Northwoods Zip Line Adventure Tours — Attraction in Town of Minoqua

My wife, two teenage daughters, and I drove about 6 hours from Illinois to Minocqua to do the Full Experience Tour (zip and aerial) as well as the Kayak tour on July 12th and 13th, respectively. Only our oldest daughter had experienced zip lining or kayaking, as the rest of us were new.

Those who have complained about the price of these tours have obviously not experienced them and contrasted them with other lesser tours that are less expensive, but also much less fulfilling. Ultimately, the tours were well worth the money, and we would all highly recommend them.

The Full Experience Tour lasted over 3 hours and included various zip lines and aerial obstacles. The zips were all pretty unique with varying lengths and altitudes, as well as some terrific views (including over a lake). After watching a short training video and gearing up, they had us do a practice zip line at ground level, and then we were off. The tour included a bit of hiking, stair climbing, rope swinging, and of course zip lining, but none of it was too rigorous (we aren't that athletic and we did fine).

I was very thankful that they allowed me to use my GoPro the entire time with the chest mount I brought along. I was able to record most of the experience, and we even used my iPhone for some photos and videos from the treehouses as the rest of the family approached. THANK YOU for allowing this as it made the experience much more memorable for us. For those without a GoPro or unwilling to risk their own personal devices, they do have an optional photo package that you can purchase (and they take the photos anyway).

Our guides were Austin and Brylee, both of which were VERY encouraging and helpful. In full disclosure, one of the guides did experience a mishap towards the end of the tour due to lack of experience/training in this one area in particular, but we never felt unsafe and they handled it very well.

Although the zip line tour was the highlight for us, we also did the kayak tour the next day, which lasted about 3 hours as well (though it can vary depending on the rowing speed of your party and the speed of the river current). This tour was a sharp contrast to the zip tour, so it was a nice change of pace.

They drove us a short distance in a van with the kayaks in tow and then we began our tour upstream from the main Northwoods outpost. Our guide was Izzy, and she was great! The kayaking was not challenging, so if you are experienced or expecting a more thrilling experience, you should probably look elsewhere. Aside from our oldest daughter, we were all new to this as well, so it was very enjoyable and just the right length. We really enjoyed the scenery and the peaceful river location. Our guide did tell us early on that we would probably stop for a stretch at some point to get out of our kayaks, but we never did find a good spot to get out. So our arms and butts were a bit sore afterwards, but we definitely felt we got our money's worth here as well, though the 50% deal with bundling did help.

Overall, we would HIGHLY recommend Northwoods for some great memorable experiences! The staff were all helpful with great attitudes, and we would definitely...

We were very pleased with this family outing. The guides were so sweet (naturally in the Northwoods of WI) and helpful with the zip lining newbies in our group including our fearless 8 year old. The only reason for 4 stars rather than 5 is that we really wished there was a braking system in place so we wouldn’t have had to do hand brakes. The views were still amazing but for those who have experience zip lining, just taking a ride without being able to let go and turn and flip made it a little short on our expectations. Of the 9 zip lines, they did have a brake system on the last one and you’re able to race a partner and go hands free. We had just really wished for that on the first 8 as well. Overall still a fun experience with family and a wide range of experience levels, but to get 5 stars, they need to have hands free braking. Even though they give you practice, those without any experience or limited upper arm strength come in to land pretty hard. Also, you can’t take in as much of the views because you have to watch for your guide to tell you when to brake.

Maybe it’s just personal preference for us, but at $117 a person (about $350 for 3 of us) we were kinda bummed about not getting to fly down the lines upside down. We still recommend this business though and would possibly come back in a few years when our younger children are old enough to go with us. And if this isn’t something that would bother you, then this place is perfect. If anything, the staff is really awesome. We had Austin and Anna...

Took zipline AND kayak tours. Both were fun, engaging, and the guides were lovely humans. In fact, the guide staff is the main benefit of working with this particular company. In addition, we got the photo package both times, and we were delighted with the pictures we got.The zipline tour was the highlight of my 11yo's trip last fall, and I have been grateful ever since--THANK YOU!

That said, though, both tours I've taken were expensive, as other reviewers have mentioned. The zipline tour is probably worth the price, as it's unique and requires guide-intensive hours and significant infrastructure.

But I'm less sure the kayaking is worth it. It's a long trek (5 miles), but it's sedate enough that the guide might not be essential for many folks, and it's in the Tomahawk river, which silty with endless views of grassland for the most part. You'd save money, get the same experience, and see a cleaner, fresher river with better views going over to Hawk's Nest for river tubing.

As for kayaking, BE WARNED that these are non-traditional kayaks, which do not cover the lower part of your legs. I applied sunscreen only to the parts of my legs that would be exposed in a traditional kayak, and as a result got one of the worst sunburns of my life. By the time I learned that the kayaks didn't have tops, it was too late--my sunblock was back at the registration site. I assume the covers were removed for safety with non-experienced kayakers and I appreciate that. I just wish I'd known...