Out In Style: Most Comfortable Wilderness Retreats In Detroit
Here in Michigan, we all know about the Great Outdoors: The tree-lined forests, the sandy beaches, the majestic hills... all of these things can be found among this great "playground" we locals affectionately call the "Mitten State."
But let's say you're not exactly a modern day Davy Crockett; you don't love using the woods as your all-day toilet, you like having clean, heated plumbing available, a nice bed sounds more appealing to you than a pile of leaves, and so on. No problem! What follows is a list of some of the metro Detroit area's best spots to experience that "wilderness feeling," without all of the wilderness!
Lake of the North Resort
3070 West Elm Drive
West Branch, MI 48661
(989) 345-1858
www.outdooradventuresinc.com
Located on the scenic and breathtaking area of Lake George in West Branch, Michigan, this resort has all of the comforts of home, while still delivering a unique outdoors experience. For those who love camping, Lake of the North Resort offers beautiful campgrounds in a quiet, back-to-nature-type setting that will give you that rugged experience you're looking for. And for the visitor who may not be so into "roughing it," there are a large number of on-site amenities available, from retail outlet stores, to grocery markets, to games rooms, to cabins for rent as well! Also, keep an eye open for the live entertainment during the summer to help keep you grounded in today's modern times while out in the deep, dark woods.
The Lake of the North Resort is open from June 3rd through September 1st each year.
Lake Shore Resort
4392 North Irish Road
Davison, MI 48423
(810) 658-3388
www.outdooradventuresinc.com
Situated just 10 miles east of Flint, Michigan, Lake Shore Resort offers visitors a number of viable options for spending time in the wilderness, while never straying too far from today's modern comforts. With cabins and cabinettes that can each comfortably house a large family, no matter what the number in your party, Lake Shore Resort will be able to accommodate you! From deluxe camping grounds, to a full-size water park, and everything in-between, this Davison hideaway is a perfect option for those not looking to stray too far from their Detroit home, while still being able to escape from it all when needed.
The Lake Shore Resort is open year-round.
Omer Wilderness Resort
1050 Husak Road
Omer, MI 48749
(888) 249-1995
www.outdooradventuresinc.com
With 29 full sites and 181 partial sites available to rent, Omer's Wilderness Resort, located just outside of metro Detroit along Interstate-75, is a monumentally-peaceful area to visit and escape all of the hustle and bustle of the Motor City. Known for its extremely-accessible bird-watching areas, visitors to this resort are able to participate in one of the state's best locations for watching birds of all kinds. With community golf courses available on top of all the outdoors adventures, Omer's Wilderness Resort will not disappoint the adventurer in you, as well as the pampered cabin-dweller, too. Other available amenities include a general store, sports areas, picnic spots, and much more.
Omer's Wilderness Resort is open from May 13th through October 6th of each year.
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Twin Lakes Golf & Swim Club
455 Twin Lakes Drive
Oakland, MI 48363
(248) 650-4550
www.mytwinlakesgc.com
Just minutes from Motown, the Twin Lakes Golf & Swim Club is home to some of metro Detroit's most-upscale and refined outdoors activities. Known as one of the area's premier locations for weddings and professional events, this club specializes in adding that "natural, outdoorsy" look to any type of getaway you have in mind. With a complete set of tennis courts and swimming areas to offer, all situated among some of Oakland County's most serene surroundings, you'll feel a perfect mix of wilderness and comfort at this posh location. Memberships are available and special offers are advertised for members routinely upon the company website.
Please visit the company website for more information regarding reservations and available amenities.
Eagle Crest Resort
1275 S. Huron St.
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
(734) 487-0600
www.eaglecrestresort.com
The Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area is well-known throughout the metro Detroit and Michigan areas one of the state's most-beautiful and prosperous outdoor areas to explore. The Eagle Crest Resort, located just minutes from Metropolitan Airport, is home to a plethora of breathtaking sights to behold. From their award-winning golf course, to their luxury hotel situated along the heavily-wooded areas that surround the region, you'll never feel too far from comfort, nor too deep into the wilderness when staying at this heavenly resort. With a number of social events offered to boot, and an award-winning restaurant, Eagle Crest Resort doesn't just offer an escape, it offers an experience that you're not likely soon to forget.Please visit the resort's website for more information on accommodations, rates, and availability.
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Michael Ferro is freelance writer and a graduate of Michigan State University where he majored in Creative Writing and received the Jim Cash Creative Writing Award. Born and bred in Detroit, he currently resides in Ypsilanti Township. Additional writing can be found at Examiner.com.
