Branson Zipline Canopy Tours Soars To New Heights!

Special ribbon cuttings mark opening of Wolfe Creek Station & special Winter Canopy Tours during Ozark Mountain Christmas.




Co-owner Guy Mace zips the ribbon to launch
 Branson Zipline Canopy Tours version of the
most wonderful time of the year.

Branson, Mo. – (Tuesday, November 2, 2010) – Branson Zipline Canopy Tours at Wolfe Creek Preserve held special ribbon cuttings with the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce to mark the opening of Wolfe Creek Station as well as special winter Canopy Tours during Ozark Mountain Christmas. Co-owner Guy Mace literally flew into Homestead Platform (part of the popular Ozarks Xplorer Canopy Tour course) to cut the red ribbon and launch the Branson Zipline version of the most wonderful time of the year.

  

Emma Hamilton, General Manager, says, “For November and December our visitors will soar through the Ozark Mountains on guided canopy tours where they’ll explore the ‘cool’ features of Wolfe Creek Preserve. On the Ozarks Xplorer they’ll also share a seat around the campfire with hot cider & hot chocolate.” During the Ozark Mountain Christmas season Canopy Tours are on selected dates and visitors are advised to book ahead as tours are quickly selling out.





Famous Russian Comedian Yakov Smirnoff,
pictured here with Leigh Ann Thomas, calls
Branson Zipline Canopy Tours a
"world-class eco-adventure."

 Famous Russian Comedian Yakov Smirnoff, whose theater sits on US Hwy 65 just 7 miles south of Branson Zipline, calls this authentic outdoors experience “a world-class eco-adventure”. His recommendations of fun things to do in Branson includes Branson Zipline Canopy Tours as well his new show, Yakov’s Dinner Adventure. At Branson Zipline visitors are also enjoying ringside seats by the campfire as they gaze at participants in the one-of-a-kind Freefall Xpress.



Wolfe Creek Station offers shoppers eclectic choices
in a themed shopping enviroment.



A ribbon cutting with the Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce was also held for the opening of Wolfe Creek Station. While Wolfe Creek Station is the check-in location for Branson Zipline, it is also one of the most unique shopping destinations in the Ozarks. Visitors are invited to stop in to explore the themed shopping environment and discover the eclectic choices offered. The vast array of products include items for home décor, jewelry, organic lotions & specialty soaps, nostalgic toys, t-shirts, candles, vases, books, outdoor themed products, greeting cards, desk & school items, plush animals, birdhouses, chimes and Amish products such as jellies, jams, veggies, teas, coffees, baskets, lanterns, crafts, & more. Hamilton adds, “Yes there’s a whole lot of fun stuff for everyone!”

Located just 7 miles north of Branson on US Hwy 65, Branson Zipline Canopy Tours is holding an open house at Wolfe Creek Station through November 10, 2010. Refreshment and beverages are being served. For more information go to BransonZipline.com

Branson Zipline Tours Offer a Look At Ozark Eco-System

by Caroline Dohack for the Columbia Tribune

Soaring through the trees, visitors to the recently opened Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours get a unique view of the Ozarks.

In the Wolf Creek Preserve’s 35 acres, the course takes participants through a mile of zip lines, suspension bridges and walkways without treading heavily through the grounds.

And that’s the goal of ecotourism: offer a glimpse into the natural world while protecting it.

“Before we even started construction, we had a forester come in to do a full inventory of the site,” said Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours general manager Emma Hamilton.

After assessing the trees, plants and animals, the forester advised the company on the ideal spots to place towers and observation decks. In an effort to remove as few trees as possible, Hamilton said the company used a helicopter — rather than earth-razing backhoes and cranes — to set 90 percent of the poles that support the course.

For the rest of the story click here: http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2010/aug/08/branson-zip-line-tours-offer-a-look-at-ozark/

Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours Reveals Freefall Xpress Final Step On Blue Streak Fast Line

(Monday, July 25, 2010 ~ Branson, MO) On the outer edge of Branson, Missouri, just north of the shows and theaters, sits Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours at Wolfe Creek Preserve. Branson’s newest attraction is the home of many unique eco-adventures including the Blue Streak Fast Line with the Freefall Xpress. This thrilling experience begins with a nearly quarter-mile zip that reaches heights of over 150 feet before landing onto a 100-foot tower. “Then many of our guests are surprised to find that from there, it’s a freefall from the top of the tower to the ground,” says Emma Hamilton General Manager. “The landing feels like you’ve jumped only 8-inches in the air.”

