A Fall Day Trip to Michigan’s SkyBridge at Boyne Mountain
The fall season in northern Michigan is absolutely stunning and I’m so happy to be home this year to experience the changing colors of the leaves and beautiful views Michigan has to offer. My mom and I decided to take a quick day trip up north to Michigan’s SkyBridge at Boyne Mountain — one of Michigan’s most popular fall attractions. The SkyBridge opened in 2022 and is currently the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge! We’d seen photos of it all over social media and couldn’t resist finally seeing it in person during peak fall color season.
The Drive North Through Michigan’s Fall Colors
We left home in Paris, MI and made the hour-and-forty-five-minute trip north to Boyne Falls. The ride itself was gorgeous. We rode through winding roads surrounded by trees bursting in shades of orange, yellow, and red. I couldn’t stop thinking about how this looked like something straight out of a fall postcard.
By the time we reached Boyne Mountain Resort, the air had that perfect crispness. The sun was beginning to shine, and Mom and I were both buzzing with excitement for a perfect fall day ahead.
Arriving at Boyne Mountain Resort
After parking, we noticed there was a shuttle that ran from the parking lot to the resort’s main village. Since we had just missed the shuttle, we decided to stretch our legs and walk the short distance around the pond.
The resort area was much bigger than I had expected. I’d always heard about Michigan’s SkyBridge at Boyne Mountain, but I hadn’t realized it was built in a whole ski resort. That was a pleasant surprise.
Exploring the Resort’s Cozy Village
The main village area had everything you could want for a cozy fall day. Food stalls filled the air with the smell of hot cocoa, cider, and fresh donuts. A large wood-burning firepit was burning in a cozy seating area with Adirondack chairs full of visitors.
Entertainment was everywhere including pony rides and a bounce house for the children and live performers juggling and interacting with guests. Staff members walked through the crowd welcoming visitors and making sure everyone was having a great time.
Mom and I spent a while wandering through the village shops browsing outdoor gear, ski equipment, and of course, a few shelves of tourist memorabilia.
Taking the Chairlift Up the Mountain
To reach Michigan’s SkyBridge at Boyne Mountain, you can take one of two ski lifts — a smaller two-seater or a newer six-person lift. We chose the older two-seater. It felt a little nostalgic, and gave us time to enjoy the view at a slower pace.
The ride up was calm and quiet, with the warm sun on our faces. It was one of those moments where you can’t help but pause and take a deep breath. Fall in Northern Michigan feels so wholesome.
Crossing Michigan’s SkyBridge at Boyne Mountain
After getting off the ski lift, we made our way toward the bridge. A friendly staff member was snapping photos of each visitor before they crossed. Even though the sun was shining directly in our eyes, Mom and I were happy to stop and capture the moment together.
Walking across the Skybridge was an exciting experience — it starts swaying almost the moment you step on, adding just the right amount of thrill. The bridge stretches 1,200 feet across and hangs about 118 feet above the valley below. Despite its size, it didn’t feel long at all while walking across. That could be because we were so busy taking in the views (and holding onto the rails when it swayed left and right).
From the middle of the bridge, you’re rewarded with exceptional views of the rolling hills beyond painted in fiery shades of orange, red, and yellow. We couldn’t have picked a better fall day to visit.
During the fall season, tickets are a bit pricier (around $45 per person), but that includes the chairlift ride and all the on-site entertainment. In the off-season, tickets drop to around $25. If you ask me, $45 feels like a fair price for this kind of view and such a fun experience on the mountain and in the village.
What’s at the Top of the Mountain
Once we crossed the bridge, the top of the mountain was full of energy. There was live music, a beer tent, and a couple of different food truck options. Mom and I grabbed some chicken tenders, fries, and (of course) cider donuts for lunch. While we sat in the beer tent eating our lunch and enjoying the warm sunshine, we watched people play giant chess, cornhole, and ladder toss. It felt like a full fall festival sitting right on the mountain top. A performer came over to our table while we were eating and did some neat hula hoop tricks, and there was even an axe-throwing truck.
