This Northern Michigan Resort Will Make You an "Elkaholic"
Thunder Bay Resort offers a five-course meal, wine tasting, and a horse-drawn carriage ride to see dozens of elk
Hillman — If you’ve driven along I-75 in Northern Michigan, you’ve most likely seen the elk-crossing signs flash past your window. But have you ever actually seen a real, antlered, white-rumped giant in the wild? These elusive beasts had me wondering: Where in the hell are they hiding?
The heart of Michigan's elk country is centered in the northeastern Lower Peninsula, primarily spanning across Pigeon River Country. Locals call it “The Big Wild,” as this 106,000-acre playground sprawls across three counties. It’s Michigan’s ultimate elk-spotting hotspot, where one of the largest free-roaming herds (east of the Mississippi) wander through wild, untouched terrain.
The DNR manages 13 elk viewing areas throughout the Pigeon River Country State Forest and Atlanta State Forest northeast of Gaylord. Grab a map from the local DNR field office in Atlanta or the Pigeon River Discovery Center in Vanderbilt, choose a route, pack your patience, and then get lost amongst the two-tracks. The trick is to treat your quest like a slow-rolling scavenger hunt. Relaxing for some. Not so for others…
For those of you who would rather skip the DIY quest and pretty much have a guaranteed elk sighting, Thunder Bay Resort in Hillman offers a horse-drawn carriage ride through their 120-acre elk preserve, making the experience feel like its part wildlife safari, part storybook adventure.
Their herd consists of a lot of bulls (donning very impressive antlers!) and plenty of cows and calves. The package also comes with a five-course meal and wine tasting for about $150 per person. That’s a pretty sweet deal for a unique Michigan excursion.
With a carriage ride, the elk viewing, and a gourmet dinner, you get the full experience without having to trek into the woods. A fall visit delivers an explosion of color, and winter grants a peaceful and cozy sleigh ride through the woods. Blankets are provided, which is great news if your love of the outdoors fades as the temperature drops.
Thunder Bay Resort is the kind of place where a quaint wildlife excursion can quickly turn into a full-on adventurous getaway. They’ve got a three-star championship golf course, an onsite bar and restaurant, a spa and a wide selection of rooms, suites, and private Airbnbs, all located on 350 acres along the Thunder Bay River. Planning a visit requires a reservation so don’t lollygag. They do sell out, so choose your season, book ahead, grab your buddies, and just go.
Again, if you’ve ever passed those elk-crossing signs and wondered what was hiding beyond the highway, Thunder Bay Resort will most likely turn you into an “elkaholic.” And that’s no bull.