100-foot tower at Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours.
After zipping on the Blue Streak Fast Line the
final step is the Freefall Xpress.

At Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours the only experience that has the Freefall Xpress as a method of dismounting from the 100’ platform is the Blue Streak Fast Line. The other experiences are guided, low-impact canopy tours where guests traverse multiple ziplines, sky bridges, and platforms soaring through the trees and above the forest fauna. Some guests choose to combine a canopy tour with the Blue Streak Fast Line in order to experience the Freefall Xpress.

A unique rewind mechanism is incorporated in the fan that powers the Freefall Xpress, providing subtle tensile strength as the fall begins. The fan is driven by the descending person’s mass. There is no external power source. The PowerFan© allows a person to fall 70-feet before gently slowing over the next 30-feet to a complete stop. Emma says, “On the Freefall Xpress stepping off the platform into thin air is an exhilarating experience. Taking the step is the challenge; once you’ve done it you’ll want to do it again with your eyes open.”

The first and only PowerFan used for a 100-foot freefall
in North American is at Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours.

Aside from being used to train paramilitary troops, power fans have been used commercially in areas such as Europe, though Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours has the first and only PowerFan© used for a 100-foot freefall in North America! “Taking the Blue Streak Fast Line goes beyond just an amazing zip experience,” says Emma. “With the Freefall Xpress our visitors are the first to experience this cutting edge adventure.”

Visitors to Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours at Wolfe Creek Preserve are also enjoying some unique nocturnal adventures – the Prospector In The Dark and the Ozarks Xplorer In the Dark. These evening and nighttime canopy tours have limited availability but they do allow adventurers to see the Ozark Mountains in a whole new way. As always the popular Flying Prospector Canopy Tour, Ozarks Xplorer Canopy Tour, and Blue Streak Fast Line with the Freefall Xpress are operating daily. Reservations are recommended as tours are often sold out several days in advance.

Certified guides provide interesting information about
Wolfe Creek Preserve while assuring that guests
relax and safely enjoy their authentic eco-adventure
in the Ozark Mountains.

All experiences at Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours are conducted by certified guides. Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours courses meet and exceed Association of Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) standards. Emma adds “With us, you can relax and safely enjoy your authentic eco-adventure in the Ozark Mountains!”

Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours at Wolfe Creek Preserve is located 7 miles north of Branson on US Hwy 65. For more information visit BransonZipline.com and BransonZiplineBlog.com or call 417-561-2500.

About Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours at Wolfe Creek Preserve
Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours at Wolfe Creek Preserve offers visitors of all ages authentic eco-adventures in the Ozark Mountains. The range of thrilling options include a variety of guided canopy tours (inclusive guided treks across numerous ziplines, sky bridges, and platforms. Guided excursions include information about topographical, ecological and historical features.). Canopy tours include the 3-hour Ozarks Xplorer, 2-hour Flying Prospector, 2-1/2 hour Xplorer In The Dark, and the 1-1/2 hour Prospector In The Dark. The Blue Streak Fast Line with Freefall Express is a thrilling zip from the top of the property to the base with a 100-ft freefall. Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours at Wolfe Creek Station is a member of the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT). The course as well as the guides certification and training meet and exceed ACCT standards.

Whee! Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours

Linda Burligame writes in the Shepherd of the Hills Gazette about Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours. After describing the canopy tours at Branson Zipline she says, "You might also enjoy (Take a deep breath.) the Blue Streak Fast Line — a one-stop "zip" from top to bottom! (Exhale now.) Branson Zipline uses a system developed in the jungles of Costa Rica and is fun for all ages. (If you're over 85, you will go on the Wolfe Creek Station Wall of Fame!)"

Linda also adds: (Author's note: I am not yet writing in the first person about Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours or the Vigilante. Stay tuned.)

We say, You're welcome any time Linda to soar through the air with the greatest of ease. Looking forward to you being a genuine Zippette!

Read the entire story here:  http://www.shepherdgazette.com/20100707104/July-August-2010/branson-zipline-canopy-tours.html?ed=10 

Zipline offers bird's-eye view of the Ozarks

By Dave Woods

New media and marketing manager

(Dave Woods at right poses before zipping with Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours. His story appeared in the Joplin Globe on Friday July 18, 2010, and the photo is courtesy of Dave and the Joplin Globe).

