ROPES COURSE TRAINING

Built in 1992, the Four Mounds Ropes Course has developed into one of the premier leadership and teambuilding training sites in the Midwest. It is open all year long and is situated in a pine and hardwood forest on the beautiful Four Mounds Preserve overlooking the mighty Mississippi near Dubuque, Iowa.

What is the Ropes Course?

The Four Mounds Ropes Course is a series of group activities including physical, mental, and emotional challenges. A combination of teamwork skills, physical dexterity, effective problem solving, and trust is required to successfully complete the course.

The blending of both high and low elements is used in the Ropes Course. Low elements are constructed at ground level, while the high ropes are constructed 20'-45' above ground, among the trees. On the surface, many of the activities may appear seemingly impossible to accomplish. Individually, they are very difficult if not impossible to master. However, a team committed to each other's best interests will make the transition from "me to us." The course is designed to be a reassuring and safe environment, emotionally and physically, for participants to challenge themselves and learn together.

What are the Ropes Course goals?

The Ropes Course is used as a tool to inspire individual and group growth. The elements of the course are designed to take individuals beyond their comfort zones and beyond their own expectations to a higher level of self-worth. Self-esteem is built, communication is heightened, and a bond between people is developed.

In all Four Mounds activities, participants are engaged in "Challenge by Choice." The power is given to team members to choose the level at which they wish to participate. A reasonable willingness to try is crucial for success. The mastering of a particular event is not as important as the attempt. It is through a series of these attempts that groups become teams, and strangers become friends.

"My team still talks about the events. Since we often work in different locations, it's difficult for us to get together and build some team chemistry. There is only so much bonding you can do over the cell phone or voice mail. Your ropes course and training allowed my team to break some mental roadblocks they had personally and as a team. Along with learning about each other, they had a great time."
David A. Holesinger, District Sales Manager Grainger Industrial Supply, Iowa East

All instructors are fully trained and certified.

Climbing Tower

In 2011, a new climing wall was built that is approximately 40 feet high and has three sides with over 500 climbing holds. Climbers will find nine different routes ranging from a flat sided beginner route that can also be used for rapelling to a more advanced overhang and chimney routes. With over eleven hundred different holes for changing holds, the routes can be designed to be as easy or challenging as the climber desires.