Thunder Bay Resort

Thunder Bay Resort

Us with Bill the horse
Traveler (250)
Food
Dining (31)
The suite
Room & Suite (25)

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About

#1 of 1 resort in Hillman
Location
4.3
Rooms
3.9
Value
4.1
Cleanliness
4.3
Service
4.5
Sleep Quality
4.2
Pure Northern Michigan Relaxation Awaits Your Arrival! Resting on over 350 acres of Northern Michigan's stunning landscape, Thunder Bay Resort is the perfect retreat for your Weekend Escape! Complete with a state-of-the-art Full-Service RV park, Deluxe Lodging poised on our pristine 18-hole Golf Course and a 160 acre Elk Preserve, Thunder Bay Resort is truly a destination for all seasons. Charming Chalets, Spacious Villas and Deluxe Fairway Suites are the perfect place for your next Getaway. Our premier RV park has full amenities, including patio furniture, wi-fi and pull through parking. A short walk to The Grill will reward you with breakfast, lunch, dinner and/or drinks. Enjoy the outdoors? At Thunder Bay Resort, we look forward to satisfying your appetite for recreation! Playing Thunder Bay Resort's championship 18 hole Golf Course is a great way to spend the day. Seasonal Amenities also include Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing, Biking, Hiking,and Horseshoes. Nestled within the beautiful backdrop of woods and river is Thunder Bay Resort’s Elk Antler Cabin, where you will enjoy our Elk Viewing Dinner Ride & Wine Tasting Event as the fairy tale ending to a perfect day!
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Bar / lounge
Golf course
Ski rentals
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Gift shop
Parking
Wifi
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Wine / champagne
Skiing
Evening entertainment
Karaoke
Non-smoking hotel
Laundry service
Self-serve laundry
Room features
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Kitchenette
Microwave
Refrigerator
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Business
Languages Spoken
English

Location

27800 M-32 W, Hillman, MI 49746-8674
Getting there
Car recommended
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 37 out of 100
37
Alpena County Regional Airport
16.1 mi
See all flights
Traverse City Airport
86.3 mi
See all flights
1 Attraction
within 5 miles
Traveler rating
  • 166
  • 55
  • 18
  • 18
  • 11
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Detailed Reviews
Ralph wrote a review Nov 2023
Oscoda, Michigan
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Stayed at Thunder Bay Resort years ago for golf trips and always wanted to return for the elk viewing. So, this year my wife and I booked the "Elk Viewing Carriage Ride and Gourmet Dinner" event for our anniversary. Another couple, good friends, joined us. They came from down-state and stayed overnight at the resort.

Prior to the tour, we had drinks prepared to take with us from the little bar behind the check-in office. Adult versions of hot chocolate. There were plenty of wool blankets available to take along, as well. It was cold out with a light rain so we each took two blankets which did a good job of keeping us warm on the covered wagons (like the ones on Mackinaw Island). Zuesha, our hostess/tour guide, and Al our driver/tour guide were great!

We received a wealth of information about the elk in Michigan and the herd at Thunder Bay. The information was interesting and it was accompanied by numerous anecdotes and humorous stories, told in the style of true Northern Michiganders. We saw many elk wandering in the preserve and got to meet Thunder Jack, the huge bull that rules over the harem. He is impressive and, we were within a just few feet of him!

The gourmet 5-course dinner was served in a beautiful and charming log cabin in the woods. Each course was prepared at the cabin and each course was delicious. We were served tastings of several wines as well as three different dinner wines. All the wines were local Michigan wines and each one was unique. We were also served Michigan Cherry coffee which was very good. We were able to buy some to take home with us. The wines were also available for sale back at the office.

