This 3-Story Mario-Like Go-Kart Track In Michigan Will Take You On An Insanely Fun Ride

A go-kart track stacked three stories high, with a looping vortex that spirals you up 30 feet into the air. That is a real thing you can drive. Yes, with your own two hands on the wheel.

The track stretches 1,600 feet and twists through tunnels and over bridges. It looks like someone pulled a level straight out of Mario Kart and dropped it in Michigan. I can’t imagine anyone seeing it from the road without doing a double take.

I like how it keeps a little piece of history, too. One tunnel came from the older track that used to sit on the same spot. New pavement, old soul.

I believe the best part is that nobody needs a banana peel to make it exciting. The height does that job. So, who’s driving first?

The Vortex Is Where Your Stomach Starts Paying Attention

Spirals are fun on a slide. On a go-kart, they’re a whole new adventure.

The Indy SkyTrack’s signature feature is called the vortex. It’s a tri-level loop that carries drivers up and around in a tight, twisting climb.

Think of it as a corkscrew staircase, only you’re driving instead of walking. Each loop lifts you higher above the park below.

Once you reach the top, gravity gets its turn. The track sends you back down toward the lower levels, and that drop is a big part of the fun.

Here’s some friendly advice for the climb. Keep both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the path ahead, not on the ground.

The vortex also makes the track easy to spot from a distance. Those stacked loops stand out against the sky like a giant coil spring.

Families planning a visit often build their whole day around this one feature. Honestly, that makes sense.

Plenty of parks have go-karts, but very few let you corkscrew three levels into the air. Bragging rights are included at no extra charge.

Hall Road Hides A Track In The Sky

The Indy SkyTrack is inside C.J. Barrymore’s at 21750 Hall Road in Clinton Township, Michigan. Follow Hall Road, also known as M-59, to the entertainment complex in the northern Detroit suburbs.

The elevated go-kart track rises across three levels and is visible as part of the amusement complex. It is the tall structure to seek out, rather than one of the property’s ground-level rides.

Enter through the main customer access to C.J. Barrymore’s and follow the attraction signs to Indy SkyTrack. Confirm current track operation before traveling, because outdoor attractions can be affected by weather and seasonal schedules.

A Fresh Track With A Tunnel That Remembers The Old Days

History hides in plain sight on this track. One of its tunnels came from the original Indy Track that used to stand on the very same ground.

That older course had been part of the park since the 1980s. Instead of tossing everything out, the builders kept a piece of it for the new design.

I love that choice. Parents who raced the old track as kids can now drive through the same tunnel with their own children.

Everything else got a serious upgrade. The SkyTrack features new cement pavement and a modern rail system along the edges.

Construction kicked off in September 2023. The finished track opened to drivers on May 3, 2024, just in time for summer fun.

The project cost about three million dollars. It was part of a big 50th anniversary celebration for C.J. Barrymore’s, which first opened in 1974.

Back then, the property started as a simple driving range. Five decades later, it has grown into a full family entertainment center, and this track might be its proudest trophy yet.

Grab A Tape Measure Before You Promise The Kids A Ride

Nobody wants a meltdown at the ride entrance. Checking the rules ahead of time saves a lot of tears.

To drive a single kart on the Indy SkyTrack, you must stand at least 60 inches tall. Drivers also need to weigh under 275 pounds.

Sixty inches equals five feet. That rules out many younger kids from driving solo, so plan with that in mind.

Double karts open the door for smaller riders. The driver must be at least 16 years old, and the passenger must be at least 40 inches tall.

The combined weight of both riders can’t go over 375 pounds. It’s a simple rule, but worth knowing before you pair up.

So a big sibling or parent can take a little one along for the ride. That turns the track into a shared moment instead of a sideline wait.

A quick height check at home can help. Mark 40 and 60 inches on a doorframe, and you’ll know exactly who rides where before you even leave the house.

Check The Sky Before You Head To Hall Road

Weather gets a vote on this ride. Since the Indy SkyTrack sits outdoors, it can close for light rain, high winds, or lightning.

Cold matters too. The track may shut down when temperatures fall below 50 degrees, which happens often in a Michigan spring.

Outdoor attractions usually run from late March through October. Hours change by day and season, so checking before you go is a smart move.

You’ll find C.J. Barrymore’s at 21750 Hall Road, Clinton Township, Michigan 48038. Parking is free, which is always a nice bonus.

