s World Expo in 1893. The 240-passenger wheel features 40 gondolas and illuminates in the evening. The Ferris wheel will move to Track Family Fun Parks in Branson and be celebrated along with its new owner’s 35th anniversary. Track Family Fun Park features go-kart tracks, laser tag, bumper cars, arcades, kids’ rides, mini golf and batting cages and will welcome the Ferris wheel following a $2.5-million investment.
–Lissa Poirot
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