Grand Opening of Michigan's First "Aerial Forest Park" on August 30 at Frankenmuth

Ribbon Cutting, Refreshments & Free Sample "Climbing" All Day

It's a first for Michigan. Aerial Forest Parks have been a hit in Europe for many years but they're still new to the United States. The first one in Michigan will open at 10:00 AM on August 30, 2013 in Frankenmuth, with ceremonies, a ribbon cutting, free refreshments and free sample climbing for the public all day long. The new Adventure Park at Frankenmuth is located at 1375 Weiss Street and will contain an alluring mixture of zip lines and climbing adventure for those age seven and older.

The Grand Opening ceremonies will include remarks from local and visiting dignitaries. Immediately following the ribbon-cutting, attendees will be invited to enjoy refreshments while observing demonstration climbers up in the trees as they zip-line and navigate The Adventure Park's five different courses. After the demonstration climbs, the public will be invited to try climbing the courses themselves, with a free sample climb, first-come, first-served, all day long.

"This is the perfect new business for Frankenmuth," Michigan entrepreneur and partner in the new Park, Gaal Karp, said. "Exciting outdoor recreation for the many families who visit the town. Now Frankenmuth offers, outstanding shopping, great dining, a cool indoor water park, and now the first aerial forest adventure park in the State! Kids, teens and adults are going to love this!"

Situated on five acres of beautiful forestland The Adventure Park features about 60 platforms constructed at different levels in the trees. These platforms are connected by different types of bridges (that represent obstacles.) The "climbers" wearing safety harnesses, maneuver from platform to platform. There are five different courses to choose from, introductory through advanced, so there is something for practically everyone. The courses also all include zip lines to add to the fun.


The courses do not require previous climbing experience and are designed to be self-guided. After receiving a safety briefing and harness, each climber selects a course at their comfort level and proceeds to navigate its different "bridges" or "elements." Climbers move at their own pace, each course requiring anywhere from approximately 15 – 30 minutes to complete. A regular climbing ticket entitles the visitor to unlimited climbs during a two-hour period. Park staff are continually on-site and available for assistance or questions.

All climbers wear safety harnesses that employ "double-clipped-on" technology to help keep the climber continuously connected to a safety cable throughout their time in the trees. Climbing is suitable for ages seven and older, with appropriate challenges available for different abilities.

The Park's design works with the natural arrangement of the forest to create a healthy, environmentally friendly, recreational venue in the trees for kids, teens and adults. The activities require no electricity or motors.

Regular business operations at The Adventure Park will begin on August 31. General admission prices, including all required equipment and instruction, are $43 for ages 12 and older; $38 for ages 10 – 11; and $33 for ages 7 – 9. Discounted "Twilight Tickets" at $33 for all ages will be available during the last two hours of "Day Climb" hours. Groups of 10 or more making advance reservations can benefit from reserved starting times and discounted prices. Friends and family who are not climbing are admitted free of charge to enjoy the Park's woodchip paths, take pictures and share the experience.

OPERATING HOURS: Regular "Day Climb" hours for general admission are 9:00 AM to dusk on weekends and selected holidays in the spring and fall. Summer hours will be seven-days-a-week. (Groups of 10 or more may book reserved climbs any day of the week all seasons the Park is open.) The Adventure Park also hopes to offer illuminated "Night Climbs" where the entire Park will be lit in "perpetual twilight" that will keep the climbing action going after sundown. Please visit The Park's website www.FrankenmuthAdventurePark.com for details and updates or call (248) 429-7177.

The Adventure Park at Frankenmuth is designed, built and operated by the Outdoor Venture Group, the leading authority in the United States on aerial forest parks and largely responsible for bringing this increasingly popular activity to the United States from Europe, where it originated. The Group designed, built and operates The Adventure Park at The Discovery Museum in Bridgeport, Connecticut, The Adventure Park at Storrs, Connecticut, and The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring Friends School in Maryland (the largest aerial forest park in the United States.) Additionally it has designed and built numerous other Adventure Parks throughout the United States for its clients at ski resorts and other venues.