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Birch Grove Schoolhouse
Located on a spur trail, just 1.5 miles from the North Country
National Scenic Trail, the Birch Grove Schoolhouse makes an excellent
base for groups out to discover this recreational treasure. It serves
as a home away from home for those of us who aren't lucky enough to
have a National Scenic Trail in our backyards and also makes a perfect
stopover for weary long-distance hikers.
Best of all, 100% of the rental fees paid by groups using the Birch Grove Schoolhouse go directly to the Western Michigan Chapter, and in turn fund initiatives such as trail building and maintenance, and promotion of the trail!
With a minimum overnight fee of just $20, and amenities such as a full kitchen and a bathroom complete with a shower, this is one of the best "cabin" deals in the state. If you're looking for a quick and convenient family getaway, without the hassle of packing and unpacking camping gear, the Birch Grove Schoolhouse might just be your ideal destination.
Facilities Available at the Birch Grove Schoolhouse
Kitchen Double sink, refrigerator, microwave, stove with oven, 30, 8, and 4-cup coffee makers, dishes, cookware, utensils Meetings 6 tables, 25 chair Overnight 2 rollaways, 2 cots, and 12 mattresses Restrooms One indoor bathroom with toilet, sink, and shower, one outhouse Outdoors Grill, 2 picnic tables, fire pit, and room for tent camping
Rental Policies
- The schoolhouse is only available for rental mid-April through mid-November - we are closed for the winter.
- On-site adult supervision is required for all groups with members that are less than 21 years old.
- Advanced registration and payment (base rate plus damage deposit) is required to use the facility.
- Groups must clean up after themselves or forfeit their damage deposit. This includes sweeping and cleaning tables, sinks, counters, and bath.
- The North Country Trail Association is not responsible for theft or loss of personal property on the Schoolhouse premises.
- Those staying overnight must provide their own bedding or sleeping bags and towels.
- Alcohol is prohibited on the premises, except by special arrangement.
- No smoking is allowed inside the Schoolhouse or on the front porch.
- No pets other than guide dogs are allowed.
Rates for Rentals
Daytime Use (8:00am-8:00pm) $25.00 base rate for up to four hours of use. If the rental is longer than four hours, the fee is $25.00 plus $5.00 for each hour after the fourth hour.
Example: For six hours, the fee would be $25.00 plus $5.00 for the fifth hour plus $5.00 for the sixth hour. Or $35.00 total.
Overnight Use (Daytime use fees are waived) $7.50 per night per NCTA member.
$10.00 per night per non-member.
Minimum charge of $20.00.
Example: if three NCTA members and five non-members stay two nights, the fee would be as follows:
Total due of $145.00
- $45.00 for NCTA members ($7.50 x 3 people x 2 nights)
- $100.00 for non-members ($10.00 x 5 people x 2 nights)
In addition, either option requires a $20.00 refundable damage deposit.
Special consideration is given to Scout and other youth groups.
Directions
Area Hiking Opportunities
The Birch Grove Schoolhouse is located on the Birch Grove Trail, a 9.1-mile loop that contains such highlights as Diamond Lake and the Loda Lake Wildflower Sanctuary. The loop also provides access to the North Country National Scenic Trail. The Birch Grove Trail also has options for shorter loops of four to six miles.
The Schoolhouse has on-site trail literature, and we can also offer assistance and advise on planning hikes as a part of your group's activities.
Please refer to our Trail Maps page for more details.
Sign Me Up!
To learn more about the historic Birch Grove Schoolhouse, or to reserve your event, please contact Dianne Taylor-Chandler at (231) 245-8455 or (231) 689-0174