Michigan may not be a rock climber's paradise, but it can be one for an ice climber. Michigan's UP has many majestic frozen waterfalls to climb; however, for Metro Detroiters the UP is day's drive away and requires an overnight trip and an investment in all of your own gear. There is a far closer and less expensive solution for those wanting to try ice climbing: Peabody Ice Climbing Club in Fenton.
Garrett Peabody is a native of Michigan who moved to Arizona in pursuit of accessible outdoor rock climbing. After a few years, he found himself back in Fenton and living on his family's farm. He decided to commit himself to the best climbing the state has to offer: ice climbing. After many trips to the UP and Canada, he and a friend came up with the idea of making an ice climbing tower on his land. It began with one tower and some thinking 'outside of the box' to get it dialed in. Now, more than 5 years later there are eight top-ropes spread over two towers to climb, 72' and 45' high. The routes are rated between WI3-WI5+. These ratings make them very worthy climbs as these grades are nearly vertical.
Many of Peabody's patrons are rock climbers, but no experience is necessary. Climbers will be given a lesson on proper belay techniques for ice climbing and how to use ice axes. Peabody's has ice axes, helmets, boots and crampons to rent, so you do not need to have all of your own gear. There is clubhouse heated by a wood-burning stove so climbers can warm up between climbs.
They are open Tuesday-Friday evenings, Saturday 10:00-10:00 and Sunday 10:00-2:00. It is asked that you call ahead to reserve gear because there is a limited amount of sizes available. The cost for climbing and renting gear is about $35.00, cash only.
For more information check out their Facebook page or call (810) 433-3304.
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