Peek at a Secretive Millionaires' Retreat on Lake Superior

By Dave Rosenthal

Hidden in plain sight in northern Michigan is a rustic getaway where wealthy Americans have hiked, fished and relaxed for more than a century. The Huron Mountain Club spreads along the south shore of Lake Superior, running across more than 20,000 acres of land and water.

And it only 50 regular members.

Michigan Radio has put together an  entertaining profile of the secretive club, despite a discouraging string of "no comments" from folks connected to the club.

The club began in 1889 as a simple hunting and fishing club, and grew to include well-heeled members. Among them was Henry Ford, who sometimes  paused -- in suit and tie -- to hand-feed a deer.

Michigan Radio's profile notes that in the Roaring Twenties, members carted lots of servants to the woods, so "roughing it" was not so rough. And some "cabins" are actually large homes.

In more recent years, the club has focused efforts on conservation, joining area residents to battle a proposed mine. It also supports a  foundationto fund research on lands and waters of the Lake Superior basin.