One Day Events
Book the Meeting Place for your next group gathering. A perfect venue for a one day rental for small to medium sized groups, complete with a large kitchen and so much more.
Come Stay
- Married Couple Get-Away
- Small Group Youth Retreats
- Young Adult Retreats
- Family Reunions
- Leadership Retreats
- Men or Ladies Retreats
Latest Updates
Trailside is sad to report that Pete Peterson passed away on March 28, 2024. He was an amazing man of God and an inspiration to us all!
Scroll down the page to read more about Pete.
Trailside will continue the legacy that Pete and Donna started so many years ago. As Pete would say, “The job’s not finished yet!”
Beautiful Upper Peninsula Retreat Center
From small to medium-sized group gatherings, church leadership visionary weekends, youth retreats, family reunions, a group of friends, ladies or men’s retreats, or maybe you and your spouse just need a weekend get-away, Trailside is a great place to go!
We offer comfortable accommodations in our Meeting Place and bunkhouse. Our 30 acres also provides open area for campers, tents and fun activities. Your group can enjoy our large meeting barn, complete with dining and meeting area, nice-sized kitchen, clean, full-sized bathrooms, and of course the end-of-the day stone fire pit for laughter and fun-filled endings.
Tribute to Pete
Pete Peterson, endearingly known as “Pop”, passed away on Thursday, March 28th, 2024. He was the true definition of a “man of God”. Pete and Donna built Trailside camp on their own property up north. This camp, over the years, has impacted so many young people and lives. Pete was a man who didn’t just dream, but he was a doer. He was the hands and feet of Jesus to all who crossed his path.
Pete, I remember the first time you helped at “Camp Know Him” thinking what would you do with a bunch of 2nd graders, one of them being my son. But you had a blast, and that was the time God planted the idea of starting your own camp someday. And you did. You worked hard and to the bone, and you lovingly gave all of yourself to others. I will miss you Pete! I’ll miss your loving smile and enthusiasm. I’ll miss all your ideas and the hand drawn papers of what was going to be built next. I’ll miss you sharing what God put on your heart. Yet, with all this sadness, there is the joy of knowing that you’re pain-free in the awesome presence of Jesus now.
Donna, you’re are an amazing woman of God, who worked so hard hand-in-hand with this man. Our prayers and hearts are with you! 
Why Trailside?
Our heartbeat at Trailside Chapel Retreat is to reach out to disadvantaged youth. The funds we raise through our retreats, facility rentals, and small group activities allow us to offer free or discounted camp services to youth and young adults who are facing challenges.
We are a faith-based nonprofit, however our facilities are open to all. We offer a camp style church service on Sunday mornings in the Meeting Place, which all are welcome to attend. Or, you may plan other activities for that morning. When you stay at Trailside, you’ll have a great experience, but better yet, you will make a difference in the lives of others.
Come, Gather
Together
Check out our heated home-style Meeting Place for your next gathering. Comes complete with large meeting area, full-sized kitchen, sleeping quarters, and 2 full baths. Or, bring a few campers and tents!
Rustic, Yet
Charming
Trailside Chapel Retreat is the perfect get-away. We added a creative touch into every aspect of the retreat center. (We even have a heated outdoor shower for the true outdoor enthusiasts!)
It Just Feels
Like Home
From our rustic heated bunkhouse, to accommodations in our Meeting Place, your stay comes complete with comfortable bedding and bath towels, clean bathrooms and access to a large, homey kitchen with all the cookware you need.
Fun Activities
There is no better place than Michigan’s Upper Peninsula for grand adventures and outdoor fun. Located not too far from many of the popular U.P. attractions, Trailside is a great destination for your next retreat or family get-away:
- Lots of fun activities to choose from on the Trailside Campus.
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Great fishing lakes within minutes away.
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Hiawatha trails for biking, snowmobiling, and hiking. These trails wind throughout the entire U.P.
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Take a day trip to Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Pictured Rocks, Tahquamenon Falls, Oswald’s Bear Ranch, Mackinac Island, and more.