The Shack Retreat Getaway
The Shack Christian Retreat and Conference Center
The Shack is
the kind of place where you can truly unplug, unwind, and
breathe a little deeper. Tucked away in a quiet, secluded
pocket of nature, this retreat offers the best of both
worlds: peaceful serenity with the option of nearby shops,
attractions, and dining when you're ready to explore.
A scenic drive
through Michigan’s most beautiful back roads is just the
beginning of the experience. Nestled on the shores of
Robinson Lake near White Cloud, only 44 miles from Muskegon,
65 from Grand Rapids, and 35 from Big Rapids
–
this hideaway is a summer dream. From unique local gems to
attractions you won’t find in most rural counties, there’s
enough to fill your days with fun, adventure, and the kind
of memories that stick. Think hiking, swimming, fishing,
paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, and long, lazy afternoons on a
cozy covered porch.
Enjoy the
flowers, spot birds along peaceful trails, or just kick back
lakeside with a good book and a breeze. Stay right on campus
to appreciate the breakfast and dinner buffet served out of
the Pine Stump Diner. The Shack is a drug-free and
alcohol free campus.
Evenings bring
their own charm: gather for pool, ping pong, shuffleboard,
and games or just relax, watch the sunset over the lake, and
indulge in the nightly banana split tradition.
Incredible Stargazing occurs in the back field. On Sunday
mornings, Memorial Day through Labor Day, you can attend a
lakeside worship service right on campus.
Whether you’re
here for the adventure or the stillness, for the laughter or
the quiet moments, this is your getaway. Come for the peace.
Stay for the memories.
North Country Trail
The North Country Trail offers a variety of fun and unique
experiences, making it a distinctive long-distance hiking
trail. It stretches 4,800 miles across eight states, from
Lake Sakakawea State Park in North Dakota to the Appalachian
Trail in Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont.
The M-20 trailhead is located just 6.7 miles from The Shack.
Hikers can enjoy a mix of off-road trails and road walks,
with some sections being well blazed while others require
detailed maps for navigation.
Schindy's at Diamond Lake
Just a Little Gas Station…
Just 8 miles from The Shack in White Cloud, MI,
Schindy’s is more than just a pit stop
–
it’s a destination. Our award-winning pizza, hailed as one of West
Michigan’s finest, is handcrafted with premium ingredients
and bursting with flavor. Pair your slice with one of our
expertly mixed cocktails, and you've got a meal worth the
drive.
Mac Woods Dune
Rides
A thrilling way to explore the stunning
Silver Lake Sand Dunes. This 40-minute, 7-mile ride takes
guests on a high-energy journey across rolling sand dunes,
with scenic stops for panoramic views of Lake Michigan and
some of the tallest dunes in the area. Each ride is
led by a knowledgeable and entertaining guide who keeps the
experience lively with fun facts, local history, and plenty
of laughs along the way. It’s a favorite for families,
couples, and groups of all ages, offering accommodations
available for pets and visitors with mobility needs, making
it truly inclusive and accessible. With its perfect blend of
adventure, natural beauty, and local charm, Mac Wood’s Dune
Rides is an experience you won’t soon forget.
Lewis Family
Farms
Welcome to our fifth-generation family farm, where
tradition, fun, and fresh flavors come together on over 700
acres of beautiful countryside. The on-site market is
brimming with the best of the season, from crisp vegetables
and sun-ripened fruits to fresh-baked goods, creamy ice
cream, homemade fudge, pantry staples, unique gifts, and
more. We are a full family destination that includes a
petting zoo, home to over 75 friendly animals. Kids
and adults alike can interact with goats, sheep, alpacas,
and more in a setting that’s safe, welcoming, and filled
with charm. The fun continues with a wide variety of
outdoor activities for all ages: bounce on giant jumping
pillows, explore the bird aviary. Kids will love the barrel
train rides, pedal carts, and barrel horses, while everyone
can enjoy the vintage-style carousel, imaginative playground
structures, and even an animated chicken show that’s sure to
bring smiles.
Country Dairy
Rooted in tradition but guided by innovation, Country Dairy
is more than a farm. This fourth-generation, family-owned
dairy invites guests to experience life on a working farm
through guided tours that are both educational and fun for
all ages. Along the way, you’ll learn about the rich
history of Country Dairy, the science and care behind dairy
farming, and the farm’s commitment to sustainable,
animal-first practices. Country Dairy takes its
farm-to-table promise seriously. After your tour, you can
enjoy a beef burger with a bottomless cup of their famously
fresh chocolate milk. Don’t miss the hand-scooped ice cream,
artisanal cheeses, fresh-baked goods, and other locally made
treats, all crafted with care, right on the farm. A great
destination where quality, family, and cows come first.
Little Sable
Point Lighthouse
Nestled within the dramatic Silver Lake State Park dunes is
the stunning Little Sable Point Lighthouse, standing 115
feet tall and offering a timeless view over Lake Michigan.
Built in 1874, this historic lighthouse is the most visited
of the region’s four, and for good reason. Its original
3rd-order Fresnel lens still shines from the top, a rare and
fascinating feature for lighthouse enthusiasts. Standing
alone at the edge of the lake, the red brick tower creates a
breathtaking contrast against the sand and sky, providing a
perfect photo opportunity and a must-see for travelers
exploring Michigan’s west coast. A well-paved path
makes the site accessible to visitors of all ages and
abilities. Climb the winding staircase to the top and
you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Lake Michigan,
rolling dunes, and the forested landscape beyond, a truly
unforgettable Michigan experience.
The Shack
Christian Retreat and Conference Center, a traditional log
lodge, is nestled in 141 acres of woods on the shore of
Robinson Lake, near the small town of White Cloud.
www.shackretreat.org
231-924-6683
