Tourist attractions to open soon in Springfield, Branson

A Route 66 car museum in Springfield and Ferris wheel in Branson are slated to open this month.

Queen City cars
Springfield businessman Guy Mace on June 15 is scheduled to open his Route 66 Car Museum in Springfield at 1634 W. College St.

Mace, senior partner of Baron Venture Capital LLC, has a collection of nearly 70 classic vehicles, including a 1907 REO and the zombie protection truck from the “Resident Evil” film series.

At launch, Mace’s featured car will be his newest acquisition, a Gotham Cruiser from the “Batman” series.

Admission to the museum - with hours 10 a.m.-5 pm. Wednesday through Saturday - will be $15.

Branson Ferris Wheel
The Track Family Fun Parks is planning a June 23 grand opening for its attraction dubbed the Branson Ferris Wheel.

The Branson company spent roughly $4 million purchasing, relocating and renovating the 150-foot tall, 40-gondola wheel that spent 20 years at Chicago’s Navy Pier. It’s now at 3345 W. 76 Country Blvd. in Branson.

Netherlands-based Dutch Wheels has led the installation of the Ferris wheel on the site of Track 4’s former Gator Golf course. Its footprint is 8,800 square feet.

The roughly $2.5 million renovation included the installation of a new LED lighting system with 16,000 lights and new buildings, walkways and landscaping around the wheel, according to a news release.

The attraction will open to the public at noon June 23.