WALNUT SHADE, Mo. — Denna Duyck didn’t know what to expect when she and three of her friends signed up to take a the Branson Zipline Canopy Tour.

“It goes so fast,” the 36-year-old said after her first zip through the tree tops. “I was just glad to get my feet back on the other end. When you get up on the top it looks really high. I was scared I was going to hit the other end, but the guide yelled ‘pick your feet up,’ and it was fine. It was really scary, but fun, too.”

Although a little shaken after her first zip, Anissia Manuleleua, 39, said she enjoyed the experience, too.

“I was spinning around so much I couldn’t hear what the guide was telling me,” she said. “Maybe it was because of my screaming so loud. It was just blind faith that the guide would catch me. I just said to myself, ‘I’m not letting go.’”

Manuleleua said that she will remember the afternoon the longtime friends spent 100 feet off the ground.

“Some of our friends and spouses are like, ‘I can’t believe you are doing that,’” Manuleleua said. “My friends know I’m afraid of heights and they won’t believe I did this.”

Jared Easdon, who guides tours at Branson Zipline, said Duyck and Manuleleua’s reaction is typical of first-time zipline riders.

“It’s probably one of the funnest things people will ever do in their lives,” the 19-year-old said. “It’s easily the biggest adventure some of the people who come here will ever have.”

Read the rest of the story here: http://www.joplinglobe.com/lifestyles/x1617553956/Zipline-offers-birds-eye-view-of-Ozarks

Radio Interview on KJEL Radio about Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours

Nice story on KJEL Radio -interview with Emma Hamilton our general manager:

http://myozarksonline.com/pages/7453511.php

Branson Zipline: Explore the Outdoors with Excitement

Our friends over at Thousand Hills have posted this on their website. Pretty cool stuff:

From BransonZiplineBlog.com

Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours has been open since Memorial Day and is more popular than ever. People are having a great time on all of the tours from the shortest of the tours, the Blue Streak Fast Line, to the longest of the tours, the Canopy Adventure Combo. We are loving the positive feedback we’re getting from customers, and we are excited about the enthusiasm all of our visitors have.

Some new things are going on at the Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours at Wolfe Creek Preserve. We are adding two brand new tours for your enjoyment. These evening tours are called the Prospector in the Dark and Explorer in the Dark and offer an entirely new type of zip line experience. Check BransonZipline.com and BransonZiplineblog.com in a couple days for more complete information on those exhilarating new zip lines. In addition to the new tours, we also have the brand new Pinzgauer Swiss Army Troup Carrier to take groups from the base of the mountain to the top of the mountain. This unique aspect of the tours is a fun way to get around!

We also have some exciting news regarding our gift shop. We are thrilled to announce that we expect the gift shop to be open by the 4th of July, so guests can get great memorabilia to remind them of their zip line adventure!

Recent blogs on Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours

ReserveDirect and ReserveBranson.com have posted some frequently asked questions for everyone with answers here:
http://directinsights.blogspot.com/2010/05/explore-ozarks-at-branson-zipline-and.html  

ReserveDirect and ReserveBranson.com staff went zipping with us and here's what Ashley had to say about that:
http://reservedirectfaqs.blogspot.com/2010/05/branson-zipline-and-canopy-tours.html

New Attractions Take Fun To New Heights in Branson MO

KY3-TV out of Springfield Missouri aired this story recently.

News anchor conquers fear of heights on new zipline adventure near Branson Mo

by Paul Adler, KY3 News
Published: Apr 29, 2010 at 7:42 AM CDT

See the video here: http://www.ky3.com/news/local/92405309.html

WALNUT SHADE, Mo. -- A new attraction opens this weekend just north of Branson. It takes you zipping above the tree lines. For some, that sounds like a blast. For KY3 News anchor Maria Neider, it's just downright scary. Here's her experience on the zipline ride.

"Go ahead and step into the harness," guide Robert Cameron instructed.

When you suffer from acrophobia, strapping in for this ride will cause the sweat to break out. Neider has it -- bad.

"Are you nervous?" she was asked.

"Paul, of course, I'm nervous. That's crazy," she replied.

Neider has a severe anxiety about heights.

"Are you going to laugh at Maria?" a reprter asked General Manager Emma Hamilton.

