A few weekends ago, we decided to make our way to the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge. And, it was impressive! This new pedestrian bridge in Northern Michigan offers incredible panoramic views of Boyne Valley. When bridge visitors get to the center of the bridge they are greeted by a walking surface made of glass panels. Perfect for daredevil tourists!
For more things to do in Michigan check out these articles
Yooperlite Rocks – How to Find Michigan’s Glowing Rocks
Exploring Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in Winter
Things to do in Michigan in Fall
Fun Facts about SkyBridge Michigan?
- SkyBridge is the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge.
- The SkyBridge is 1200 feet long, 5 feet wide, and about 120 feet above the ground.
- The bridge’s massive timber towers are constructed of timber from Matelski Lumber in Boyne Falls.
- SkyBridge Michigan was designed by the same people (ERi) who designed the 700-foot Gatlinburg SkyBridge (located near Great Smoky Mountain National Park).
- Michigan’s SkyBridge was modeled after the M in the Pure Michigan logo.
- While the bridge is open year-round, it closes for windspeeds of 35 mph or greater.
- The middle of the bridge features a 36-foot glass floor. This gives you an unobstructed view of the valley floor.
- SkyBridge is located at the top of the mountain in Michigan’s Boyne Mountain Resort.
- The bridge is located between the peaks of McLouth and Disciples Ridge.
Where is SkyBridge Michigan & Directions?
Address – 1 Boyne Mountain Road, Boyne Falls, MI 49713
Resort’s Website – www.boynemountain.com
SkyBridge Michigan is located in Boyne Falls, MI.
When we went we had one heck of a time trying to figure out where to park, buy tickets and everything else. We had only been to Boyne Mountain once and it was well over 10 years ago. Don’t worry, I’ll tell you all you need to know below.
How to get to SkyBridge Michigan from Chicago, Il
- Take W Ida B. Wells Dr to IL-110 W/Chicago – Kansas City Expy/Dwight D. Eisenhower Expy/Eisenhower Expy
about 2 min (0.4 mi) - Get on I-90 E/I-94 E
about 4 min (1.5 mi) - Continue on I-90 E. Take I-94 E and I-196 N to US-131 N in Fife Lake Township
about 4 hr. 21 min. (295 mi) - Follow US-131 N to Cliff Dweller Dr in Boyne Valley Township
about 56 min. (49.7 mi)
How to get to SkyBridge Michigan from Grand Rapids, Mi
- Get on I-196 W
about 2 min (0.7 mi) - Continue to Fife Lake Township
about 1 hr 40 min (119 mi) - Follow US-131 N to Cliff Dweller Dr in Boyne Valley Township
about 56 min. (49.7 mi)
How to get to SkyBridge Michigan from Detroit, Mi
- Continue to I-375 N
about 3 min. (0.5 mi) - Follow I-75 N to M-32 W/W Main St in Gaylord. Take exit 282 from I-75 N
about 3 hr. 9 min. (231 mi) - Follow M-32 W and US-131 N to Cliff Dweller Dr in Boyne Valley Township
about 25 min. (20.3 mi) - 25 min (20.3 mi)
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How to get To SkyBridge Michigan from Mackinaw City, Mi
- Get on I-75 S from Michigan Hwy 108
about 4 min. (1.5 mi) - Follow I-75 S to County Rd C-58/Afton Rd/Main St in Nunda Township. Take exit 301 from I-75 S
about 30 min. (36.6 mi) - Take S Straits Hwy and E Thumb Lake Rd to Cliff Dweller Dr in Boyne Valley Township
about 27 min. (22.1 mi)
Parking for SkyBridge
There are many parking areas at Boyne Mountain but most of them are reserved for hotel guests. If you are not a hotel guest, you will use one of the 3 designated day skier parking areas. I’ve circled them in yellow on the map above.
How to get tickets for SkyBridge Michigan?
There are a few ways to purchase tickets for SkyBridge. Choose your favorite option and enjoy all of the fun you’re about to have.
In person- To buy tickets in person head to area 4 (lift ticket window) on the map.
Online- To buy tickets online, head to the Boyne Mountain Online Store to buy SkyBridge tickets. After your online purchase, you will take your confirmation to the lift ticket windows (area 4 on the map). Once at the window, you will fill out waivers and they will give you your day passes.