The bridge itself is one-way traffic only, so to head back to the lift, you take a scenic trail that loops around the bridge. This short walk gives you a completely different perspective of the bridge. It looks much higher off the ground from this angle. You can see the bridge stretched across the valley with a beautiful background.
There were several photo stops along the walkway back and even some seats made out of old ski lift seating, which I thought was pretty cool.
Accessibility and Planning Tips
Unfortunately, the bridge itself is not accessible. However, the rest of the resort is fairly accessible. If you’re in a wheelchair, you can check your chair at the ski lift, get loaded onto the lift, and pick up a chair when you’re offloading the lift at the top. Just tell the team you’ll need to lift to full stop for you to get off ahead of time so they’re prepared to assist.
We didn’t have to wait long on our way up, but the line for the lift back down took about 30 minutes to get through. I’d recommend setting aside at least 3 hours for your visit. We stayed about 4 hours, which felt great. We slowly strolled through the village, stopped at multiple shops, had lunch and more. It gave us time to see everything and relax without rushing.
Final Thoughts on Our Day Trip
Spending the day at Michigan’s SkyBridge at Boyne Mountain was such a fun and memorable experience. The weather was perfect, the views were incredible, and sharing the day with my mom made it even better. Whether you go as a family, with friends, on a date, or even solo, it’s an easy and rewarding fall getaway in Northern Michigan.
If you’re looking for something that blends adventure, scenic views, and a little bit of small-town charm — Michigan’s SkyBridge at Boyne Mountain absolutely delivers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Michigan’s SkyBridge at Boyne Mountain
The SkyBridge at Boyne Mountain opened in October 2022 and is currently the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge.
The bridge spans approximately 1,200 feet across the Boyne Valley. It sits 118 feet above the ground, offering incredible panoramic views of Northern Michigan.
Michigan’s SkyBridge is located at Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls, Michigan — about 70 miles south of Mackinaw City and 60 miles north of Traverse City.
Tickets vary by season and day of the week. During fall, tickets cost around $45 per person, while off-season pricing is typically closer to $25. Admission includes the chairlift ride to the summit and access to all the entertainment areas. Check for current ticket prices here.
Yes! The SkyBridge operates in all four seasons. Each season offers a different experience — colorful fall foliage, snow-covered winter views, spring greenery, and sunny summer days.
Plan for about 3–4 hours total. That gives you time to explore the resort village, take the lift up, cross the bridge, enjoy the summit area, and return down.
Pets are not permitted on the chairlift or bridge, but Boyne Mountain is a pet-friendly resort in many other areas, so you can still enjoy the property with your pup before or after your visit.
Fall is by far the most popular season thanks to the vibrant foliage, but summer and winter each have their own charm. For smaller crowds, visit on a weekday or earlier in the day.
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Katelynn is a Texas-based writer and travel enthusiast who makes the most of her time exploring new destinations while balancing a full-time 9-5 job. She has visited 12 countries and 27 U.S. states. She describes herself as a weekend warrior and shares her passion for travel, outdoor adventures, and solo journeys on her blog, KatelynnOutLoud.
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Wreck - Catherine Newman
I never would’ve guessed Michigan has a ski resort! I would love to visit the skybridge someday–looks so beautiful and fun.
Oh yeah! Northern Michigan is really outdoorsy! There are more than 30 ski resorts/ski areas to visit if you’re interested in winter activities! The Skybridge is a nice touch to the Boyne Mountain park. It brings people, like myself, in for a visit when I’m not into skiing or winter activities. (:
Added this to my Michigan bucket list — what a beautiful experience! Your photos are absolutely stunning, and the fall colors look like pure magic. I love how you included all the practical tips, from parking to the ticket prices and even the cozy atmosphere in the village. The SkyBridge at Boyne Mountain looks like such a fun and scenic adventure, especially during peak fall foliage. Definitely saving this for my next trip to Michigan!
It’s definitely worth a visit! As mentioned, it’s part of a whole resort, so if you have family and want to make a whole trip out of it, there’s plenty to do. There’s a water park, a zip line, shopping and more. The Skybridge is very pretty and the fall colors are unmatched this time of the year!