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SkyBridge Michigan brings new views to Boyne Mountain

People looking for a new view of fall colors may get the chance this weekend in Charlevoix county.

A 1200 foot long bridge at Boyne mountain will open Saturday October 15th. The owner said it will set the record for the longest timber-towered suspension bridge in the world.

Anchored by two timber towers on either side, the bridge hovers 118 feet over Boyne Valley, with a view of Rams Head lift and trail.

Erin Ernst, the Director of Communications for Boyne Mountain, says the suspension allows for some movement while walking across the bridge.

“It's just beautiful views up from the top, and if you're not a skier and you haven't experienced that for yourself, then this is really a great way to be able to experience it,” she said.

Ernst said there is a 36-foot glass panel in the middle of the bridge, which will give pedestrians a birds-eye view of skiers on Rams Head during the winter months.

SkyBridge Michigan was modeled after a bridge in Gatlinburg SkyLift Park in Tennessee, which is Boynes sister park.

The new attraction will be open daily from 10am to 8:30pm year-round, but access will be limited to weekends throughout the month of November. Tickets cost 25$ for full day access to the bridge.

“It's well worth the investment,” Ernst said. “It will be something that will be really unique and allow expanded visitation for not only us, but for the region as a whole, too.”

Jill Harrington is a senior at CMU majoring in journalism and minoring in theatre and interpretation. Jill grew up in Novi, Michigan and started reporting for WCMU in summer 2022.