"No, I won't laugh. I've been there too. I totally understand," said Hamilton.

"This is the tether; this connects to the actual zipline and the trolley," said Cameron.

Neider and I planned to test out the new ziplines. Ziplines are wires that you ride. They're some 50, 60, 70 feet in the air, above the trees.

"The helmet is for if something were to fall from above. It's not necessarily because we think you're going to fall," said Hamilton.

"I need that reassurance. That's a good thing," said Neider.

Before we went up, we signed waivers, got some instructions and climbed to the first tower. Neider's knuckles turned white as she got ready.

"We're going to connect you right up here, so move forward," said Hamilton.

"It's my lifeline," said Neider.

As we move closer, Neider looked like she was walking the plank on a pirate ship.

"You'll love it!" said Hamilton.

At the word "Go," I was off and flying. Neider was left standing on the platform with the clock ticking.

"Are you ready?" Hamilton asked.

"Yeah, I'm as ready as I'm going to get, if I can release my white knuckle grip," said Neider.

She finally jumped.

"Oh my god! Whoooooooo! Oh my god!" she said.

"It was totally frightening, letting go. I don't know how you can let go so fast. Oh, it was fun."

"So, you were able to face your fears today?" she was asked.

"I did it. Yes, I did. I do have a fear of heights still, but it was fun. I felt totally secure," said Neider.

The tours range in cost from $40 to $100. It opens Saturday, although the first couple of weeks are sold out, so call ahead or check the Branson Zipline Tours Web site before you go. http://www.bransonzipline.com/

Branson Zipline attraction gives news anchor unexpected look at rescue techniques

by Maria Neider, KY3 News
Published: Apr 30, 2010 at 7:17 AM CDT

WALNUT SHADE, Mo. -- A zipline attraction opens Saturday just north of Branson. As Paul Adler would say, "we took this assignment to new heights," and someone ended up hanging tough.

As you now know, I'm not fond of heights but I decided to face my fear. The wind sure didn't help my shaky legs but I finally did it.

Adler, on the other hand, was pumped, even spinning to see the high-flying sights on our treetop tour. Then Mother Nature made it more challenging, and one of us didn't make it across.

Did our guides jinx us from the get-go? We gave them training during an unexpected rescue. Just feet from the landing platform, Adler lost steam.

Adler tried for the rescue rope but missed. He was sliding back. My trusty sidekick was stuck, dangling above the rocky ravine.

"Hang on Paul! We're coming to get you!" I hollered.

read the rest of story and see the video here:
http://www.ky3.com/news/local/92495349.html

http://www.bransonzipline.com/

"Come Fly With Us" - Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours

Branson Zipline Guides Are Now ACCT – Certified!

We’ve just returned from a zip line conference in North Carolina and are proud to say that both our general manager and lead guide are Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) – certified! This training and certification goes a long ways in ensuring that guests of Branson Zipline and Canopy Tour are greeted by professional guides that can provide a comprehensive time of adventure and exploration in the Ozark Mountains, and we plan to have every guide ACCT – certified as they join the Branson Zipline family.
Visit http://www.bransonziplineblog.com/  for the rest of the story

Zipping through the Ozarks

Ozarks Travel Examiner Patsy Bell Hobson writes:

Visitors are soaring through the trees on ziplines and skywalks in Branson. The Flying Prospector Canopy Tour is the newest eco-adventure at Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours. Family passes are the best value to introduce families to the the high-flying adventure.

Read more here: http://www.examiner.com/x-1948-Ozarks-Travel-Examiner~y2010m3d26-Zipping-through-the-Ozarks

Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours Announces New Flying Prospector Canopy Tour

Branson, MO – (Thursday, March 18, 2010) – Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours at Wolfe Creek Preserve has added the Flying Prospector Canopy Tour to its line-up of authentic eco-adventures. Designed for all ages, this one-and-a-half hour canopy tour has visitors soaring through the trees over multiple ziplines and skywalks on a breathtaking tour of the Ozark Mountains.

“Our Flying Prospector is a great introduction for visitors new to canopy tours. At an hour and a half, the Flying Prospector is a full-scale guided, canopy tour with many of the highlights of Wolfe Creek Preserve featured, providing guests with another exciting, memorable vacation experience for one of the best values in the industry,” says Emma Hamilton, general manager. “We have created a high-quality, low-impact adventure, which takes a shorter amount of time, allowing visitors to dip their toes into the world of eco-adventures and find out just how much fun this unique experience can be.”

