Sky Tours Zipline In Iowa Will Take You On A Tree Top Adventure

See the Union Park ruins from high above as you soar through the air.

The first of nine ziplines is the Bunny Run, where you'll fly over a deep ravine at the edge of the course. For the next zipline, you'll soar over a quiet and secluded valley to land on the hillside. After a short walk through the woods, you'll launch from 45 feet and enjoy a 360-degree view of Union Park's Horseshoe Hollow. From the fourth zipline landing point, you'll enjoy a ride from a platform to an easy landing on solid ground on a bluff. The fifth line, named Air Strike, zips through dense vegetation and over Union Park's bowling alley ruins.

The sixth line is fast, as you zip along at nearly-ground level and land along the far end of the eastern valley of the course. The seventh line is more than 800 feet long and they get pretty fast as you zip down the hillside. You'll see the Union Park pool, and then land on the hillside. The eighth line crosses over the seventh, making it the Midwest's first double-layered zipline. The last line starts on an elevated take-off platform and you'll zip through a tree corridor to see Horseshoe Hollow.

Guides are trained and certified in ziplining safety. They know the terrain, the course, and the equipment. Many Sky Tours guests are first-time zipliners, and the guides know how to put everyone at ease.

This particular zipline course was designed for people with average strength and stamina, so don't worry if you aren't a hardcore Cross-Fit beast of a human. The short hikes are no more strenuous than climbing three flights of stairs.

The zipline tour is like a nine-hole golf course. The tour takes about 2 hours and includes a few short hikes from one landing spot to the next launch spot. You'll get an amazing view of the historic Union Park ruins as you fly through the air.

Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the reserved time so the guides will have time to fit everyone in the group with a helmet, climbing harness, and lanyard with safety carabiners.

The Sky Tours guides recommend that any body piercing jewelry be removed before ziplining, for safety. Avoid wearing loose clothing like scarves and skirts. Short-shorts are a bad idea, too. Zipliners spend a lot of time flying through the air in harnesses, so dress appropriately for the activity and for the (often unpredictable) weather.

Sky Tours accommodates young people, including Scout groups, youth groups, church groups, large families, and even corporate outings. Larger groups should call or email to book a reservation.

In fact, most of the tour participants at Sky Tours are first time zipliners. The guides conduct a training session and orientation before starting the course so everyone feels comfortable. They also check everyone's gear at each zipline starting and landing point to make sure everyone is secure.

For those seeking a special type of ziplining adventure, the Night Flight presents a unique kind of thrill. Fly through the pitch black night air during this unique tour. Call Sky Tours for details.