Adventures
shipwreck diving
The fresh waters of the Great Lakes harbor some of the most magnificent and varied shipwrecks in the world. The Whitefish Point and Straits of Mackinac underwater preserves are on the "Everest" list for most scuba divers. The fresh waters have preserved these shipwrecks as time-capsules from bygone eras. Wrecks range from comfortable beginner dives to highly advanced technical dives. SAO is situated comfortably between the preserves, allowing daily wind direction to dictate the most accessible dive sites.
Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve
Straits of Mackinac Underwater Preserve
DeTour Passage Underwater Preserve
Gin clear great lakes water!
We fill air, nitrox, and trimix!
Freshwater fishing
The UP helps define freshwater fishing! Whether you prefer inland lakes, small rivers, large rivers, or Great Lakes water, a myriad of species and opportunities surround SAO. Trolling, casting, and fly fishing are favorite methods. Preferred species include smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, salmon, steelhead, muskellunge, brown trout, brook trout, lake trout, and a host of panfish. Troll the St. Mary's, wade the Two-hearted, find a remote "secret lake", cast the Tahquamenon river, or brave open Lake Superior. Best of all, if you have a boat or your own fishing equipment, it is safe and accessible while staying at SAO.
River Fishing
Fly Fishing
Great Lakes
Inland Lakes
Freshwater species
hiking
Check out miles and miles of scenic hiking trails
Some of the most beautiful hikes in the north are nearby! Let’s start with the property itself where 180 acres of trails and wilderness serve as your private hiking ground. Beyond that, consider the North Country Trail, Drummond Island, Tahquamenon Falls, Rudyard to Trout Lake, rugged Neebish Island, Straits State Park, and many others. Feel free to stay close to SAO if you wish—you will not have to wander far from your cabin to find your morning solitude.
Kayaking
Kayking without limits
Opportunities aboud. Only your skills and sense of adventure limit you. Kayak the Charlotte River just down the street. The Charlotte empties into the St. Mary’s system, and where bays, channels, islands, and freighters abound. You can also travel to one of hundreds of bodies of water in the UP. For those with skills and a respect for the sometime treacherous Michigan weather, Lake Superior or Lake Huron will raise your eyebrows as well as your heartrate.
explore historical sites
Landmarks of the UP
The historic Soo Locks
Lighthouses of the Greak Lakes
Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum
Tahquamenon falls
DeTour Village and Drummond Island
Mackinac Island and the Mackinac bridge
winter adventures
Make your winters more fun!
Snowmobiling—SAO can be your private center for everything “snowmobile” in the Eastern Upper Peninsula! State of MI snowmobile trails
Skiing—great stopping point to/from Searchmonth, Marquette Mountain, Mt. Bohemia and others!
Ice fishing
Snowshoeing
Fat tire cycling