“You’ve got this – just step off the ledge.”
A line like that will ignite your blood, whether it energizes or paralyzes you. Either way, it’ll be the last thing ringing in your ears as you leap into the void and hurtle through the forest on a Tarzan swing at Go Ape.
The adventure park specializes in outdoor activities that spark courage, connection and discovery. As you climb, swing and zip through the forest canopy of St. Louis’ Creve Coeur Park, you’ll tap into a sense of freedom, push your limits and leave with a feeling of accomplishment.
Open to those 10 and older, the original treetop adventure delivers heart-pounding fun as daredevils conquer high-ropes crossings, free-fall into cargo nets and soar across zip lines.
The challenge begins with a tutorial from your adventure guide, who will make sure you feel safe and confident before you take to the trees. Once you’re ready, you can begin the first of five courses, each of which offers different routes, from easy to moderate to extreme.
“Some of the extreme options include traversing wobbly logs, negotiating dangling rings and skateboarding down a zip line,” Chrissy Very, senior director of marketing at Go Ape, says. “No matter which path you choose, you can go at your own pace. The treetop adventure usually takes two to three hours, but I’ve seen a group of 70-year-olds spend six hours on the course, navigating the rope ladders, suspended planks and swinging bridges with cautious determination.”
If you’re looking for a full-body workout with an outstanding view, this is it. Many features of the treetop adventure require careful footing, steady balance and inner grit as well as arm strength to pull yourself up when you fall – which you will.
Along the way, look for birds above and deer below. “From late winter through spring, we have to close an area of Go Ape to accommodate nesting owls and hawks,” Very explains. “We also have families of deer that roam the woods, and it’s not uncommon to be greeted by a couple at the end of a zip line.”
“Go Ape inspires people to live boldly. With all our experiences, you’re going to do something different – and possibly check one or two items off your bucket list – but we also want to promote connection.”
– Chrissy Very, senior director of marketing at Go Ape
Traveling with little sprouts? The treetop journey is an accessible introduction to aerial adventure, with more approachable obstacles that still allow you to immerse yourself in nature. Participants must be at least three feet three inches, and they’re invited to choose their own path, including various levels of difficulty.
“At Go Ape, we replace screen glare with fresh air, allowing guests to reset from digital overload,” Very says. “Nature isn’t just a backdrop here; it’s a catalyst for improved mental and physical health, which is especially important for kids and teens growing up in an increasingly virtual world.”
To protect and preserve the woodlands surrounding Go Ape, the company donates a portion of ticket sales to Creve Coeur Park, supporting the ongoing efforts to make St. Louis parks greener, cleaner and easier to love.
Unique to the St. Louis location, an outdoor escape room weaves local history into a series of puzzles, riddles and challenges that test the problem-solving skills of your team.
Additionally, Go Ape uses primal dynamics for team building and leadership development with corporate, government and student groups. “Pairing our treetop adventures with ground-based activities, we help build confidence, resilience and adaptability, among other lifelong skills,” Very explains, “and nothing boosts morale like watching your boss launch off a 50-foot platform!
“Go Ape inspires people to live boldly,” she continues. “With all our experiences, you’re going to do something different – and possibly check one or two items off your bucket list – but we also want to promote connection. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends or colleagues, we hope that your adventure teaches you better communication, empathy and compassion. In a high-stakes environment like this, you learn how to support each other – and lighten the mood with laughter – and we hope that it leads to stronger relationships.”
Everyone from the Savannah Bananas to the Indiana Fever has been to Go Ape. Now, it’s your turn!
