The Forge Lemont Quarries Outdoor Adventure Park is one of the best things to come out of 2020, and I’m super excited about it! The 300-acre park located 22 miles outside of downtown Chicago, boasts the largest adventure course in North America. It’s everything an outdoor thrill-seeker could want and more! My son Donovan and I were so impressed during our visit!
The Forge Lemont Quarries Activities
The Forge is an amusement park for outdoor enthusiasts, and there’s no shortage of activities. Young and old alike can expect a full day of open-air fun! Kiddos ages 3 to 13 will love the Two Towers Adventure for kids; it has over 30 fun elements.
Also, there’s an aerial challenge course, four over-water ziplines, mountain biking skills courses and pump tracks, flatwater paddlesports including kayaking, canoeing, and pedal boats, rock climbing zone, tactical laser tag, outdoor escape experiences, five miles of running, biking and walking trails.
The Forge Lemont Quarries 8 Tower Adventure
The Eight Tower Adventure is the showpiece of The Forge Lemont Quarries Adventure Park and the activity that Donovan and I decided to conquer.
The 10-acre adventure course has five stand-alone “Hex Towers,” interconnected by 2 miles of ziplines, multiple rappelling stations, and 299 high ropes course elements spread across 15 aerial adventure trails. The Hex Towers connect to the three tallest climbing, rappelling, and ziplining towers in the United States: East X Tower, West X Tower, and Skyscraper Tower!
Skyscraper Tower
The Skyscraper Tower is over 120 feet high and has 56 rope course elements. I have to be straight. My nerves had me close to chickening out on this course. Once I decided that I was doing it, my nervous energy became excitement!
However, what I imagined as my ability to tackle this tower and what transpired were world’s apart, lol. It took us over two hours to make it to the top of the Skyscraper Tower. How an individual can tackle all eight in a day is beyond me! There were times when I thought of taking a more comfortable alternative, namely when faced with the rock climbing wall, but I pushed through. My son was even impressed. The rewards were epic views throughout the experience. There were moments during the climb when I’d make sure to pause to enjoy the peace and stunning views.
Once we reached the top, we took the zipline across the water! I let out all kinds of screams, lol! It was awesome! You can also rappel down from the top. We did that too!
The dream and vision of The Forge go back to my childhood. I grew up in Colorado in the mountains climbing, biking, and doing adventure sports. I wanted to bring those authentic outdoor activities to this part of the country.
Co-Founder Jeremy Bacon
After zip-lining we took to the kayaks for a few races. I definitely got a full workout in that day!
The Forge Lemont Quarries Dining
After you work up an appetite grab a bite at The Foundry –an on-the-go market with healthy food options. We enjoyed a hearty lunch, and I’m happy to report that the food was just as impressive as the views.
Open daily; the chef-curated, locally-sourced menu includes a selection of healthy sandwiches and wraps, parfaits, green and grain salads, pasta salads, and more, including a variety of vegetarian-friendly options. Additionally, the open-air concept serves a full line-up of beverages, including On The Ropes, an exclusive craft Kolsch Lager created in collaboration with Lemont’s own Pollyanna Brewery.
The Forge Safety
Before engaging in the tower adventure, we signed waivers and received extensive training instructions and demonstrations. We even had practice sessions with our equipment. I felt confident proceeding afterward. There was also an attendant readily available for assistance on the tower.
Final Thoughts
In a time when outdoor activities are the preferred choice for so many, The Forge is the obvious choice! Take advantage of this new addition to the Midwest! I can’t wait to return! My son’s been talking about getting a job there ever since our visit. Too bad we live in the city, and he doesn’t have a car, lol.
P.S-If you’re able to get through the 8 Tower Adventure in a day, you’re super human and I want to know who you are! Mad Props!!!
Important Notes
- Check the hours of the park before your visit
- Make a reservation
- You can purchase a Day Pass or Individual Activity Pass
- Annual Membership is available
- Park is open 365 days a year
- The park grounds are open to the public you only pay for the activities.
- Outside food and beverages are prohibited
- The park is dog friendly (on leash required)
