Location Details

Germfask is in the middle of everywhere and nowhere! We are the central point in Michigan's eastern half of the UP. We are 90 minutes or less from Marquette, Escanaba, St. Ignace & Sault Ste. Marie.

Nearby attractions are the Seney National Wildlife Refuge, Fox River, Hiawatha National Forest, Tahquamenon State Park, Big Spring, Fayette State Park, and more!

Address

8042 M-77 Germfask, MI

Check-in / Check-out

Check-in: 400PM-900PM
Check-out: By 1000AM

Tons of space, great location, and the skies are dark at night. Great for northern lights!

Rieback Family, South Africa.

★★★★★

Who is Tom Funke?

Greetings and Salutations! I am a career conservation & outdoor recreation professional with over 35 years of experience! Some crazy, some cool, all of which is used to make your experience a memorable one!

Experiences

Zoo, Aquarium, and Conservation professional

• Binder Park Zoo (19 years)

• Michigan Audubon (6.5 years)

• SeaWorld Abu Dhabi (4.5 years)

• Kirtland Warbler Census crew

• eBiirder since 2010 (one of the first to sign up in Michigan)

• Trail Builder & Legacy Donor to the North Country Trail

• Earthwatch Ontario's Ancient Forest

• Barry County Parks and Recreation inaugural board member

Outdoor Recreation

• Owner, Trailspotters of Michigan since 2007

  • State Park Concessionaire @ Tahquamenon Falls State Park

  • State Park Concessionaire @ Fort Custer Recreation Area

  • Hiker Shuttle 2007-2020 (thanks, Covid).

  • Gateway to Pictured Rocks lodging (2015-2023) is now being rebranded as you guessed it, Hiker Hostel!

Writing

• Author, 50 Hikes in Michigan's Upper Peninsula (WW Norton, publisher)

• Author, 50 Hikes on the North Country Trail (WW Norton, publisher)

• Outdoor Writer, Gannett (home paper Battle Creek Enquirer (1999-20010)

Hiking, Travel & Tourism

• 2000+ miles hiked on the North Country Trail

• Including all of Michigan, Wisconsin, Pensylvania

• Kekekabic Trail, Border Route Trail, Superior Hiking Trail, Pictured Rocks & Isle Royale

• International Tour Guide to Peru, Tanzania, Kenya, Zanzibar

• Countless bird guiding, nature guiding, wildlife guiding, hiking guiding

Cool Factor

• Western Michigan University, Biology and Environmental Studies double major

• Saw Henry Rollins front Black Flag

• Met Gordie Howe three times

• Lived in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

• Owned a first-generation (2003) Toyota Prius and retired it after 400,000 miles!

• One of the first persons hired by SeaWord Abu Dhabi

• Saw the Sex Pistols in concert!

• Served on a Jury of Reviewers for a scientific publication (Wetland Journal)