Welcome to

White Birch Lodge

Welcome to White Birch Lodge

An All-Inclusive Family-Friendly Resort

In the heart of Northern Michigan

Celebrating Over 60 Years of Family Fun

Come Experience The Magic

Welcome to White Birch Lodge

An all-inclusive family-friendly resort in the heart of Northern Michigan

white birch lodge office northern michigan resort
white birch lodge office northern michigan resort
Come join us in beautiful Northern Michigan
14th annual Au Sable River cleanup

White Birch Lodge:  A Cherished Family Tradition

White Birch Lodge has been welcoming families to Northern Michigan for over 60 years. Nestled on the crystal-clear blue waters of Elk Lake in Elk Rapids, Michigan, White Birch Lodge has been in the business of creating unforgettable memories for families since the very beginning. 

Originally opened by Cliff & Ruby Conrad in 1958 as a summer camp style resort for families.  Today White Birch Lodge still welcomes families to relax and recreate on the lake. Now managed by Cliff and Ruby’s grandson, WBL is open all year round. We host family vacations all summer long, Weddings and Private Events in the Spring and Fall and our Condo units are available to rent throughout the winter. You can enjoy Elk Lake any time of year at White Birch Lodge.

Bring your family to White Birch Lodge in the summer time for a traditional up north vacation.

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Host an unforgettable destination wedding celebration for family and friends!

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Whether you are staying with us for a summer vacation or celebrating love, White Birch Lodge is a place where families come together and enjoy being together. No matter the season!

white birch lodge office northern michigan resort
Come join us in beautiful Northern Michigan
14th annual Au Sable River cleanup

A History of White Birch Lodge

white birch lodge office northern michigan resort
Come join us in beautiful Northern Michigan
14th annual Au Sable River cleanup

White Birch Lodge was started by Cliff and Ruby Conrad in 1958. The Conrads travelled to Northern Michigan from Maumee, Ohio for their own family vacations and absolutely fell in love with the area. As an education professional, Cliff had summers off and enjoyed facilitating recreation for kids. They began to dream of starting their own place where families could come to enjoy “up North” summer vacations. Elk Lake’s crystal clear blue water provided the setting, and with help from friends and young staff, they bought the property that is now White Birch Lodge and started offering an “American plan” style of vacation where the staff took care of all the work, giving parents freedom to relax and enjoy.

The lush lakefront property where the resort lies had been operated off and on as a hotel since the early 1900s. The main lodge was constructed in the late 1800s and remains the heart and soul of WBL today. Waterskiing and sailing became popular pastimes on the lake, while cooks prepared three meals each day in the lakefront dining hall. The active vacationer enjoyed all the available sports activities on and off the water, while the quiet serenity of the area brought relaxation. Countless friendships developed between guests and staff alike and continue to reunite years later.

The Conrads’ passion for fun and service lives on today. Still family-owned and operated by Cliff and Ruby’s children and grandchildren, the resort has evolved with the same all-inclusive program at its center. Accommodations have grown to include everything from rustic cabins to luxurious condominiums, all clustered around Elk Lake’s sandy, birch-lined shores.

Kayaks and canoes provide a quiet, relaxing paddle and beautiful views are to be had from our stand up paddle boards. Countless beach and water toys will entertain the kids for hours on end, while pontoon boat cruises or a dip in the refreshing water may be enjoyed by the whole family. You won’t find another waterfront resort with the variety and level of service offered by WBL!

WATERSPORTS ALL DAY, EVERY DAY AT WHITE BIRCH LODGE

White Birch Lodge is one of the only resorts in the nation to offer full-service waterskiing, wakeboarding and tubing. We pull waterskiers every day in the morning at afternoon, wakeboarders three days a week in the afternoon, and tubers every afternoon. Guests can also arrange for private sking/wakeboarding sessions in the morning or evening.

WATERSPORTS AT WBL

“Many families, including us, have coordinated their schedules so we can get back together next year same time, same place. That says a lot considering we didn’t know one person there just 8 days ago. Take a chance, you will not regret it!!!”

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