This Virginia Treetop Tower Has a Giant Spiral Slide

For a true autumn spectacle, head to Owl Creek Landing in Virginia Beach and climb an eight-story spiral observation tower overlooking a 38-acre forest. Built for visitors of all ages and abilities, the Nautilus Tower encircles The Whorl, the longest steel slide in America, and debuted in August next door to the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. 

Take the slide or descend a couple levels on foot to hop on a one-third-mile-long wooden suspension bridge that stretches from tree to tree, mid-canopy. 

Inspired by parks in Switzerland, Austria and Germany, Owl Creek Landing is also home to four whimsical treehouses with unique elements ranging from a tic-tac-toe game created in spinning wood blocks, to geometric windows, mushroom-shaped stools and a playful music box. 

Picnic tables dot the forest playground, and a half-mile trail offers ground-level views of the park’s native plants and wildlife.

General admission is $28 for visitors 14 and up; $18 for kids ages 10-13; $13 for kids 3-9. Check the website for promotions and a 15% discount code for teachers, first responders, military, college students and seniors 55+. 

Combo tickets for The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium’s ropes course are also available.

Owl Creek Landing, 801 General Booth Blvd., Virginia Beach, Virginia, 757-330-0473