Zip Lines, Treetop Obstacles Coming to Forest Preserves of Cook County

Western Springs, IL — The first zip line and treetop obstacle course in Illinois opened June 25 in the Forest Preserves of Cook County.

The seven-acre course by Go Ape, a treetop adventure course company, runs through Bemis Woods South within the Forest Preserves, 1100 Ogden Avenue, in Western Springs.

Go Ape courses are designed for exercise, team building and confidence building at different skill levels, according to a news release from Go Ape and the Forest Preserves.

“The Forest Preserves of Cook County has aggressively expanded its recreational offerings over the last several years,” said Forest Preserves general superintendent Arnold Randall in a statement. “It is exciting to partner with a company like Go Ape, which understands and complements our mission as an organization.”

After a 20-minute safety session, the course takes about two to three hours to finish. Course features include:

• 5 zip lines totaling 2,837 feet
• A “double Tarzan swing” that allows two people to swing down from 30 feet and safely land in a cargo net
• A series of rope ladders and bridges, spiderwebs and trapezes
• 40 obstacles situated 40-plus feet up in the forest canopy

The course is made up of five sites. Each site begins with a rope ladder leading to obstacles and ending with a zip line back down to the ground, according to Go Ape. Each site is more challenging than the last, and the zip lines get longer as you go.

The course costs are $57 for people 16 and older and $37 for children ages 10 to 15.

“The Chicagoland area is special to us, as it is now the largest market where Go Ape offers outdoor adventure,” said Go Ape managing director Dan D’Agostino in a statement. “Go Ape is quickly becoming nationally known for fun, challenge and adventure, as well as environmental stewardship. We’re looking forward to getting residents and visitors up in the trees, as well as becoming part of the region’s vibrant outdoors culture.”

Go Ape estimates about 70 percent of people who use its courses are new visitors, and partner organizations usually see an increase in visitors by as much as 25 percent.

The course will be open April 1 through November 30. Sessions can be booked online at goape.com or by phone at 1-800-971-8271.

Photos courtesy of Carolyn Tunney (Go Ape).
This story was originally published June 21, 2016.