2nd mountain coaster coming to Branson

A second mountain coaster is coming to Branson following the August opening of Branson Mountain Adventure Park’s The Runaway.

Gray, Tennessee-based Face Amusement is constructing a coaster at 2115 W. Country Blvd., where Cool Off Water Chute once stood, said Collin Wheeler, marketing coordinator for the company. The property is just down the road from Ride The Ducks and the Andy Williams theater. The company’s investment in the project is undisclosed.

“North America’s original double alpine coaster — that’s the tagline,” Wheeler said of The Branson Coaster. “It’s essentially like getting two rides in one.”

Demolition of the old water slides began in January. Opened in 1974, the water chute operated for over 40 years, according to the business Facebook page.

Face Amusement purchased Cool Off Water Chute in 2016 for an undisclosed amount, Wheeler said. Construction of The Branson Coaster is expected to be finished this summer, with a grand opening soon after, he said.

The Branson Coaster is Face Amusement’s first project in the Ozarks area. Beyond the coaster, the company also is planning to open a maze, arcade and shooting game at Branson Landing.

Face Amusement co-founder Rusty Mabe started the company in 2013 with his brother Bucky, and now has operations in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee, as well as Orlando, Florida. The Mabes are not connected with the Mabe family known for the Baldknobbers.

“We’ve always wanted to come to Branson. It’s a lot like Pigeon Forge,” Rusty Mabe said. “It’s a small town, but it’s a family environment. We’re excited about bringing those family experiences to Branson.”