Admission to the park itself costs nothing. You only pay for the attractions you choose, using a Fun Card or a seasonal all-day wristband.

The SkyTrack is included in the wristband options. That’s handy if you plan to ride more than once, and let’s be honest, you probably will.

Active and retired military, police, and fire personnel can get a discount with valid ID. A little planning makes the whole day smoother and keeps more fun money in your pocket.

Two More Tracks Are Waiting For A Rematch

Lost a race on the SkyTrack? Good news, you’ve got two more chances to settle the score.

C.J. Barrymore’s also runs the Grand Prix Track and the Turbo Track. Each one offers a different feel from the three-story giant.

Having three tracks in one place is pretty rare. It means families can mix things up instead of riding the same loop all afternoon.

Younger or more nervous drivers might prefer starting low. A ground-level track lets them build confidence before facing the vortex.

Thrill seekers can go the other way. Start with the SkyTrack, then cool down with a quick lap somewhere else.

Turning it into a family tournament adds extra laughs. Keep score across all three tracks and crown a champion by the end of the day.

Just remember that each track may have its own rules. Check the signs at every entrance so nobody gets surprised.

Three tracks, one trophy, and plenty of friendly trash talk. That sounds like a solid plan for a summer weekend.

Pit Stops Taste Better With Detroit-Style Pizza

Racing builds an appetite fast. Luckily, the park has plenty of fuel nearby.

C.J. Barrymore’s runs food trucks called Fryer and Ice and The Patriot Grill. There’s also a Pizza Kitchen serving pizza and salads.

The menu leans into classic comfort food. You’ll find chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks, buffalo wings, and mac and cheese.

Burger fans have choices, too. Options include the C.J. Classic Cheeseburger, a BBQ Bacon Burger, and pub house burgers made with a short rib and brisket blend.

Michigan pride shows up in the Detroit-style pizza. Fried chicken and waffles and brisket mac and cheese sliders round things out nicely.

Sweet tooth calling? Snowie, Mini Melts, cookie sundaes, and milkshakes are all on the list.

Gluten-sensitive options are available, and some items can be made gluten-free or vegetarian on request. That helps families with different needs eat together.

One small tip makes sense here. Maybe save the milkshake for after your vortex ride instead of before it.

The Fun Keeps Going Long After You Park The Kart

A 120-foot drop tower stands just a short walk from the SkyTrack. Suddenly, 30 feet doesn’t sound so tall anymore.

C.J. Barrymore’s packs in plenty of outdoor thrills. There’s The Coaster with a 360-degree loop, plus a Spin Coaster and a Saddle Sling.

The Soaring Eagle Zipline reaches 120 feet high and stretches 650 feet long. It’s basically the SkyTrack’s bigger, braver cousin.

Calmer options balance the day. The Ferris Wheel, Bumper Boats, and Mini Golf are great for catching your breath.

Smaller adventurers get their own spot with the Jr. Drop Tower. Eurobungy adds bouncy, high-flying fun as well.

Rain doesn’t have to ruin everything. The indoor area offers an arcade with over 100 games, bowling, bumper cars, Laser Tag, and the XD Dark Ride.

There’s even the Hammered Drop and a Golf Dome. Indoor attractions run year-round, so the fun continues after the outdoor season ends.

Spread out your favorites, and the day fills itself without much effort.

Your Next Birthday Party Might Need Its Own Pit Crew

Cake and candles are nice. Cake, candles, and a three-story go-kart track sound even better.

C.J. Barrymore’s hosts all kinds of gatherings. Kids’ birthday parties, corporate events, field trips, private parties, and holiday celebrations are all on the menu.

Dedicated party planners help put the details together. That means less stress for parents and more time watching the fun happen.

For pre-booked parties, guests can bring cakes, balloons, and presents. It’s a simple perk, but it keeps the celebration feeling personal.

The SkyTrack makes a great centerpiece for older kids and teens. Remember those height rules, though, when planning a younger group.

The facility is wheelchair accessible and offers free Wi-Fi. The dress code is casual, so sneakers and shorts work perfectly.

Company outings fit right in, too. Coworkers racing each other up the vortex might be the best team-building exercise ever invented.

After fifty years in Michigan, this park clearly knows how to throw a good time. All you need to bring is a competitive spirit.