Catch the spirit of Black Lake, Unplug, unwind, and rejuvenate. You are just a few clicks away from your relaxing getaway.

Nestled around reflecting pools, high wooded land and an evergreen terrain in Onaway, Mich., the Black Lake Conference Center offers refuge and reprieve for many. The area, known as the “Sturgeon Capital of Michigan,” is five miles south of scenic Black Lake. But don’t worry, the lake isn’t in any short supply of fish and is also home to walleye, perch and pike.

Black Lake was formed by glaciers, and, in most places, it has a white sandy bottom. Its name comes from the fact that its depth – as much as 50 feet – makes the water appear black.

Sitting on 1,000 heavily wooded acres on the shores of Black Lake, the Center’s complex of educational, living and recreational facilities are the equal of any conference and resort center in the country.

Located on the crystal shores of Black Lake in northern Michigan.

The Center is centrally located within a one -hour drive of some of the state’s most scenic tourist attractions, such as Mackinaw City with its ferries and forts, Tahquamenon Falls, the Soo Locks, Lake Superior, Sleeping Bear Dunes. Shop at the trendy boutiques in Petoskey, Bay Harbor, and Harbor springs on the gold coast of northern Michigan. Like to bet? Take a trip to the Odawa Casino and try your luck.

The Center is available for conferences, retreats, weddings, reunions and family vacations – and includes an education building with 12 classrooms, a 350-seat lecture hall and a dining room with the capacity to serve up to 400 guests buffet style.

Accommodations include rustic rooms at the timeless “Old Lodge,” the secluded “Hilltop Chalets” and traditional hotel-style rooms. There are 228 sleeping rooms available, with the capacity to house 395 people depending on rooming accommodations. Black Lake also has a selection of condominiums and apartments.

The Black Lake Conference Center has a rich history of the story of Walter Reuther and labor’s story.

In 1966, then-UAW President Walter Reuther proposed building a worker education center for trade unionists. The UAW International Executive Board unanimously supported the idea. From that vision, Black Lake has come to mean much more to its visitors and union members.

The Black Lake Conference Center has a rich history of not only the story of Walter Reuther, but also of labor’s part in shaping this nation.

Originally the Center was created as an educational center for UAW members across the country. It was a meeting place of brotherhood where ideas could be taught, traded and shared, friendships built. By the completion of the Center, Reuther understood that this would be a place where families would build memories as well.

By January 1967, the UAW had purchased 1,000 heavily wooded acres along the shores of Black Lake. A skilled craftsman and tool and die maker by trade, Reuther, envisioned the center to be aligned with nature. He wanted to bring the outdoors in and let the landscape dictate the center’s footprint on its environment. Reuther, along with longtime friend and renowned architect, Oskar Stonorov, were committed to preserving the oak, pines, maples, aspen and hemlock trees on the site. He and Stonorov wanted the Center to be a lesson on how to build without destroying nature. Reuther personally examined and tagged practically every tree on the site and, in some cases, construction lines were altered to preserve a particular piece of nature.

In the early spring of 1970, Walter and May Reuther unveiled the Center’s main buildings for the UAW leadership, the media and others. By May 1970, the world mourned the death of a great leader and visionary when a plane carrying the Reuthers, Oskar Stonorov, Reuther’s bodyguard Willy Wolfman, and two pilots crashed while on final approach to the Pellston Airport. All six passengers died in the crash.

Most trees on the grounds were planted after World War I or by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression and are red, white, jack and Scotch pine. There are also cedar, oak, maple, aspen and hemlock. The Douglas firs used for the massive beams and columns in the Center came from Portland, Ore. The dining room holds the largest beam, which is 72 feet and had to be carried on two rail cars. The columns – some of them 40 feet long and 16 inches in diameter – were turned in Washington state on equipment once used to turn the masts of wooden sailing ships. More than 15,000 tons of stone from Wisconsin were used in the buildings. The bronze work was cast in Italy, and the roofs are strong enough to hold approximately 5 feet of snow.

A city utility system exists underground. Reuther, an environmentalist long before it was popular to be green, designed the Center to ensure maximum protection of the environment. A water treatment plant covers 6 acres including five, 1-acre lagoons which pump all wastewater away from the lake, virtually eliminating pollution. Most of the Center’s pipes and power lines are buried underground, leaving the pristine view untouched by power lines.

The Center is a living tribute to the lives of Walter and May Reuther. Trade unionists from Japan presented the Center with an eternal flame stone lantern. The Reuthers’ ashes were scattered on the hilltop overlooking the main building.

Whether you escape to the picturesque area for rest and relaxation, use the time to connect on common issues, build a better organization or learn labor history and work toward the common goal of social and economic justice, Black Lake is waiting for you.

Covered walkways into all buildings bring the outside in and offer a convenience for getting around the Center’s campus.

The Center was built to manifest nature’s handprint on the facility’s development. Our hope is that in this environment we encourage appreciation for nature and create an idyllic setting for fostering better relationships amongst peers and new acquaintances. Guests can choose from several housing options, each offering their own unique conveniences.

The Center offers a variety of rooms for our guests to choose from.

Our rooms are furnished in a rustic motif designed to remind visitors of a log cabin setting with pecan paneling. The Center has two types of living units. In the family section, living units have two bedrooms and a bath. This area, known as the 400s, allows visitors to get the privacy of their own sleeping quarters and the companionship of a dorm-like setting with family.

The 300s can accommodate 1-2 guests while offering proximity to the main lobby, gift shop, dining (for paid conferences and events) and Communications Center. These are fashioned after hotel-style rooms with double beds. All rooms have telephones and televisions.

Both lodging options have large airy lounges and spacious outdoor terraces for casual relaxation. The public areas offer small-group meeting quarters, a big screen TV and a fireplace setting with windows overlooking a lazy river and all that nature has to offer.

Apartments, condos offer an exclusive opportunity to dine in our premier dining room or create your own feast in a full-service kitchen outfitted with all the conveniences of home, including a stove, microwave and full-size refrigerator. These residences also offer space for more intimate gatherings, such as a living room, dining room, and 1-2 bedrooms and bathrooms.

The Old Lodge offers themed log cabin quarters with the Hongore Bay Beach just outside your doorstep. The beach extends about 200 yards into the lake with its sandy bottom. This picturesque timber lodge was originally the “Up North” retreat of Detroit advertising executive Lou Maxon. Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz spent their honeymoon in the rustic lodge. More than 15,000 tons of stone were used in the building.

The Old Lodge is used for meetings, receptions and housing. The community areas feature covered porches, al fresco dining opportunities, a fireplace, alcoves for playing nostalgic games of cribbage, cards and board games. During winter months guests can enjoy the comforts of the Old Lodge.

The Hilltop/Upper Lodge features more modern furnishings and consists of six chalets and a classroom overlooking Black Lake. It’s a center of activity and can be rented with sleeping rooms and conference center for smaller meetings. It also provides additional housing for all groups using the Center.