There was absolutely no "sales pitch" like former reviewers complained about. We were briefly informed about products that were available for sale after dinner and that was it. We had a leisurely dinner and got to enjoy our friends, and talk with the other guests. All in all, it was a very enjoyable experience. My only regret is that I waited so long to do it. We all had a wonderful time, and we would love to return again and introduce more friends and family to this wonderful Michigan experience.
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Date of stay: October 2023
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
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.
Chris K wrote a review Aug 2024
Clinton Township, Michigan
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Hello. January was Lauderdale, Islamorada, Key West, Marco Island; March was Puerto Rico. NOT bragging, simply letting you know that I don't travel once in a while and write bad reviews because the world did not revolve around me during my holiday. That being said, I've spent a great deal of time in northern Michigan over the past forty-some years. The four days spent at the Thunder Bay Resort were exemplary. The property is picturesque, the grounds and housekeeping staff are friendly, helpful and kind. the two-bedroom suite was spotless, the kitchen was well-equipped and the view from the balcony was tremendous. We ate at the clubhouse and received terrific service and great food. We walked all-over the property and found it to be very well-kept, manicured and clean. I'm always amazed that some people can holiday with no ability other than of being miserable and if you peruse their reviews of their travels over time they blur together as one sad chapter after another. I've been around and I'll tell you that this venue was all that I expected and then some. Most certainly will I be returning and I'm sure that I'll be smiling wider as was true with this trip. Thank you to the office, housekeeping, dining room and groundskeeping staff for all that you performed to make this trip so very enjoyable.
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Date of stay: August 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with friends
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.
Dave H wrote a review Feb 2020
United States
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Hidden gem in a remote Northeastern Michigan location. Sit back and relax on a horse drawn sleigh ride through the woods with a hot drink you can purchase prior to the start of the ride. As you travel through the woods, a knowledgeable staff member (we were lucky to have Jack) will talk about the Elk, other types of animals in the area and the history of the resort. Once you arrive to the cabin, you are wined and dined, the Chef (Spencer) and the staff will make you feel at home and ensure you have a excellent experience. The staff are professional, knowledgeable and extremely helpful. If you have a distance to travel, you can stay the night in a clean room with many amenities including cross-country skiing. This a event everyone needs to experience.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
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.
Steve R wrote a review Aug 2023
Troy, Michigan
2.0 of 5 bubbles
This is a golf resort that knows in advance occupancy and still doesn’t plan accordingly to staff their dinning room properly. We are a group of 12 and they couldn’t handle but one group of 14 for dinner. We had to leave the premises for an offsite restaurant to have dinner for our group of 12. I will never recommend this resort again for anyone with their lack of customer focus and commitment to their guests. I don’t blame the staff, I blame management for not caring and delivering value to its customers. Just plain sorry
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
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.
Lori K wrote a review Aug 2024
Northville, Michigan
3.0 of 5 bubbles
We visited Thunder Bay resort on a Group Golfer package. I would say we got the value we paid for. The course and the villa are in need of some TLC. The course layout was basic with a few nice holes. Greens were nice but the tee areas were not manicured and primarily covered in crab grass. The golf carts are on their last leg. On the first day, our cart died on the fifth hole, luckily a ranger was in the area and quickly brought us out a new cart. On the second day the club cover kept falling down. I ended up tying it to the roof pillar.

The two bedroom villa was clean but worn. The unit is cooled by window air conditioning which is fine, but one bedroom had a unit in their room while the other bedroom had to leave the door open to the living room to get even the slightest bit of cool air. So we were up when the other guests were up.

The food was good and the staff were all very friendly. If you’re on a budget, it’s a good option.
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Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
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.
Janine B wrote a review Aug 2024
+1
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Went with a motorcoach trip to visit the elks. The place was very large. Rooms were all suites and very clean. The decor and hotel itself was old, but VERY CLEAN. Serene views.

The carriage ride up to the elks was fun and informative. The elks themselves were beautiful. Went back to the lodge for the 5 course meal and wine tasting...so much food! Plus so delicious!!!!

