North lakeland discovery retreat
September 25-28, 2026
Join us for an exciting, multi-day overnight experience during peak fall color season. Stay in our historic bunkhouse cabins and explore the Northwoods through naturalist-led interpretive hikes and paddles focused on autumn ecology, wildlife, and seasonal change. Designed for adults, this experience balances learning, outdoor exploration, and time to slow down in one of northern Wisconsin’s most beautiful seasons.
Trip highlights
- A full-day guided canoe paddle with local historian Jim Bokern, who will provide a chance to learn about the cultural history of the Turtle Flambeau Flowage while traveling quiet waters.
- A full-day guided waterfall tour in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, showcasing the region’s diverse landscapes and habitats framed by vibrant fall color.
- A medicinal plant workshop, exploring common native and naturalized plants, understanding their traditional and modern uses, and practicing simple yet safe ways to prepare them such as teas, infusions, or salves.
- A sunrise birding excursion, hiking slowly along forest and wetland edges, listening for loons, warblers, and woodpeckers as the sky warms from steel blue to soft gold.
- A sunset interpretive hike through NLDC trails following wooded paths of pines and maple, pausing to discover seasonal mushrooms along the forest floor, with glimpses of still water catching the last reflections of the sky.
Trip details and accomodations
- Meals will be provided.
- Lodging will be provided.
- Our accommodations are bunkhouse style cabins with twin-sized bunks and ADA accessible bathroom and shower.
- Participants must bring their own toiletries, towels, and bedding.
- Cabins will be assigned by gender and space via registration. If you register for this trip with your spouse or another family member of a different gender, we cannot guarantee you will have a room together.
- Offsite lodging options can be found on the Manitowish Waters Visitor's Bureau website, but the cost to stay somewhere else is not included in this trip.
- Transportation to programming locations will be provided. If you stay offsite, you are responsible for transportation to and from offsite lodging location, and must be on time for scheduled activities that you wish to participate in.
- Click here to see a more detailed version of the itinerary. Programs and timing are subject to change.
Renovated Cabins
Rich in history, these bunkhouses were originally built to house members of the Youth Conservation Corps, who spent their summers working to protect and enhance Wisconsin’s natural resources.
Bunkhouse Style
Each bunkhouse provides basic furnishings, bunk-style sleeping arrangements, and a warm, camp-inspired atmosphere—perfect for families, school groups, retreats, and outdoor enthusiasts.
ADA Bathroom
While intentionally rustic, the cabins include an ADA-accessible bathroom with a private toilet and shower. Guests can enjoy the comfort of a warm shower after a long day of Northwoods adventure!
Pricing:
The total cost is $850 per person. This includes bunkhouse accommodations, meals, transportation to programming activities, canoe rental, and staff to guide every program throughout the weekend. A down payment of $255 (30%) per person is required to register and reserve a space for the retreat. Registrations made less than 30 days prior to the retreat require full payment.
Cancellation Policy:
- 60 or more days before trip: 50% of down payment is forfeited.
- 59-0 days before retreat: 100% of down payment is forfeited.