Kiss ‘n Tell

Site Notes…

Built in 1984, the luge track at Muskegon State Park’s Winter Sports Complex is one of only four luge tracks in the United States. The upper track in 720 feet long and has a 79-foot vertical drop, although few people are allowed to start at the very top, rather most participants begin at “the bridge” and complete the 330 feet, 50-foot vertical drop course at speeds up to 25 miles per hour. Although the wooden banked track built against the side of a hill back in the trees doesn’t rival it’s Olympic counterparts in Lake Placid, NY, and Park City, UT, it does offer people the chance to experience the thrill and speed of an Olympic sport usually reserved only for a chosen few athletes.

But don’t sell the Muskegon track short. Olympic medalist Mark Grimmette got his start in Muskegon, which is a source of immense pride to local luge enthusiasts. The fact that Michigan has two of the four luge tracks in the U.S. (the other being the Negaunee track at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula), has given the state an advantage in producing successful lugers. Some of the best teenagers competing at the junior level are from Michigan.

There are two tracks at the site, a beginner course (lower track) and the main run (upper track). Both tracks, and the regularly scheduled races, are open to the general public, to anyone over 6 years old. The tamer beginner track is 500 feet long and has a top speed of 15 mph. After a few successful runs on the beginner track, on site luge instructors will certify lugers for the main track, although only experienced competitors are allowed to start all of the way at the top. On winter weekends, serious athletes, long-time lugers and first-timers stand side-by-side as they await their chance to careen down the track. The first bank of the lower run has been appropriately nicknamed, “Kiss ‘n Tell” by luge enthusiasts who share their harrowing adventures as they lug their 30-40 pound sleds back up the starting gate to wait in line for their next 10 second run down the icy track.

This box is located in Muskegon State Park. A Michigan State Parks vehicle pass is required for entry and can be purchased at the park. Please check the park web site for dates and hours of operation.

Getting There…

Follow Memorial Drive west toward Muskegon State Park. Where Memorial Drive ends at Lake Michigan, turn right. The Winter Sports Complex is located along Scenic Drive, past the Blockhouse, across from the Lake Michigan campground, approximately 1 mile south of Giles Road.

Clues…

Follow the path past the lower track and along the right side of the main track to the stairs. Cross over the bridge at “Frank’s Bank,” then up 13 and 4 steps more. Proceed straight ahead, over the wooden platform and around Grimette’s Peak, where a trail turns off to your right and runs along the back side of the luge. The path will slowly descend and after joining with another trail, will curve to the left. Turn into the clearing on your right and walk toward the luge structure. A few steps before you reach the wooden frame, a narrow path turns into the trees on your left. Follow this path 15 paces and locate the double oaks growing right next to the track behind the first turn. The finger marks the spot.

NOTE… Although this box is located behind turn #1, which is not generally used, and the luge structure itself will hide your activity from spectators at the track, it is not recommended that you visit this box in the height of the snowy season as there are just too many people around to allow for discretion.