The Walker Art Center

  There is a feeling unique to walking down a gradual staircase with a thousand wallpaper eyes staring at you as you travel into the "Disposal Facilities." Despite this creepy sensation, you are greeted with the perfect tread depth, my most favorable trait in any staircase. After seeing thought-provoking sculptures and videos of a McDonalds being flooded, you are most ready to use said facility. Even though the vile sludge treaded in by careless patron's boots, this is one of the most usable staircases I have set my feet on.

Ascendability: 9
Descendability: 9
Tread Depth: 10
Layout: 7
Excitement: 5
User Interface: 8
Upkeep: 6

The Science Museum of Minnesota

  I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Science Museum of Minnesota, which houses one of my favorite staircases that I've visited. I have been eagerly waiting to review this staircase ever since I started this blog. I highly recommend visiting this museum solely for this musical experience. So before I give you ratings, let me give you some insight on why this staircase is so special. This staircase plays a b flat scale with each step using a technology known as ADG. This technology is also used in The Science Museum of Boston.

Ascendibility: 8

Descendibility: 8

Tread Depth: 7

Layout: 10

Excitement: 10

User Interface: 9

Upkeep: 7

Liberty on the Lake

     Hello All,
I am back with a review on a great, outdoor staircase. You must be very overwhelmed by all of this, but let me give you the backstory. This staircase, (or series of sets of steps should I say) is a STAIRCASE which leads to a TRAIL which is on a LAKE in ALL CAPS. All jokes aside, this staircase is a true, leafy treat.
     Fall has well, fallen upon us, how punny, and there is no feeling like the one when you are stepping on crunchy leaves, scattered along a pleasurable trip to a pond. Lets have a look at the stats.
Ascendability: 6
Descendability: 7
Tread Depth: 9
Layout: 8
Excitement: 7
User Interface: 8
Upkeep: 3

     Ascendability and descend ability speak for themselves. I gave tread depth an 8 simply because it had a nice combination of foot relaxation and calf work. 8 for layout due to the very well placed frequent rest benches. Excitement was nice, imperfect steps provide adequate stimulation. User Interface was great. Upkeep not so much of a worry since it is an outdoor 'case but is mandatory rating-wise.

             May you henceforth climb in critical ways, not conditions,

                        The Critical Climber

                       

               

ATTENTION Climbers and People

Yes, 'tis me again.

First and foremost, I'd like to apologize for the constant lack of reviews for the past few months. I have no excuses, but rather, a positive look into the future filled with an continuously insightful look into the daunting task of finding the best and worst of the World's staircases.

  -C.C.

Thank You

I am very sorry how terribly long it's been since i've posted a review. I have quite a list for you followers, including the main entrance to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Illinois. So thank you all for your patience, expect 2 or 3 reviews in the next few weeks.
This has been the Critical Climber, Signing Off

Photos, as Promised

Stillwater Staircase

If you've lately been browsing the streets of Stillwater, MN, which I'm sure you have, then you might've come across one of the largest staircases in the state. The 157 step staircase located by Local Brewery caves, may not live up to it's potential. With garbage scattered in the beautiful local forest,  unattended baseball helmets, and of course, the infamous blue half-bench, it will be worth the climb for the amazing view of the St. Croix River and the town of Stillwater, MN. Let's check out the ratings.

Ascendability: 4

Descendability: 8

Tread Depth: 6

Layout: 7

Excitement: 10

User Interface: 3

Upkeep: 1

Handrail: Overall, not an awful handrail, but with 157 steps it will prove useful. Unusually thick with dents & kinks here & there, an overall "6" handrail.

Fairly soon I will be posting pictures,

This has been the Critical Climber, signing out.