Midwest Vert Ramp
Midwest Vert Ramp | |
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Interactive map of Midwest Vert Ramp | |
| Location | Grafton, Wisconsin, United States |
| Established | 2020 |
| Website | midwestvertramp |
The Midwest Vert Ramp is an indoor vert ramp and nonprofit based in Grafton, Wisconsin.
Overview
The Midwest Vert Ramp is located in a privately owned barn, which was purchased by Jeremy "Jay" Trasser in 2020. Originally intended as a skateboarding space for Trasser's sons, the ramp was completed in about 10 months starting in 2023 and opened to the public soon after.[1][2] The ramp is 13.5 feet tall, making it the tallest public half-pipe in North America.[3]
The ramp is maintained by a corresponding nonprofit organization. Entry to the ramp is free, but donations are recommended to assist with associated costs.[1] A fundraiser event, "Barn Bash," is held annually, which includes vendors, live music, and skate competitions.[4]
The ramp has been visited by several pro skaters, including Tony Hawk.[2]
Legal issues
The ramp has faced local legal challenges. In 2024, the town of Grafton (where the barn is located) sent a cease and desist notice to Trasser, demanding that the ramp "immediately cease all operations," citing safety issues and improper zoning.[3][5] The town demanded that certain exterior platforms be torn down within 30 days, and that nobody (including Trasser) should be inside the barn or on the ramp in the meantime.[5]
Trasser completed the town-mandated safety work and opened the ramp up to the public once more in 2025, arguing that the ramp didn't qualify as a business because admission was technically free, and that he had acquired the necessary permits to sell alcohol during fundraisers.[6] The ramp remains open as of 2026.
References
- 1 2 Ramp, Midwest Vert. "Midwest Vert Ramp". Midwest Vert Ramp. Retrieved 2026-08-24.
- 1 2 Groh, James (2024-07-24). "The hidden 13.5 foot halfpipe inside a Grafton barn". TMJ4 News. Retrieved 2026-08-24.
- 1 2 Israr, Duaa. "Tallest public half-pipe in North America sits in a barn in Grafton. Now, it might shut down". CBS58. Retrieved 2026-08-24.
- ↑ "3rd Annual Barn Bash – A Midwest Vert Ramp Fundraiser". WMSE - 91.7FM. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
- 1 2 Staff, Lisa Curtis-News Graphic (2024-11-19). "Town of Grafton orders man to stop using popular skateboarding ramp". Greater Milwaukee Today. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
- ↑ "Skateboarders back on ramp, for now". Ozaukee Press. 2025-04-16. Retrieved 2026-08-25.