Breakfast in the restaurant the next morning was very good. The room itself was on the small side but had no problem handling our group of 49 people.
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Date of stay: August 2024
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
3.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
4.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
4.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip: Out in the middle of nowhere. Bring snacks if you get hungry at night
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.
Redlakelady wrote a review Sep 2024
Michigan
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Eight friends visited Thunder Bay Resort for two nights, and we rented two cabins that comfortably fit four in each cabin, with four double beds and two full bathrooms in each cabin, along with a small kitchen and living room. We travelled the area both days and it was a perfect retreat at night. A delightful breakfast (right off the menu) was included. We also went on the carriage ride to view the wonderful elk everywhere and then on to the remote lodge in the middle of the property. There, we had a delicious, huge meal prepared on wood stoves. The meal included an incredible desert and wine tasting. Four of our group were from out of state, and this entire trip was more than we could have hoped for.
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Date of stay: August 2024
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with friends
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.
Holowek wrote a review Jan 2020
Lansing, United States
3.0 of 5 bubbles
This is not a “you get what you pay for” but simply a natural consequence of supply and demand. Where else can you be pulled through the snowy woods in a wagon by big, beautiful horses, with a delicious hot drink in your hand and warm wool blankets on your lap, passing so close to majestic elk that you can almost touch them, to a cabin for a wine tasting and a four course dinner? It’s a lovely picture and a genius idea to lure tourists to northern Michigan in the winter. BUT, you need to know it’s quite expensive, the same menu is served every day, every year and the food is average, at best and the wine is horrible. In addition, the accommodations are a step up from camping, very old, outdated rooms, kind of clean, with tolerable mattresses. The best thing about the rooms are the toiletries from Beekman 1802. And, you need to know the elk are owned by the resort owner and you will see them behind fences. Lastly, during dinner the owner tries to sell you some elk antler potion to cure any malady you may suffer from. I’ve been there, did it. Paid way more than it was worth. Won’t need to do it again.
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Date of stay: January 2020
3.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
2.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
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.
Willard K wrote a review Jun 2021
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Wow. This guy gives you a mosquito infested tour of sad looking animals trapped inside pens, then tells you how great he treats them, then feeds you "ok" food. But the worst part is a mandatory high pressure sales pitch where you and your entire table is expected to buy his elk antler velvet "snake oil" that he says cures everything including cancer. You can't get away, you have no transportation to leave, you can't make his stop talking... Everyone is looking at each other like, "why is he still talking?" He makes is sound like his farm is on the edge of survival, and if you buy the "snake oil" they can eat one more meal and not die.... He buys the stuff from China!!! Sad. At least when people wanted you to buy time share condos for a "scam" you got free food and stuff for listening to their sales pitch. Don't waste your money, not worth the price of admission.
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Date of stay: June 2021
1.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
1.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
1.0 of 5 bubblesService
Room Tip: Unless you want to a high pressure sales pitch to buy elk antler "snake oil" stay away.
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.
Renee V wrote a review Oct 2024
3.0 of 5 bubbles
The elk viewing tour and dinner were awesome, however the resort is in serious need of renovation. The chalet we rented with family was not particularly clean ( we found food in the pull out couch , and dead bugs). The furniture , carpet and walls were dirty scratched and broken down. If you sat on the couch , you couldn’t get out it was so broken down. The patio was filthy , we had to wipe down the outdoor furniture. It’s a shame because the grounds are beautiful and if the accommodations were better, it would be so much better.
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Date of stay: October 2024Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip: Go for the elk tour and dinner, but stay somewhere else.
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.
kc48girl asked a question Feb 2020
Belleville, Michigan51 contributions9 helpful votes
How late does the restaurant stay open
Answer from tbrelkview
Hillman, Michigan
We are currently on winter hours for the Clubhouse Grill which are Friday 4-9pm Saturday 8am-9pm and Sunday 8am-1pm (breakfast only). We are currently closed during the week. During the spring, summer and fall we are open during the week.
Answer from MusicManfromPA
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania211 contributions124 helpful votes
Yes, the bathroom had a hair dryer.
stilltripping2015 asked a question Jun 2019
Cincinnati, Ohio11 contributions2 helpful votes
What time does the carriage ride and dinner begin?
Answer from tbrelkview
Hillman, Michigan
Our event starting times vary based on what time of the year it is. Currently we are starting at 5:30pm, 6:00pm or 6:30pm depending on the day that is chosen. Majority for June 2019 are 6:00pm. If you call our reservations desk they will be able to provide times for specific days. They can be reached at 800-729-9375.
Georgianna L asked a question Oct 2018
Hartford, Michigan
Have any jacuzzi suites???
Answer from
Lakewood, Ohio
Yes. There are suites with whirlpool tubs.
Rhonda B asked a question Jul 2018
4 contributions1 helpful vote
Does the Elk Viewing go on even in heavy rain?
Answer from Carl V
Novi, Michigan56 contributions21 helpful votes
I believe there is some cover on the carriers but i don;\'t know if they can be completely enclosed. I believe you need to call the resort to make certain.
Renee V wrote a tip Oct 2024
1 contribution
3.0 of 5 bubbles
"Go for the elk tour and dinner, but stay somewhere else."
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Janine B wrote a tip Aug 2024
71 contributions12 helpful votes
4.0 of 5 bubbles
"Out in the middle of nowhere. Bring snacks if you get hungry at night"
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Holly M wrote a tip Jul 2024
4 contributions1 helpful vote
4.0 of 5 bubbles
"The suites are huge! "
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Jake S wrote a tip Jul 2024
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
"Im pretty sure that this place is ran by nazis. Also there were bed bugs!!!!!!!"
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Michelle T wrote a tip Jan 2024
1 contribution
2.0 of 5 bubbles
"Rm 225 bedbugs soiled dirty carpets Suggest skip lodging and do elk experience and dinner. Needs better wine taste choices currently horrid"
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ALSO KNOWN AS
thunder bay hotel hillman
LOCATION
United StatesMichiganHillman
NUMBER OF ROOMS
34
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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THUNDER BAY RESORT

Frequently Asked Questions about Thunder Bay Resort
Which popular attractions are close to Thunder Bay Resort?
Nearby attractions include Brush Creek Mill (0.9 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Thunder Bay Resort?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
Which room amenities are available at Thunder Bay Resort?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at Thunder Bay Resort?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at Thunder Bay Resort?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Thunder Bay Resort?
Conveniently located restaurants include VanPamel's Hometown Diner, Thunder Bay, and Chauncey's Pub.
Is Thunder Bay Resort located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.9 miles away from the center of Hillman.
Are any cleaning services offered at Thunder Bay Resort?
Yes, laundry service and self serve laundry are offered to guests.
Does Thunder Bay Resort offer any business services?
Yes, guests have access to meeting rooms and a banquet room during their stay.
Is Thunder Bay Resort accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access and reduced mobility rooms. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.
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