This U.S. Resort Is Now Home to the World’s Longest Timber-towered Suspension Bridge

Michigan's newest attraction may not be for the faint of heart, but for travelers who want to add some thrills to their next trip a visit to Boyne Mountain Resort will surely scratch the adventure itch.

The world's longest timber-towered suspension bridge is opening this month at SkyBridge Michigan. The bridge will span 1,200 feet and is suspended almost 120 feet in the air, and at five feet wide there’s plenty of room to walk in comfort with companions.

The bridge is the newest attraction at the Boyne Mountain Resort, which is located about an hour south of Mackinaw City. Boyne Mountain is a resort village with plenty of activities such as skiing, golf, or snowshoeing.

Since Boyne Mountain Resort is a ski resort in the winter, visitors to the SkyBridge will be treated to plenty of scenic mountain views. "The SkyBridge extends from the peak of McLouth, or near the top terminal of Mountain Express chairlift, goes over Ramshead, and lands at the summit of Disciples Ridge," according to the company.

Just like skiing, a trip to the bridge begins with a chairlift ride to the top of the mountain, although visitors do not need a ski pass, or to stay at the resort, to experience the SkyBridge.

While walking across the bridge visitors can expect magnificent views of Boyne Valley, and especially while venturing across the section with glass flooring — since Michigan experiences all four seasons there's no bad time to visit.

Brilliantly hued fall foliage is just as stunning as icicle-coated tree branches. As a thoughtfully conceived project, the bridge also connects to Boyne Mountain’s paved-trail system, furthering the distance visitors can explore. When lit up at night, the bridge adds a sparkling new dimension to the resort’s skyline.

Visitors will notice the bridge has two timber towers, and while it gives the structure its architectural flare, the bridge is actually anchored by 1 million pounds of concrete. And while unique to the area, the bridge is modeled after the Gatlinburg SkyBridge in Tennessee, one of the resort's sister properties.

Each timber tower is 52 feet tall and 70 feet long and weighs 40,000 pounds, and the wood is locally sourced from Matelski Lumber Company in Boyne Falls. The bridge took around six months to complete according to Mandy Stewart, CEO, and owner of Experiential Resources, which designed the bridge.

Boyne Mountain Resort opened in 1948, and this season the resort will welcome the debut of D8, the Midwest’s first high-speed, eight-person lift. There are also two indoor attractions popular during fall and winter as cozy alternatives to brisk temps outdoors: Avalanche Bay, Michigan’s largest waterpark; and the 18,500-square-foot Spa at Boyne Mountain

SkyBridge opens on Oct.15, admission fees are $25 for adults $15 for children between three and 10, and free for two and under. The bridge is open year-round, but between Nov. 4 and Dec. 4 hours will shift to weekends (Friday-Sunday) only before resuming daily hours on Dec. 9.