Chicago, Illinois

Go Ape can get busy, especially on weekends and holidays. Booking your adventure in advance ensures you get your preferred time slot. If you move fast, we recommend getting in early when there are fewer guests on the course.

Plan for the weather! Check the forecast and dress appropriately for your Go Ape adventure. Remember, Go Ape operates in most weather conditions, so be prepared for rain or shine. If the temperatures are high, wear light-colored, loose-fitting, moisture-wicking clothing and sunscreen. If it’s cool, wear layers that can be easily removed if needed.

Eat a protein-rich meal and stay hydrated the day before and of your reservation. Go Ape is a physically active activity, and you’ll want to be hydrated and have stable blood sugar to stay safe!

Water is available throughout your adventure and additional drinks are available for purchase, such as Sports drinks. Bring athletic gloves (or purchase at site), sunscreen, bug spray, and any medical necessities you have, such as epipens, if needed. We do not recommend bringing anything that can fall into the forest, such as hats and sunglasses. Leave your belongings at home or in your car; we can keep hold of your car keys. Phones can be brought into the trees if they are securely attached to you. Phone holders are available for purchase at site.

Make the most of your visit by combining your Go Ape adventure with other local activities. Discounts are available for Axe Throwing, Forest Escape, Gorilla Golf and more when purchased with a treetop activity.

There are several great dining options nearby, such as Vie, a contemporary American restaurant known for its farm-to-table dishes; Kirschbaum’s Bakery, local favorite for fresh pastries and baked goods; Westchester Inn, a great spot for Czech and Eastern European cuisine; and Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen – A fantastic choice for seafood lovers.

If you’re looking for more adventure or relaxation, check out the Brookfield Zoo, North Park Village Nature Center, or Twenty-Sixth Street Woods-West, a scenic area with trails and picnic spots.

Yes! Parking is available within Bemis Woods South. There is ample free parking and bus parking near the entrance, making it convenient for visitors.

Bemis Woods South offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking and biking trails, birdwatching, picnicking, canoeing, kayaking, and Go Ape’s outdoor escape room, Forest Escape.

Go Ape Chicago is located at 1100 Ogden Ave, Western Springs, IL 60558, inside Bemis Woods Forest Preserve. It’s just 30 minutes from downtown Chicago and easily accessible via I-294 and Ogden Avenue. We recommend using Google Maps for the most accurate directions.

Go Ape Chicago offers six outdoor adventures:

• Treetop Adventure (2-3 hours, 553-ft zipline)
• Treetop Journey (1 hour, 194-ft zipline)
• Treetop Nets (bouncy nets and slides)
• Forest EscAPE (outdoor escape room)
• Axe Throwing (1-hour sessions)
• Primal Dynamix (team building and leadership development)

Wear fully enclosed shoes, athletic clothing, and gloves (required – bring your own or purchase on-site). Tie back long hair and avoid loose items. Phones are allowed if securely attached (Go Ape sells approved phone holders at check-in) and ensure pockets are empty.

• Treetop Adventure: Ages 10+, minimum height 4 ft 7 in
• Treetop Journey: Ages 2+, minimum height 3 ft 3 in
• Treetop Nets: Ages 2+
• Forest EscAPE: All ages, though recommend 6+
• Axe Throwing: Ages 16+
• Maximum weight for all treetop activities: 285 lbs

Yes! Go Ape Chicago is one of the best family-friendly outdoor attractions near Chicago, with activities for kids as young as 2 and options for all skill levels.

While walk-ins are welcome if space is available, reservations are strongly recommended, especially for group events. Booking in advance guarantees a spot as we do tend to fill up, especially on weekends and holidays.

Go Ape Chicago is located in a beautiful scenic park, featuring coyotes, blue herons, deer, and more. The forest offers an escape from the summer heat thanks to its lush forest canopy. It features ziplines up to 553 feet, Tarzan swings, and tree-to-tree crossings in a beautiful forest preserve, offering a unique mix of adrenaline and nature.

Go Ape Chicago operates seasonally, typically from spring through late fall. Check the official schedule for current hours and availability.

Local favorites include Hillgrove Tap for American fare and Vie Restaurant for upscale dining, both located in Western Springs, just minutes from the course. Kirschbaum’s Bakery is a local favorite for fresh pastries and baked goods; Westchester Inn, a great spot for Czech and Eastern European cuisine; and Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen is a fantastic choice for seafood lovers.

All participants receive a safety briefing to assess competence and confidence, wear a harness and personal protective equipment that are inspected before and after every guest’s use, and are monitored by trained staff. Gloves are required, and an empty pockets policy is enforced for safety. Monthly inspections are carried out by certified competant persons and annual inspections are completed by ACCT-certified inspectors and ISA-certified arborists. Go Ape meets – and in many cases, exceeds – all required state, federal, and ACCT safety standards.

Yes, but only if it’s securely attached to your body. Go Ape sells phone holders on-site to help you safely capture your adventure.

Spring through fall offer the most comfortable weather and scenic views. Summer is very popular so book early and stay hydrated! The forest canopy provides shade during warmer months.

Yes! Go Ape Chicago is accessible via Metra’s BNSF Railway Line to Western Springs Station, followed by a short rideshare or bike ride to Bemis Woods.