Hartley Outdoor Education Center

Hartley Outdoor Education Center is a 300-acre natural space northwest of Saint Charles featuring hardwood forests, wetlands, meadows, ponds, and a creek. The facility provides dormitories with separate housing for boys and girls, along with dining areas and bathroom facilities.

The center was established in 1975 on the site of Coal Mine No. 8, building on Peter Hartley's creation of the Nature Camp Corporation in 1948. The location transformed from industrial use into an outdoor classroom for school groups.

Visitors experience Native American heritage and pioneer life by exploring historical buildings and trying traditional crafts in outdoor settings. Learning happens through direct engagement rather than in classrooms.

The site is designed for multi-day visits with on-site lodging and meal service provided. Visitors should come prepared for outdoor activities and understand the center mainly serves organized school groups.

The grounds feature five tobogganing hills that enable winter and summer sports programs. Historic structures like the Schroeder Log Cabin and Fowler One-room School display traditional building methods from earlier times.

Location: Michigan

GPS coordinates: 43.31540,-84.16320

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:02