See Iowa in a Whole New Flight!

July 22, 2014 — In 2011, Sky Tours added ziplining to the list of great Iowa adventures and attractions. Since then, thousands of guests have seen Iowa “in a whole new flight” and they’re loving it! Now in its fourth season, Sky Tours Zipline at YMCA Union Park Camp in Dubuque, Iowa, continues to delight guests with a unique combination of thrills, history and nature. Sky Tours gives Midwesterners an opportunity to experience a professionally-designed and built zipline course, right in their own backyard.

About the course. The Sky Tours course has the three highest, fastest and longest ziplines in Iowa. (Ziplines range from 350 feet to more than 1,000 feet in length.) A “tour” consists of travelling nine separate ziplines with a bit of hiking on trails between some of the ziplines. (The original course had seven, with two more lines added for Season 2013.) Using the natural terrain of the hills and valleys of Horseshoe Hollow, the ziplines traverse above the ruins of Union Park, a popular amusement park of the early 1900s. Guests hear the history of the park as they zip over and walk through the ruins.

About the experience. Operating from May through mid-November, the different seasons offer unique experiences. Spring offers the clearest views before the forest canopy fills. Summer brings a full canopy and the feeling of speed as you catapult through the woods. Fall, of course, brings the changing colors and wonderful landscapes. For an even more unusual experience, consider a Night Tour. Offered once a month, on Friday and Saturday nights nearest the full moon, Night Tours depart in twilight and finish in complete darkness. It takes the Iowa zipline experience to a whole new level!

Fully guided tours. Zipline tours are fully guided and all safety equipment is provided. Guests are required only to wear appropriate footwear – closed-toe shoes. Multiple tours are offered each day, with departures generally scheduled for 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Since we’re a gravity-based zipline course, no guest hand-braking is required. We’re told it’s much easier to enjoy the ride with no stopping or landing worries! And a guide is always there to help.

Limitations. Just two:

Age. Guests must be at least ten (10) years of age. Our oldest guest to date is 87!
Weight. Weight range: between 70 and 270 lb.

Reservations. Reservations are required and can be made:

Through our online reservation system: www.SkyToursZipline.com
By calling 563.484.4248.

Sky Tours is owned and operated by the Dubuque Community YMCA/YWCA, with all proceeds from its operation used to further its mission in the community.

Kevin Hougham
Dubuque Community YMCA/YWCA

The original blog article.