Go Card- You can also load your tickets onto your Go Card. Learn more here.
SkyBridge tickets include all-day access to SkyBridge Michigan and Hemlock Scenic Chairlift. Get the most out of your money and plan to spend the day at Boyne Mountain. This way you can experience the bridge & scenic chairlift all day long.
SkyBridge Michigan Ticket Price
Senior (70+) day pass ticket prices are $20
Adult (11-69) day pass ticket prices are $25
Junior (3-10) day pass ticket prices are $15
Child (2 & under) FREE entry
How to get to the SkyBridge When you are at Boyne Mountain?
After you have purchased your day passes from the lift ticket window, head to Hemlock Scenic Chairlift (area 17 on the map). It is almost directly across from the lift ticket window, although, it doesn’t look like it on the map. Ride the Hemlock Chairlift to the mountain top. When you exit the chairlift look to the right and you’ll see SkyBridge Michigan.
Hemlock Scenic Chairlift is slow-moving. It’s perfect for those who don’t have experience using a chairlift.
*This was my family’s first time using a chairlift and we all did great!
Best Time to Visit SkyBridge Michigan
You can visit the SkyBridge in Michigan year-round depending on the wind. The maximum allowable wind speed is 35+ mph within a 15-mile radius of the site. If that windspeed is reached, the bridge will close.
The best time to visit SkyBridge Michigan is in the fall. During fall, you’ll get to see the colorful fall foliage fill Boyne Valley. Fall also has decent weather and fewer people because the ski slopes aren’t open yet.
We went at the start of the winter season, we enjoyed watching the skiers and snowboarders pass below us while we were on the bridge. However, it was cold and the resort area was crowded. It didn’t help that we went on the resort’s opening weekend for skiing/snowboarding.
Spring & Summer would also be great times to go. Spring has more mild temps than summer and it also brings more rain. Summer in Michigan is often humid and hot.
Other Things to do at Boyne Mountain
- Zip Adventures
- Ski/Snowboard
- Snow Tubing
- Fat Tire Snow Biking & Summer Biking
- Snowshoeing
- Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark (Michigan’s biggest indoor waterpark)
- Ice Skating
- Sleigh Rides
- Golf
- Fly Fishing
- Hiking
- Scenic Chairlift Rides
- Horseback Riding and more. See all Boyne Mountain activities
Fun Fact – The thrilling adventure of SkyBridge is Boyne Mountain Resort’s newest big attraction!
Where to Stay
Ovbiously, I’m going to suggest Boyne Mountain Resort! They have so much to offer. From the beautiful scenery to the new bridge. There’s literally something for everyone.
That being said- When we went, we opted to stay in Petoskey. We were only able to get away for one night and wanted to hunt for Petoskey stones (we found some) and see the SkyBridge. Staying in Petoskey is what worked for us.
Helpful Resources We Can’t Live Without
Accommodations- We love and swear by HiltonHonors, but when we want to stay someplace different, we use Hotels.com. You can search for deals on hotels, cabins, houses & more.
Getting There- Roadtripping with our car is how we prefer to travel. That being said, Skyscanner has great deals on flights and RVShare has deals on RV rentals.
Other Favorites-
Save money on gas- Upside
Find pit stops on your route- RoadTrippers
Deals on local food & attractions- Living Social
Explore top city attractions at a fraction of the price- CityPASS
Looking for gear? See the best deals on clothing & gear here, & best travel essentials here.
Looking for road trip food ideas? Check out food for road trips you’ll love.
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Things to Do Near SkyBridge Michigan
- Hunt for Petoskey Stones & Yooperlites
- Swim at Petosky State Park
- Bear River Recreational Area
We had so much fun checking out the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge in Michigan. I’m hoping to get back when the fall colors are on full display. Would you walk across SkyBridge Michigan, the longest structure of its kind? Let us know in the comments!
Pin Now, Travel Later
This is interesting and seems fun for a family trip. A wonderful guide to help people.
Wow while family is from Michigan but I’ve never visited. Will have to next time I visit them !
As a Civil Engineer I must admit I get excited about bridges. And since the Skybridge Minnesota is the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge, it will be added to my list of things to see. I love the very different views you get in the winter. I hope not to visit on a real windy day!
I love bridges and this one looks pretty epic! Would love to see it with my own eyes some day.