Detroit, MI
At the heart of Detroit’s Outdoor Adventure Center (OAC)—a Michigan Department of Natural Resources facility designed to immerse visitors in the state’s vast recreational offerings—stands a breathtaking, fully interactive 40-foot-tall Oak Tree sculpted by NatureMaker.
Towering beneath a soaring atrium, this monumental tree brings the outdoors inside with striking realism. Its massive, multi-limbed trunk emerges from an undulating forest floor base complete with exposed roots, mossy rocks, and a hollow log. The tree is more than visual—it’s experiential. Guests can ascend a spiral walkway into the upper canopy, where a netted rope bridge and lookout platforms invite kids and adults alike to climb, crawl, and explore.
A built-in slide carved into a fallen log adds a whimsical layer of fun, while careful detailing—from bark textures to canopy lighting—enhances the sense of authenticity and wonder. Engineered for both education and entertainment, the tree serves as a dynamic centerpiece and photo magnet for school groups, families, and visitors discovering the beauty of Michigan’s wild spaces.
Rooted in storytelling, built for adventure—this is more than a tree. It’s a hands-on tribute to the magic of nature and the power of play.
