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Reviewed 18 February 2014

We did Elk Viewing Feb. 16-17. Check in was smooth. Our villa, 2 bedroom, 2 bath was very spacious and well supplied. We came with another couple and we each had plenty of private room. The Elk viewing was very informative. Jack, the owner, is very knowledgeable and didn't seem the least robotic or bored with his narrative even though I'm sure he has done it thousands of times. The gourmet dinner afterwards was excellent. Although we didn't partake in the wine tasting, those at our table said it was very good. The food was plentiful and outstanding. Then next morning we had breakfast, included, and found it plentiful and tasty. There was one server for the whole dining room and she was cheerful and efficient. I would recommend this experience.

As a small business owner myself, I offer cudos and admiration to Jack and Jan for their entrepenuerial spirit.

Date of stay: February 2014
  • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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4  Thank blmtkf
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JackMatthiasTBResort, Owner at Thunder Bay Resort, responded to this reviewResponded 30 July 2014

Thank-you for the very nice review. Nice to hear from a fellow business owner.
You are correct I have done this event over 1000 times and I love doing - try to do every one we do and hate to miss one. Elk are truly remarkable animals and I never get tired of seeing them or talking about them and showing them to others.. I do not get bored ever and I hope I'm not robotic.
Our event is like stepping back in time to the mid 1800s as life would have been like on the frontier. We hope to show our guests a side of Northern Michigan most don't know exists. It's Eco-tourism, it's Ag tourism, Soft Adventure, Educational and a Culinary Event all rolled into one. When all the elements come together - it is almost magical. Nothing else like it East of the Rockies.
Come see for yourself - it is well worth your time.

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Reviewed 7 January 2014

Wow! Had been wanting to do the elk viewing and gourmet dinner trip for some time, and finally did it. I would recommend this to anyone. The sleigh ride out was great, we saw elk and our sleigh driver and tour guide kept us in stitches! The gourmet dinner and wine tasting at the cabin were top notch! Wonderful food and great wine. All throughout dinner they would give us interesting facts about the elk herd and the history of the resort and the sleigh ride/dinner.

Our room was very large and spacious, clean and well kept.

Room tip: We had a whirlpool room it is very large and spacious, with a kitchenette.
Date of stay: January 2014
  • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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4  Thank Cathy C
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JackMatthiasTBResort, Owner at Thunder Bay Resort, responded to this reviewResponded 30 July 2014

Thank you for the very nice review. Your reaction is exactly the kind we strive to achieve. We are fortunate to have a great staff and have a good time bringing you this event.
We often hear people say they have heard good things and have had us on their bucket list for a long time before actually coming to see us.
If you are in the category - come see us - we think you will have a great time. Anytime summer. fall or winter - just make reservations in advance. Staying at the Resort is optional - you can come and just do the 4 hour ride and dinner.

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Reviewed 2 January 2014

A 1 star rating would get read more but that's not what this resort nor it's employees deserve. I read some of the reviews before we went to the resort for a New Years Eve getaway. (90% of the negative reviews talked about little things that should not even play any roll in your experience. Unless you're an interior decorator why would it matter if the furnishing "don't match"? Really? Outdated? Our suite had a bed, couch, 2 TV's. table, sink, and a FLUSH toilet. Seemed modern to me. I guess by outdated they meant their room didn't have all the amenities that the "Jetson's" had in the future. If you let furnishing in a room define a good vs bad trip I would be concerned.
We weren't "trapped" at the cabin nor were we "forced" to listen to a sales pitch. The elk antler benefits were only slightly mentioned during the sleigh ride and in context of the benefits that elk in general provide.
The entire experience was exactly as described on the website. The employees were extremely helpful and friendly. Everything from the bartenders and servers in the restaurant to the people in the pro shop that helped fit us with the proper cross country ski equipment (modern equipment) and explained how the trails were laid out which made the experience great.
Our only "complaint" would have to be the amount of great food we were served at the cabin on New Years Eve. It was all so good you didn't want to leave anything on your plate but, unless you have a huge appetite, you will be hard pressed to eat everything they serve you.
In closing, if you go looking for a great experience you will find it. It will be exactly what you make out of it.

