By: Coop Daley By: Coop Daley | October 17, 2022 | Lifestyle, Travel & Recreation, Travel,
One of the most commonly held fears is heights. When faced with a towering drop directly below, many folks may freeze, desperate to escape the shaky ground they stand on and find themselves on solid standing. Others, however, welcome the thrill, enjoying activities like rock climbing, skydiving and more to experience the rush of adrenaline that comes with staring at the drop below.
This rush is what’s behind Boyne Mountain Resort’s newest attraction, SkyBridge Michigan, which opened Saturday, Oct. 15. Placed between the peaks of McLouth and Disciples Ridge, the bridge is the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge, standing at approximately 1,200 feet long and 118 feet off the ground. Featuring 36 feet of see through glass in the middle, the bridge is a surefire destination for outdoor and adrenaline enthusiasts alike.
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“With four-season appeal, SkyBridge Michigan is a major attraction for Boyne Mountain Resort, as well as the entire northern Michigan region,” said Erin Ernst, Boyne Mountain Resort’s director of communications, in a statement. “The bridge brings an offering that’s extremely unique for our area. It’s an exciting must-do when planning a trip to northern Michigan, whether for families, couples, or friends.”
In order to arrive at the bridge, guests first embark on a chairlift ride up to the peaks, where they can walk across as many times as they wish. Held up by two 52-foot high timber towers, Michigan natives and tourists alike will be reminded of lumberjacks and woodsmen as they traverse across the forest below, bringing a true vibe of outdoorship to the experience. For those not as invested with the woods, Eagle’s Nest – an eatery located on one of the peaks – offers another unique resort experience, complete with historic artifacts from the region, views of the valley below, and delicious soups and burgers.
The bridge itself is also a true work of modern engineering. Grounded in about one million pounds of concrete, the 1,200-foot long structure is the longest timber-towered suspension bridge in the world, featuring two massive wooden towers to hold it all together; each weighs approximately 40,000 pounds.
“SkyBridge Michigan is unique,” said Mandy Stewart, the CEO & owner of Experiential Resources; the company behind the bridge’s creation. “It is both the longest timber-towered suspension bridge in the world and the longest we’ve ever created at Experiential Resources. The design itself took six months to complete and is inspired by the Pure Michigan M, in an elongated form. We hope the bridge brings adventure and fantastic memories to those who visit northern Michigan.”
The Boyne Mountain Resort is hoping SkyBridge will be another hit in its long list of attractions, which include indoor waterpark Avalanche Bay, an 18,500 square foot spa, and plenty of seasonal outdoor activities: fishing, ziplining and horseback riding in the summer; skiing, snowboarding, tubing and ice skating in the winter. SkyBridge also sits between two daytime hiking trails, making it a worthy stop for those exploring the area on foot. Tickets can be purchased online via the resort’s website, along with other attractions. Prices vary on season and patrons.
For those seeking a thrill up above, or just those looking for a nice spot to get a sandwich, SkyBridge might be just the spot to bite off more than you can chew!
Photography by: Boyne Mountain Resort