Cole Canoe Base

Waterford Montessori Academy’s middle school students thoroughly enjoyed their outdoor camping experience at Cole Canoe Base at the beginning of June.  As part of a whole-child approach to education which includes teaching practical life skills foundational to the Montessori philosophy.

The kids came home smiling, happy, and more capable than before thanks to the awesome Cole staff and programs.  

Cole Canoe Base’s outdoor programs which tincture swim and water basics, outdoor survival, patrol cooking, meal planning, and self-sufficiency outdoors, are directly in line with the Montessori philosophy.

Alger, MI | Cole Canoe Base

Edward N. Cole Canoe Base is a 1,440-acre piece of wilderness, nestled along the banks of the beautiful Rifle River in Ogemaw County, Michigan. We are one of the premier destinations for thousands of outdoor enthusiasts from all over the Midwest. Cole Canoe Base is the perfect setting for your next group, ATV, or river adventure, outdoor-education program or corporate retreat.

Check out some of our program offerings below:

Program Opportunities

  • Ecology-Conservation Center for outdoor teaching
  • 8+ miles of trails that can be used for cross country running or exploration
  • Certified staff that offers team-building experiences for students and teachers
  • Various adventure opportunities, like Lake or River kayaking, canoeing, tubing, and swimming, as well as ATV-riding, climbing, bouldering, or zip-line fun!
  • Team Building
  • Aquatics
  • Nature
  • Crafts
  • Shooting Sports
  • Outdoor Skills
  • Non-denominational chapel
  • Opportunities for conservation and ecology service projects
  • Large outdoor amphitheater with full audio and video support
  • Certified staff that offer team-building experiences
  • Large pavilion with audio/video support
  • Food service available
  • An assortment of celebration sites that will fit your needs
  • Food service (or preferred catering lists)
  • Overnight accommodations available

CONTACT US

ALGER LOCATION
1356 E Greenwood Road
Alger, MI 48610

info@mittenoutdoors.org

REQUEST MORE INFORMATION

Have questions or need more information?  Fill out the form below and a member of our team will get back to you shortly.

Alger Location Reservations

Reserve your facilities below using our online booking system.  Click Log In to create a login to manage your bookings.

Daily rentals are 8am – 11pm unless otherwise noted on the facility. For overnight rentals, check-in time is from 5-9:30pm at the Kamman Center; check-out time is from 8:30am-noon.  Your director will work with you to best meet your needs.  No payment will be required until the camp director confirms your reservation.

For group rates and customized programs, or to rent a facility not available below, please contact us at info@mittenoutdoors.org.

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Cole Chapel web
river kayak
broken paddle 6 web cole
kamman 1 web

FACILITY DETAILS

FACILITY CAPACITY AMENITIES
Campfire Bowl 400 E
Chapel 300 E
White Pines Cabin 24 E, IW, IB, IS, S, R
Turkey Roost / Health Lodge 10 E, IW, IB, IS, S, R
Kamman Administration Building Approx. 20 IW, IB, S, R, E
John Dumas Pavilion 200 E, IB,R
ACTIVITY GROUP SIZE DURATION NOTES
ATV
Safety Instruction & Trail Ride Min 6/Max 10 1.5-2 hours Per Person, Per Ride (Age 14+)
RIVER TRIPS
Tubing — Long Trip 4 Youth, 2 Adults 30 mins PFD and closed-toe shoes required
Tubing — Short Trip 4 Youth, 2 Adults Approx. 2 hours PFD and closed-toe shoes required
Kayak or Canoe 6 Youth, 2 Adults Approx. 2.5 hours PFD and closed-toe shoes required. Various river trip lengths are available to match the group’s boating skill level
SHOOTING SPORTS
Archery Min. 8/Max. 16 1 hour  Per Person, per Hour
BB Guns Min. 8/Max. 16 1 hour  Per Person, per Hour
Rifle (.22) Min. 8/Max. 16 1 hour  Per Person; includes Ammo (50)
Muzzle Loading Rifle Min 8/Max. 10 1 hour  Per Person; includes Ammo (5)
Shotgun Shooting (12 ga) Min 8/Max. 10 1 hour  Per Person; includes Ammo (25)
20 ga shotguns available upon request
AQUATICS
Boating Min. 8/Max. 40 4 hours Per Person
Swimming Min. 8/Max. 40 4 hours Per Person
Boating AND Swimming Min. 8/Max. 40 4 hours Per Person
Fishing Max. 16 Per Day Per pole rental
CLIMBING
Bouldering Wall Max. 25 2 hours Per Person, Includes Safety Talk
Climbing Tower Min. 10/Max. 25 2 hours Per Person, Includes Safety Talk
Climbing Tower & Zip Line Min. 10/Max. 25 2 hours Per Person, Includes Safety Talk
Climbing the Tower is required for participants to access the Zip Line
ACTIVITY AREAS
Gaga Ball Pits n/a Per Day Flat Fee
Human Foosball n/a Per Day Flat Fee
FOOD SERVICES
Meal Cost – Breakfast n/a n/a Per Person, Per Meal (tax not included)
Meal Cost – Lunch n/a n/a Per Person, Per Meal (tax not included)
Meal Cost – Dinner n/a n/a Per Person, Per Meal (tax not included)
OCCUPANCY RATES
Day Rate Occupancy n/a n/a Per Person, Per Day
PATCHES
Standard Patch     Per Person
Personalized Patch     Per Person, will customize to your request (need 60 day lead time)
For custom or specialized programs, please contact us.  All prices are subject to change.