Just because summer is coming to an end doesn’t mean the fun has to. Why not get the kids away from the screen for a few hours/days or grab a bunch of friends and try something new? Everyone dreams of being able to climb tall buildings or soar through the air and at a few locations in Michigan, you can do it. Rock climbing and zipline adventures can be an adrenaline-pumping, healthy and wholesome time and with luck, you will be discovering new habits and passions that will keep you (and your children or friends) occupied into and throughout adulthood. (Please call locations for reservations, rules and age limits.)
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Climbing
Base camp Challenge Center
5081 Torrey Rd., Flint
810.591.4622
A part of the Genesee Career Institute, this is the place to go for team-building. It features a high-ropes course, 30-foot rock wall, and challenge structure complete with a cable walk, zipline and ladder climb. The Challenge Center is open for a group of friends, families, sports teams, non-profit and corporate groups. Call and schedule your team-building experience!
ELEV8 Climbing and Fitness
777 Boyd Ave., Traverse City
231.600.7260
Going “up north” on vacation and want to elevate your experience? Check out this rock gym and fitness center offering varied terrain and different climbing styles at heights from 14 to 40+ feet. Rental gear is available. All new and seasoned climbers must take a skill assessment test before climbing and classes are available.
Inside Moves LLC
639 76th St. SW., Byron Center
616.281.7088
The first climbing gym in Michigan, Inside Moves offers top-rope and lead-climbing on walls up to 34’ as well as a large bouldering area that will challenge beginners and seasoned veterans alike. Before climbing, all new visitors must pass a check or partake in beginner lessons. Rental equipment is available, as well as an affordable “1st Time Package.”
Oak Park
700 W. Front St., Grand Ledge
517.627.2149
You’ve conquered the gyms, now it’s time for the real thing – natural rock formations on which to test your skills. The ledges in Oak Park are NOT a place for a beginner climber unless they are a part of a group receiving “how to” instruction. More than 80 climbing routes have been identified, named and rated according to difficulty. Climbers must follow the posted Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Rock Climbing to ensure safety and nature preservation. Again, Oak Park is for seasoned climbers.
Planet Rock Climbing Gym
82 Aprill Dr. C., Ann Arbor
734.827.2680
1103 W. 13 Mile Rd., Madison Heights
248.397.8354
Think you have what it takes to scale a 50-foot sheer cliff? Find out at Planet Rock! This climbing gym is for enthusiasts and beginners alike. There is something for everyone including chimneys, boulder routes, stalactites, caves and more. Safety is a priority and every new member must either take a Starter Lesson or pass a belay check. If you wish to do more than climb, each Planet Rock facility also boasts a full fitness center with showers.
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Soaring
Allegan Event Riverfront Zipline
Riverfront Plaza, Allegan
269.430.3961
Experience a 600-foot-long zip across the Kalamazoo River with family and friends in Allegan. Relax for a few on the other side and get ready for your return trip. After the zipline ride, stay for more fun including the Clip ‘n Climb, the sky trail indoor rope course, vertical drop slide, arcade and outdoor maze. It’s a fun time for all ages!
Frankenmuth Aerial Park
1375 Weiss St., Frankenmuth
989.284.0201
This facility provides a combination ropes course and zipline for group or individual entertainment. Choose from six different courses at various skill levels, each offering a new experience. Make sure to take the fan-favorite FrankenZip course with seven lines at heights ranging from 15-35 feet off the ground. Reservations are recommended.
Howell Nature Center
1005 Triangle Lake Rd., Howell
517.546.0249
Offering much more than beautiful scenery and nature trails, the Howell Nature Center is an education-based family/group experience with plenty to do. Explore the Wild Wonders Wildlife Park Teaching Zoo, run wild in Alexandria’s NatureScape and The Tree House, and don’t forget to experience the Glacier Valley Zipline Tour. Lodges are available for overnight stays.
Mt. Holiday Ziplines
3100 Holiday Rd., Traverse City
231.938.2500
Just a little jog north, you’ll find “Michigan’s most beautiful zipline tour.” This high-speed zipline adventure will let you experience gorgeous, scenic views of Northern Michigan at speeds up to 30 mph! The hour-long tour takes you through the trees and across the hills of Mt. Holiday. A Hike & Zip Adventure is also offered for those short on time. Reservations are required.
TreeRunner Adventure Park
7553 Meadow Brook Rd., Rochester
6200 Drake Rd., West Bloomfield Township
2121 Celebration Dr. NE, Grand Rapids
248.759.5222
“Try something new and live your life adventurously!” is the tagline of the TreeRunner Adventure Park at Oakland University. This park boasts over 75 obstacles and ziplines, four difficulty levels and eight different courses to take. Obstacles include cargo nets, barrels, bridges, ropes and platforms. As a bonus attraction, the park features Halloween Glow Nights from September 30 – October 31. Reservations are required for all adventures.
