Deeply Rooted
The place that Water & Woods occupies rests on deep roots.
In a region once widely occupied by bands of Ottawa and Ojibwe peoples, Lake Salma holds rich history. It is widely known that local children would regularly find arrowheads buried in and around the lake. Other artifacts and objects have emerged over time. The lake boasts a vast wetland that has also historically held wild rice, or minoomin, a traditionally harvested food for indigenous peoples.
Today, the Little Band of Ottawa Indians has a community center just outside of Manistee, MI. You can read more about them and support the community here.
Engage Your Senses
Explore All That Water & Woods Has to Offer
We invite you to fully experience the natural world around you. Stepping away from screens allows your senses to wake up. Here are just a few beautiful things waiting for you to discover.
A Private Lake
Lake Salma
This beautiful 30-acre lake is surrounded by natural wetlands and teeming with life.
Mornings often find mists rising from the surface – making for a magical morning kayak trip.
Swimming & Wading
The spring-fed lake stays refreshingly cold through June. We have a wonderful swim raft in the middle of a lake that feels like a nature preserve. You have the freedom to take a quiet morning swim or cool off in the afternoon.
Kayaking & Paddling
Take a kayak or canoe out onto the water. Paddling is a gentle way to explore the shoreline and look for otters swimming. You might even watch trumpeter swans parenting their families. It is a simple, happy way to spend an afternoon.
Relaxing by the Shore
You do not have to be in the water to feel its calming effects. Relax under the open-air covered pergola of your campground cabin. Watch dragonflies dancing on the water and listen to the call of the redwing blackbirds.
The Land & Woods
The Perfect Natural Environment
Modern life often keeps us inside. We invite you to step outdoors and wander.
The landscape here is wonderfully natural and open. You will find meandering paths, active wildlife, and beautiful open meadows. Spending time in the trees helps you relax and find joy. You can take a deep breath and let nature do the rest.
Winding Trails
Walking among our many winding trails is a simple, happy activity. The paths gently guide you through cedar groves and open up into sunlit meadows. It is a wonderful way to stretch your legs just steps from your covered pergola.
Wildlife Habitats
Our property is alive with happy activity. You can watch eagles fly overhead in the morning or look for large beaver dams in the wetlands. Listen to the prehistoric sound of the sandhill cranes. It is a joy to simply notice the beautiful world around you.
Quiet Reflection
You do not have to walk far to find a peaceful spot. There are countless quiet spaces among the oak and maple trees. Sit quietly at the base of a giant mother tree, string up a hammock, or simply rest in silence.
