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Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Mega zipping in Louisville

Do you want to zip line through the only underground course in the world? Test your skills and balance across three exhilarating challenge bridges? Louisvillians, look no further than in your backyard to experience this thrilling adventure. Get your hearts racing as you zip line on five courses beneath the City of Louisville in the only man-made cavern of its kind. Your experienced tour guides are waiting for you at Louisville Mega Cavern.

Louisville Mega Zip begins with trained guides harnessing and securing twelve pounds of equipment to you. The first line known as the bunny zip introduces you to the speed, depth, and fun for 80 feet. A tram ride takes you to the remaining four zip lines where true challenges await. Distances run from 450 feet at the Zip Line to Hell to 900 feet at Lake Canyon. The buzz sound from moving zip lines will echo throughout the dimly lit cavern as you cross depths up to 90 feet. Your tour would not be complete without crossing over the swaying challenge bridges inside the cavern.

What was originally a limestone quarry in the mid-20th century was transformed by private investors in 1989. Approximately 100 acres underground houses the largest building in the State of Kentucky and the largest recycling center in the state. Four entrances into the Mega Cavern lead to 17 miles of underground passageways beneath the Louisville Zoo, Watterson Expressway and other roadways. Its space serves as a business park and is utilized for warehouses and storage facilities.

Since its grand opening on July 8, 2011, Tom Tyler, one of the owners, has seen more visitors in the Mega Cavern from out of town than locally. “They come from Indianapolis, Dayton, Columbus, all over,” he said, “especially if they are coming into the city for business or on spring break.” Safety in the Mega Cavern is their first priority. All of the guides have extensive training from fitting each visitor with gear, highlighting proper instructions, and transporting them from one zip line to the next.

For a more relaxed adventure, visitors may take a one hour tram tour to learn about the history of the Mega Cavern, geology, and its special features. Overnight stays have taken place in the cavern and even a wedding. New for the fall will be an Aerial Adventure Course spanning 15,000 square feet; one of only 20 in the United States. Tyler said, “The challenge courses will promote team building.” It will be a unique adventure for corporations, church groups, and birthday parties.

Take advantage of this local destination and visit the Louisville Mega Cavern on spring break or anytime. Whether you experience the thrill of zip lining or take the historic tram tour, the journey will amaze you as you travel underground. Reservations for tours are strongly recommended. For more information, go to www.louisvillemegacavern.com; or call (877) 614-6342 or (502) 885-6342.

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Source: The Examiner