10 Michigan zipline tours for an unforgettable adventure

Ready to take your Michigan travels to unforgettable new heights? Then a zipline tour might be the adventure for you.

Ziplining is a fun and unique way to experience Michigan’s outdoors, sending you sailing over hills and through forests while enjoying a thrilling panoramic view. No previous experience is required, either, and if you’re a first timer, Michigan’s many zipline tour spots will gladly show you the proverbial ropes.

To help you in your search for a fun new experience, we’ve rounded up 10 places in Michigan that offer zipline tours — and many host aerial obstacle courses as well. Be sure to check websites in advance for all rules, restrictions and reservation information, as many require that tickets be purchased in advance.

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Boyne Falls: Boyne Mountain. The zipline adventure at Boyne Mountain starts at the top of ski hill and sends you flying across the slopes, hitting speeds of 20-25 mph on lines up to 50 feet in the air and 780 feet in length. Tours run daily through the summer (but be sure to come back for the winter zipline tours, too). Find all the details at boynemountain.com.

Harbor Springs: The Highlands. The Highlands’ 2.5-hour Adventure Tour features a series of eight ziplines up to 50 feet long that deliver panoramic views at an elevation of 1,325 feet. The route starts at the top of the mountain then descends 50 stories through trees and across slopes for a thrilling ride. Full details at highlandsharborsprings.com/zip

Muskegon: Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park. Newly opened in 2021, this park’s quarter-mile-long dual zip line sends you flying from the top of a Lake Michigan sand dune through white pine and oak forests. Race a friend at speeds up to 25 mph over the park’s winter and summer luge tracks before descending into the forest to the landing platform. More details at msports.org/zip-line/

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West Bloomfield, Grand Rapids, Rochester: Tree Runner Adventure Parks. You can enjoy a whole day of adventuring at any of the three Tree Runner Adventure Park locations across Michigan. Each park features multiple aerial courses with ziplines, obstacles and varying levels of difficulty. Weekly themed Glow Nights are a memorable way to spend a summer evening. Info for all locations at treerunnerparks.com

Mackinaw City: Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park. Originally established in 1790 to provide lumber for nearby Mackinac Island, Mill Creek is now a historic site and park in a beautiful natural setting. The park’s newer Adventure Tours weave together nature with history, from the Forest Canopy Bridge, which sits 50 feet above Mill Creek, to the 425′ Eagle’s Flight Zip Line and five-story Treetop Discovery Tower Climbing Wall. For admission information, special restrictions and more details, visit mackinacparks.com/historic-mill-creek-discovery-park-adventure-tour

Frankenmuth: Frankenmuth Aerial Park. This family-friendly combination ropes course and zip line includes six courses ranging in difficulty from beginner to expert. First timer? The park says its staff specializes in working with first-time climbers, offering two zip lines, easier obstacle elements, and a training session before you climb. zipandclimb.com/index.html

St. Ignace: Mystery Spot. The self-proclaimed world-famous Mystery Spot, perhaps the most well-known U.P. roadside attaction, has expanded to include two ziplines totalling 1,000 feet and reaching speeds over 25 mph. The zipline rides can be combined with a Mystery Spot Guided Tour, 18-hole mini golf, and the landmark’s “Walk in the Maze in the Woods.” mysteryspotstignace.com

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Traverse City: Mt. Holiday. This community non-profit recreation area on T.C.’s east side dishes up 1-1.5-hour scenic zipline tours at speeds of 25-30 mph through the area’s beautiful, hilly forests. Reservations are strongly recommended; walk-ins are welcome only on a space-available basis. Booking details and more information at mt-holiday.com/zip-line-tours.

Allegan: Allegan Event. Rain day? Allegan Event is Michigan’s largest indoor ropes course, which includes a “Sky Tykes” area so even small children can participate. If the weather’s in your favor, don’t miss the Riverfront Zipline, which sends you soaring over a 600-foot-long outdoor zip line spanning the Kalamazoo River. alleganevent.com

Grand Rapids: John Ball Zoo. John Ball Zoo has expanded its many family-friendly offerings to include a four-story zipline and ropes course. The 600-foot zipline flies you over a waterfall, and the ropes course features two climbing levels and more than 15 obstacles ranging in difficulty. More information at jbzoo.org/experiences.

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