Church and Community Overview

Au Sable Institute offers more than just field-based science courses for college students. Its beautiful location in the heart of northwest lower Michigan offers opportunities for groups and schools to enjoy God’s creation and to learn about our role in caring for it.

Au Sable serves the residents and schools of its surrounding communities through its Community Schools Program. Au Sable provides educational programs to more than 1,800 school age children each year, offering a variety of learning experiences to children from kindergarten to 12th grade. Students have the opportunity to experience nature and learn about the world around them and the history of the area. Our Environmental Education Internship Program maintains our Community School Program by training recent college graduates to teach and lead these school groups. The internship program allows interns to apply scientific and communication skills to open the eyes of our youth to the natural world around them.

The campus affords visitors an unparalleled opportunity for reflection, meditation, worship, learning, recreating, and immersing yourself in God’s creation. Located on Big Twin Lake, and surrounded by pristine hardwood forests, ponds, and streams, the Au Sable campus is available for conferences and retreats. We provide special opportunities for groups and churches that would like to incorporate a stewardship theme into their visit. In addition to our larger dorm and bunk-style housing, Au Sable can provide housing in its lakeside cottages for pastoral retreats and smaller, more intimate gatherings.

For more information about fees, scheduling and planning your group’s next retreat or educational experience, contact the Au Sable office at (231) 587-8686.