Experience the Luge in Muskegon, Michigan

Denise Nuttall
Experience the thrill of feeling like an Olympian while riding down Muskegon's luge. Winding and twisting down a block of ice, at 25 miles an hour on your back, is the reason you must have proof of insurance to ride this thrill.

The luge has been the main attraction at the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex since its opening in 1984. Due to economic hardships it has not yet reached its full potential.

The luge in Muskegon might not quite measure up to Lake Placid's luge, but it was good enough to produce the most decorated luger in American history, Muskegon native, Mark Grimmette. Grimmette won a silver medal from the Nagano Olympics and a bronze from Salt Lake City, both in the two-man event.

You are advised to wear old clothes while soaring and twisting the luge. Going down the huge block of ice on your back on a metal sled with nothing stopping you until you reach the end, can burn holes in your clothes when touching the sides of the luge walls as you are descending down with only your shoulders to steer you.

If the luge is too intimidating, the Muskegon Sports Complex also boasts two of the finest cross country lighted ski trails around. Whether you are a classical or a skate skier, you will be awed by the beauty of these trails that wind through the natural beauty of what is called the "enchanted forest" after a fresh snow fall. While skiing through this natural beauty, it is not uncommon to come across the local wildlife.

The Muskegon Sports Complex is located in the middle of Muskegon State Park, so a daily or annual state park pass is required.

Winter sports enthusiasts of all ages find any number of activities from, the luge, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, walks across the frozen sand dunes leading to the shores of Lake Michigan and of course an evening watching the Fury, the local hockey team, at the L.C. Walker Arena.

Winter no longer means hibernating indoors here in Muskegon, Michigan. Tourists and locals alike get excited about that first snowfall and look forward to those freezing temperatures. It is a whole new season of thrills and experiences once left to only the summer months.

Visit Muskegon, Michigan the next time you are looking for the biggest winter thrill of your life. See for yourself what the luge is all about. You will definitely gain a new found respect for our luge Olympians and a new passion for this winter sport that was only found in other countries.

Published by Denise Nuttall

Denise Nuttall has been an active freelance writer and online business entrepreneur since 2006. Denise has also been very active in citizen journalism for well over a year and owns her very own hyper-local b...  View profile

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