On the afternoon of June 12th, Hillsdale faculty, staff and friends of the College gathered to dedicate the Rockwell Lake Lodge on the grounds of the G.H. Gordon Biological Station in northern Michigan. The lodge, which opened to the public on June 1, marks the completion of the second phase of construction at the biological station.

Dean of Natural Sciences Dr. Chris VanOrman and President Larry Arnn expressed their thanks on behalf of the College to George and Barbara Gordon, who gave the biological station property to the College in the late 1990s and have generously and faithfully supported its development over the last decade. While biology students have been the primary users of the station thus far, the addition of the lodge opens up a realm of possibilities for other groups to enjoy the natural beauty of the station’s surroundings, be it Hillsdale College faculty, staff and students; researchers or teachers from other educational institutions; or individuals or families just looking for a quiet getaway with deluxe accommodations.

The Rockwell Lake Lodge offers ten non-smoking, custom-furnished guest suites, each with its own private bath, balcony, fireplace, flat-screen TV and kitchenette. Suites include two double beds or a king bed with sleeper sofa. One barrier-free guest suite is available. Plush fabrics, leather chairs, wooden beams, hardwood floors, a stone fireplace, floor-to-ceiling windows, a game table and a large screen TV are all part of the warm and inviting Great Room overlooking Rockwell Lake. Adjacent to the Great Room is the Rockwell Conference Room, which can accommodate up to 20 meeting participants and is equipped with a whiteboard, LCD projector and screen. Guests can enjoy both the excellent cuisine and the spectacular view of the woods and lake while dining in the Lake View Dining Room. A variety of menu choices with flexible dining options are available. Outside, recreational opportunities abound, such as fishing, kayaking, bird-watching, swimming, canoeing and walking the trails for nature’s view of the forests, marshes and wildlife indigenous to the area. A number of other regional attractions and recreational activities, such as golf, skiing and hunting, are within driving distance of the Lodge.

Vice President of the Dow Leadership Center Jack Oxenrider offered a blessing for the new building. Following the program, which was held in a tent on the shores of Rockwell Lake, guests walked up to the lodge for the ribbon-cutting ceremony and a toast.

The Dow Leadership Center of Hillsdale College handles reservations for the Rockwell Lake Lodge. To schedule a reservation, call (517) 437-3311.