- The Mackinac Bridge made history when it was built in 1957.

It's the world's fifth largest suspension bridge that connects our two peninsulas.

But in northwest Michigan, there's a new bridge setting records of its own.

We now join Stefanie Mills as she takes us on a walk across SkyBridge at Boyne Mountain, the world's longest timber tower suspension bridge.

- As you're walking across it, not only can you see through the grates, but then you also come upon a 36 foot section of glass.

And again, not for the faint of heart.

- [Narrator] Thrill seekers and casual explorers will love the latest edition at Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls.

- People are wowed by it.

I think they at first don't really understand it.

They're like, it's a bridge in Michigan.

Where does it go?

Where does it take you?

It's more of an experience.

This is like part thrill, part scenic.

(upbeat music) Vistas that you're taking in while you're here over the panoramic Boyne Valley.

But it also is thrilling to walk across it because it moves when you walk on it.

- [Narrator] SkyBridge is a 1,200 foot long and 118 foot high pedestrian bridge.

It looks enormous from down below and even more gigantic when you're up close with it.

You can't get to it by car.

Nope!

There's only one way up and that's with a scenic chairlift ride.

It's an architectural masterpiece you can enjoy year round and even at night.

- The most exciting thing about SkyBridge Michigan is every season offers a completely different experience.

Right now, the views you can see far out into the valley, but it's all snow covered.

I think the cooler thing right now is that you've got skiers and borders riding right below the bridge all around you.

It's an experience for someone who's not a skier or a snowboarder.

(upbeat music continues) We have it open from, you know, daytime into the evening.

So it is lit for nighttime, which is also a different experience, day versus night.

And then obviously we had an incredible fall.

Oh my goodness, so much depth in in the views.

When you were standing on the bridge, you could just see for miles and miles and all the color changes.

(upbeat music continues) (light music) - [Narrator] Construction of the bridge started in fall of 2021.

It was the talk of the town as crews got to work.

A massive undertaking, including local crews and resources, pulled it off in time for the grand opening in fall of 2022.

- They were able to build these huge timber towers.

They actually, we had them pulled aside on the snow last winter, and then during the course of the winter, the team was indoors welding.

So they were building all the bridge pieces, the floor pieces that you walk across.

(light music continues) One of the coolest things was when they raised the towers, there's these huge cranes up here, picking them up and actually having 'em stand for the first time.

The timber is actually sourced from the Pacific Northwest because the trees are obviously way taller there.

All sourced through a local lumber company, though, Matelski Lumber right here in Boyne Falls.

(light music continues) (upbeat music) - [Narrator] The first few weeks after SkyBridge opened popularity soared, visitors from across the state walked across it taking in views that go on for miles that you won't get to see anywhere else.

Really, all four seasons offer visitors breathtaking views.

- I think it's one of those places you could go any time of year and just have a unique experience for the outdoor enthusiast or maybe the person who doesn't know if they like the outdoors.

This is an easy way to get yourself somewhere with amazing views.

It's an enjoyable experience.

It's a comfortable experience.

Unless you're afraid of heights, (laughs) then it might be a little scary.

But you know, it's just so cool.

We have different places up here that you can dine and get a beverage, you know, on each side of the bridge.

We have options for that.

There's fire pits year round that are lit for people to stay warm by and it's such a unique place that I would hate for somebody to miss it.

(upbeat music continues)