8 extreme adventures to experience in North America
Dream vacations aren’t always about finding
the ultimate way to relax. Sometimes you want to do fun activities that’ll make
you feel alive. Here are eight extreme adventures you can try around North
America. If you dare, of course.
1. Tilt! – Chicago, Illinois
Chicago has one heck of a skyline, but Tilt! gives it a
whole new perspective. Situated 94 floors above the Magnificent Mile – that’s
1,000 feet up – is an eight-person platform that tilts out 30 degrees to give
you a downward facing view of the Windy City’s famous skyline. Clear days allow
you to see around 50 miles out. All you have to do is work up the nerve to step
up to the plate.
2. Louisville Mega Cavern Mega
Zips – Louisville, Kentucky
Strolling through caves throughout the United States is always
cool. But do you have what it takes to zip line through a cave? This man-made
cave in Louisville tests your mettle with six underground zip
lines in an area that has over 17 miles of passageways. If you want something a
little more family friendly, they have the Mega Tram that takes guests of all
ages on a one-hour tour of the area.
3. EdgeWalk at the CN Tower – Toronto, Ontario
Thrilling might be too tame a word when describing the EdgeWalk at the CN Tower.
Freaking insane works, but in a good way. This Canadian Signature Experience
takes brave souls for a 30-minute walk around a five-foot wide platform on top
of the tower’s main pod, which is 1,168 feet above Toronto. In 2011, it was put
into the Guinness Book of World Records as the “Highest External Walk on a
Building.”
4. New River, Gauley River white water rafting
– Lansing, West Virginia
Enjoying the great outdoors reaches another level when you drive
out to Lansing, West Virginia, to experience some white water
rafting. What’s great about braving these rapids is there’s something for
everyone, including the kids. Head to the Upper New River for families with
kids 6 and older, while the Upper Gauley River in the fall is one of the
world’s best spots to face class-V rapids.
5. Machine Guns Vegas – Las Vegas
Want to feel like an action movie star? Machine Guns Vegas has
your covered. This gem is just off the Vegas Strip with experiences to fire guns like you’re in
Seal Team VI or the SAS. There’s even some guns for the kids to fire off a
round or two. Don’t worry – all of the shooting is done with experienced staff
within arm’s reach. There’s also a minigun (talk about a misnomer) to channel
your inner Rambo and a posh lounge area to relax in while waiting for your turn
in the firing range.
6. Shark Valley Trails – Everglades National
Park, Florida
Bike rides are usually just something some do to relax and keep
fit. Take a bike ride on the Shark Valley Trailsin
the Florida Everglades during your Miami vacation and you’ll see it in a whole new light.
This trail used for tram tours also gives people a chance to take a bike ride
(rent one at the visitor’s center) on a slab of pavement where it’s not
uncommon to see alligators laying around to do a little sunbathing. Just be
sure not to roll over their tails.
7. Screaming Gator Zip Lines – Orlando,
Florida
If you don’t want to ride a bike through gators, then maybe
you’d like to zip above them. Orlando institutionGatorland hooks you into a zip line that propels riders
at speeds nearing 30 miles per hour over crocodiles and alligators as you reach
platforms nestled among the treetops. Nothing tame about this experience, my
friends.
8. Richard Petty Driving Experience – Various
locations
Your adrenaline will be pumping when you get into an authentic
NASCAR race car for a couple of laps that can reach 165 MPH! “The King” Richard Petty gives
gearheads a chance to get behind the wheel of an actual stock car at various
tracks around the country, including Daytona and Indianapolis, and put the pedal to the metal. While it’s great
to drive yourself, consider having one of the pros behind the wheel. They’ve got
loads of experience and it’s just as exhilarating.
Did we miss an amazing extreme
activity? Sound off below.