As an added value, this tour offers a family pass. Families wanting to go on a canopy tour together can take advantage of the Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours special pricing for the Flying Prospector. “We’re pleased to offer a family-pass exclusively for the Flying Prospector. The pass is $199.99 for two adults and two children seventeen and under,” adds Hamilton.

“With the addition of the Flying Prospector, we’re now offering visitors three different ways to soar above it all,” explains Emma Hamilton. “Each of our eco-adventures is designed to give Branson visitors the opportunity to experience an authentic canopy tour on one of the best courses ever built.” Along with the hour-and-a-half Flying Prospector, Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours offers the thrilling Blue Streak Fast Line, a non-stop, single-line zip from the top of the mountain to the bottom platform, complete with a very surprising dismount.

The premiere experience offered by Branson Zipline, the Ozarks Xplorer Canopy Tour, is an inclusive, interactive two-and-a-half hour guided tour that takes visitors over suspension bridges, platforms and multiple ziplines, allowing time to explore the features of the region and discover the secrets of Wolfe Creek Preserve. Guests will enjoy the pristine beauty of the Ozark Mountains from the unique perspective of gliding through the canopy of trees, past rugged bluffs, and above the forest floor, accompanied by guides, who share topographical and ecological insights while bringing to life the history of Wolfe Creek Preserve.

Branson Zipline & Canopy Tour at Wolfe Creek Preserve, opening May 1, is located on US Hwy 65, just seven miles north of Branson shows, theaters, and attractions. Tours are being booked now at www.BransonZipline.com or by calling 417-561-2500.

Buy your passport to fun here:
http://www.bransonzipline.com/tour/FlyingProspectorCanopyTour.cfm

Branson Zipline receives some more toys!

Over the past few days, Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours has completed a few finishing touches at Wolfe Creek Preserve that we are excited to share! Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours has officially paved the road that will lead from Wolfe Creek Station and across Wet Weather Spring to any of our three tour starting points, ensuring that you can enjoy the natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains without the inconvenience of having to travel along a bumpy, muddy trail.

However, Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours is even more excited about finally receiving the custom-built tram that will transport guests from Wolfe Creek Station. The tram can easily carry 15 passengers and supplies and is a blast to drive and ride in. Trust us, we have been “testing” it out non-stop!

That is all for the moment, but progress is picking up as our grand opening draws near, so be sure to check back within the next few days for more updates!

Go here to read all of the stories about Branson Zipline http://www.bransonziplineblog.com/306/branson-zipline-receives-some-new-toys

Branson Zipline Unveils a new tour option

As our grand opening draws ever nearer (May 1), we have added a new, exciting tour to our initial line-up of activities. The tour will be titled the Flying Prospector and offers a 1.5 hour, truncated version of the Ozarks Xplorer. Whether you have experienced the Ozarks Xplorer and are looking for a somewhat different experience at Wolfe Creek Preserve or simply don’t have the time to take in the full 2.5 hour Ozarks Xplorer, the Flying Prospector should help us be able to provide well rounded options to our customers. Be sure to check back regularly, as we plan to post more information on the Flying Prospector as it becomes available.

On the construction front, we are continuing to put finishing touches on a number of areas of the property, though most of the major additions and projects are near completion.

Read more and see images here:
http://www.bransonziplineblog.com/301/branson-zipline-unveils-a-new-tour-option/

Branson Zipline Attaches Roofs to All of Its Zip Line Towers!

Over the past few days, Branson Zipline and Canopy Tour has taken great strides toward completing its first zip line course at Wolfe Creek Preserve. The helicopter has came and went once more (sorry to all those that missed the action live), and we now have roofs atop all of our towers! More than being a symbolic measure of progress, the tower roofs make for great views on the east of Highway 65, near Bonniebrook.

As we draw nearer and nearer to our grand opening we are continuing to add specialized crew members to ensure that the production is not only completed on time, but safely as well. Additionally, we are continuing to build our team for when we eventually open – those interested in applying for a job with Branson Zipline and Canopy Tour are encouraged to view current openings online.

Read the rest of the blog here:
http://www.bransonziplineblog.com/297/branson-zipline-attached-roofs-to-all-of-its-zip-line-towers/