Date of stay: December 2013
  • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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3  Thank Art M
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JackMatthiasTBResort, Owner at Thunder Bay Resort, responded to this reviewResponded 30 July 2014

Wow Art! Love your perspective and your sense of humor.
Art is describing our New Year's Eve Party - which is a great event. Where our regular ride and dinner is about 4 hours - this party is about 6.5 hours and features Mike Ridley who is a fabulous entertainer - comedian, song writer, guitarist and singer. The five course meal expands to about 11 courses. Art is right - it is too much food - but you will need to talk with my wife Jan about that - she is the boss - but it probably won't change anything. Best advise - just sample the appetizers and save room for one of the 5 entre selections.
Wine tasting and drinks are included. So we do require that you stay at the Resort - so no driving - you can let your hair down and party, laugh, sing and dance. We will have you back in your room just before midnight with a bottle of champagne so you can watch the ball drop in Times Square. Get your friends together and book early. If you miss it - sign up for the same party on Superbowl Weekend and/or St Patty's Day Weekend. I guarantee you will have a great time. Thanks Art.

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Reviewed 24 December 2013

When I walked into my room, I was surprised to find that this could be someone's home. There were two beds, a night stand, chest of drawers, and LARGE flat-screen tv in the first room. The second room had a small refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and a wall of kitchen cabinets. Opposite that was a room with a bathtub; then beside that wasanother room with a half-bath.

Continuing on, was a full-size living/dining room: A table with four chairs, a sofa bed, two recliners, another television and a murphy bed in the 'closet.' The resort was designed for golfers who want their own bed. Any foursome would be quite comfortable staying here.

The room 130 offered free wi-fi. It was a 5-minute walk to the lobby, golf shop, gift shop, and breakfast area, but they will come and pick you up if you call.

The highlight of the stay was a 45-minute ride through the woods on a horse-drawn wagon to dinner. It was misting snow which really set the mood for the five-course dinner at the cabin. We stopped en-route to see elk which are owned by the resort owners.

Breakfast was from a menu; food was very good. For those who don't want to walk to the restaurant, you can call for pick-up service; also there is a short cut through the woods.

Date of stay: December 2013
  • Trip type: Travelled solo
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2  Thank jwjwjwjw1
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JackMatthiasTBResort, Owner at Thunder Bay Resort, responded to this reviewResponded 30 July 2014

Thank-you for your nice review. Yes we are isolated. Hillman is a very small town - about 700 people - located about an hour East of Gaylord and 1/2 hour West of Alpena. I get teased a lot about missing the day in class when they talked about the importance of "Location, Location, Location." But it sounds like it was worth your time to travel from Indiana and we are glad you came and had a good time. We have been blessed with a beautiful 400 acre parcel to work with and sometimes there are advantages to being "so very isolated." Thanks again for your kind words!

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Reviewed 13 October 2013

We did a fall color tour here for the elk viewing carriage ride and it was fantastic! This is the 6th time that I have brought my group here (52 people) and it never fails to be a huge success! In the past we've stay overnight in their nice, roomy lodging but this trip was just a one day tour. From the minute we arrived and were warmly greeted by owner Jack Mathias everything was perfect. The carriage ride through the woods was very pretty and the narrative about the elk is so informative but getting to see those majestic elk so close-up is really thrilling. Everyone got great pictures! The fabulous meal at the beautiful lodge in the woods is truly a highlight of this tour. From the appetizer (shrimp cocktail w/ apple & pear tart), chicken soup, sweet Napa salad, crown roast of pork w/ roasted red potatoes to the delicious dessert pizzelles filled with white chocolate mousse and a raspberry/ white chocolate topping, you'll savor every bite. Also served with the meal is Michigan cherry coffee plus appetizer, dinner & dessert wines with each coarse.
Owners Jack & Jan Mathias share their story throughout the meal and provide a very memorable experience. My group had such a great time they did not want to leave!

Date of stay: October 2013
  • Trip type: Travelled with friends
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1  Thank Karen L S
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JackMatthiasTBResort, Owner at Thunder Bay Resort, responded to this reviewResponded 26 October 2013

Thank-you Karen for the kind words. And thank you for coming back again and again - 6 times! 52 people is a full motor coach and that is typically a sign that you run great tours and that you and we have had great word of mouth from your past guests. We look forward to seeing you again. Thanks.

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