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Sometimes adventure finds us, and other times it is up to us to make our own. A lot of us want to be risk takers. Some of us talk about it and others actually do it. Were you aware that Metro Detroit gives us the opportunity to find our own adventures and take our own risks through thrill-seeking excursions?
If you’re truly looking for an activity that puts butterflies in your stomach, or offers a high degree of thrilling fun, consider the following options.
Zip Lines and Rope Courses
The Adventure Park at West Bloomfield is located at 6600 W. Maple Rd. in West Bloomfield. It is a newer place that is an absolute haven for those looking for thrills and fun. Up high in the tree tops are 10 different rope courses for varying skill levels, so there is a place for expert climbers as well as novices. The real selling points (in my opinion) are the multiple zip lines located throughout the park. It doesn’t get more thrilling than flying down a line with nothing except nature in front of you. Starting in September, the park will only be open on the weekends, and plans on staying open until November (weather permitting) before taking a hiatus for the winter. A single general admission ticket gets you three hours of unlimited climbing time. Check out the pricing and hours.
Glacier Valley Eco Zip Tour at the Howell Conference and Nature Center, 1005 Triangle Lake Rd., in Howell, is another option for those who are looking to get into the zip line game. It is named after some of the geological and ecological features you will see during this three-hour-long adventure. Participants are raised into the sky and travel at speeds of approximately 20 miles per hour! The tour itself consists of seven different zip lines, which span one-half mile. All participants are properly instructed and equipment trained before the tour begins. Safety first! Be sure to keep an eye out for future tours.
Hot Air Balloon Rides
Balloon Quest Inc., 2470 Grange Hall, in Fenton, has been in business for more than 45 years and is one of the largest balloon ride operations in the U.S. Balloons fly first thing in the morning at sunrise and again at sunset. Each ride takes about 45 minutes.Traditional flights, group flights, flights for couples and more are all offered here! If being hundreds of feet in the air in a wicker basket is your idea of a thrill, then Balloon Quest should be at the top of your list. Check out the schedule for flight times.
Westwind Balloon Company flies over the beautiful lakes, parks and woods of Oakland County. You will also see a lot of wildlife such as birds and deer! Pilot Scott Lorenz has been piloting hot air balloons since 1982 and has traveled all over the world. It is safe to say you’ll be in good hands. Here, the flight duration is about one-hour-long and flights are scheduled two hours before sunset, or at sunrise. You can schedule your ride here.
Helicopter Tours
Magnum Helicopters, located at 6250 N. Service Dr. in Waterford, may be a better option for those of you who want to dabble in being high in the sky, but aren’t really feeling the whole zip line or hot air balloon idea. Magnum gives sightseeing tours of both Metro Detroit and the city of Detroit itself. You can also customize your tour and travel to (more or less) anywhere you’d like. Most helicopters will accommodate up to three passengers. Magnum flies a variety of helicopters, including the Robinson R-44 Raven I and Raven II.
Indoor Rock Climbing
Planet Rock has locations in both Ann Arbor and Madison Heights. We have mentioned this place before because there really isn’t much out there like it. If rock climbing is your thrill of choice, then you must try Planet Rock. It offers classes for both aerial silks and lead lessons. It also offers several programs and summer camps for kids. First timers will be thoroughly trained in safety, knots and belaying. To check out day pass prices, click here.
Here’s an idea. Do all of the aforementioned activities in one week and see if your itch for adventure has passed for a while. Be safe!
