Conference Center

Relax. Recharge. Refresh, in a rustic forest retreat.

Hike Canyon Falls (or the North Country Trail). Canoe on Lake Plumbago. Feel your muscles and cares melt away in a traditional Upper Peninsula sauna. Indulge in hearty, healthy, home-cooked meals.

Beyond our 3,700 acres, Michigan Tech's Ford Center provides a perfect base for western Upper Peninsula exploration, from snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and skiing (200+ inches of the white stuff annually) to agate-picking on Lake Superior's uncrowded, pristine beaches.

Ready for more action?

Our recreation hall is equipped with a pool and ping pong table, air hockey, foosball, darts, and big screen for watching our vintage video collection. Our fitness hall contains free weights, cardio equipment, a chest and lat pulldown machine, and yoga space. You can get outside using the tennis and basketball courts or play some volleyball or cornhole. Fish for trout right across the street. You can also enjoy the TV lounge with board games and puzzles as well as a quiet reading lounge with a small but varied library.

Live history, and see the future.

Drive or stroll through the historic village of twelve homes and two one room schoolhouses built in support of the sawmill by Henry Ford in the mid-1930s. Find out about the forestry and environmental science education that takes place here—and impacts the world. Bring your own projects, plans, and creativity to this naturally beautiful place that provides a fertile climate for professional growth and personal discovery:

  • Full-service conference, instructional, and special event facilities. Lodging and meals available year 'round
  • Wireless internet
  • Both Michigan Tech and Northern Michigan University are within an hour away
  • Two airports within 70 miles: Houghton County (CMX), and Marquette County–Sawyer (MQT)
  • Access to major snowmobile and ORV trails
  • Miles of hiking and snowshoeing on North Country Trail