HILLMAN, MI - A leisurely four-hour excursion that includes elk-viewing, a horse-drawn carriage, gourmet food and local wine in Northern Michigan has been named a top American attraction.
The Elk-Viewing Dinner Ride at Thunder Bay Resort in Hillman has received top honors throughout the years, most recently being named one of the “Best of The Best” Adventure Attractions in North America by Destinations Magazine.
It was previously honored as one of the “10 Best Sleigh Rides in America” by USA Today and in the “Top 10 Sleigh Rides” by FOX News.
The adventure begins in a carriage or sleigh pulled by Belgian draft horses through the resort’s 160-acre elk preserve. During the ride, guests learn about elk and their cultural significance, according to a news release from the resort. The ride eventually makes its way to the Elk Antler Log Cabin where guests are invited to step back in time for a gourmet meal and local wine with a backdrop of cathedral ceilings, trophy mounts, antiques, a huge fieldstone fireplace and twin antique wood cook stoves.
A gourmet meal is prepared on the wood stoves in view of the guests. A homemade pear and apple dumpling is accompanied by cocktail shrimp to start. That’s followed by chicken noodle soup, a sweet Napa salad and a hot buttery croissant. Next is the entree of roast pork, roasted redskin potatoes and gravy. Dessert is pizzelles topped with white chocolate mousse, mixed berry sauce and white chocolate sprinkles with a raspberry-chocolate truffle. Guests are served six wines from nearby Modern Craft Winery as the evening finishes with storytelling and a carriage ride back to the resort.
Thunder Bay Resort's Elk-Viewing Dinner Rides take guests through a 160-acre elk preserve on a carriage pulled by Belgian draft horses to the Elk Antler Log Cabin for a gourmet dinner. The resort is located near Alpena, Mich.Courtesy of Thunder Bay Resort
A “totally unique” attraction east of the Rocky Mountains, it combines education, scenic views, wildlife, food and wine tasting, rustic charm, and adventure in what has been described as a “world class” experience, the release states.
Elk are one of the largest mammals in North America, weighing up to 1,100 pounds with antler racks that weigh around 40 pounds during the fall mating season, according to Live Science. The antlers are shed each spring. In the wild, herds can include 200-400 members with a female at the helm.
The excursion can be booked on its own for $112.68 per person or with one- and two-night resort lodging packages by calling 800-729-9375 or emailing 220911@email4pr.com. It is also part of the resort’s five Murder Mystery Weekends in the spring and fall, and can be included with weddings, parties, reunions and other outings.
While the attraction is offered year-round, fall is tends be the busiest time as the male elk bugle and fight for dominance during the mating season and the trees show vibrant fall colors.
Trip Advisor reviews of the dinner-ride average 4.85, with an overall resort score of 4.5.
The 400-acre resort is a operated by owner Jack Matthias and family. It includes suites, villas and chalets; an 18-hole golf course; an RV park; and an on-site restaurant with weekend entertainment.
Thunder Bay Resort, 27800 M-32, is in northeast Michigan near Alpena. It’s about a four-hour drive from Grand Rapids or Detroit.
Alpena, situated on Lake Huron’s Thunder Bay, offers the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, wineries and breweries, lighthouses, a planetarium, a fossil park, and glass-bottom shipwreck boat tours.