What To Expect
Welcome to Oak Heart Lodge
In 2021, Oak Heart Lodge was born from a simple idea: create a world-class destination where veterans can experience the outdoors in a meaningful, lasting way. After two years of planning and renovation, OHL opened its doors in June 2023 as a first-class lodge along the Muskegon River in Newaygo, Michigan.
Oak Heart Lodge hosts weekly guided fishing retreats for veterans throughout the year. OHL also partners with PGA HOPE to offer dedicated golf retreat weeks, giving veterans the chance to experience Michigan's exceptional courses in the same lodge-based, community-driven format.
Each retreat week accommodates up to nine Participants and one Trip Leader, with a Tuesday arrival and Saturday departure. The lodge is designed with accessibility in mind and can accommodate up to four guests with mobility challenges. The following pages will help your organization select a week and understand the expectations for your stay.
The Waters You Will Fish
Guided trips will be from boats with occasional wading per the guide’s discretion.
This is a fly-fishing venue only.
Unlike most northern waters, the Muskegon River rarely sees an “ice out” and holds many different fish species throughout the year. From Steelhead to Trout to Smallmouth Bass and King Salmon, the fishery offers opportunities year-round.
In addition to the rivers noted, Oak Heart Lodge will also fish local inland lakes, offering opportunities for Northern Pike and Largemouth Bass.
Fishing for Steelhead in January and February can be challenging for anglers with the cold weather. Fish are present on the river can be caught. Generally, lower numbers of Steelhead are caught at this time.
Fishing as we know, is conditionally based on weather, timing of seasonal migratory runs, water levels and general fishing pressure. Oak Heart will keep your Trip Leads informed prior to your visit to ensure the best possible angling experience.
Oak Heart Lodge is located along the Muskegon River, which is situated in the heart of many blue-ribbon rivers and streams in Michigan.
What To Expect During Your Stay
Your Program will be staying five nights at the Lodge. Here’s what to expect:
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Oak Heart asks that your team does not arrive at the Lodge until after 2 pm Eastern. We will orient the guests, help facilitate bed selections, and provide an overview of what will happen during your stay. Plan on a special dinner that night prepared by Oak Heart! Later you will make your lunch for the following day of fishing.
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Wake up early to have coffee and breakfast, grab and pack your lunch in a cooler provided by the lodge, and meet your guides for a float trip day. After a day of fishing, dinner has been arranged ahead of time and is ready for your team to prepare. After dinner, you will make your lunch for the next day.
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Wake up early to have coffee and breakfast, grab and pack your lunch in a cooler, and meet your guides for a float trip day. Like Wednesday, dinner has been arranged ahead of time and ready for your team to prepare. After dinner, you will make lunch for the following day.
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Wake up early for coffee and breakfast, grab and pack your lunch in a cooler, and meet your guides for a float trip day. Plan on a special dinner prepared by the Oak Heart!
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Wake up to a team-made breakfast, share your memories, and depart by noon Eastern.
Golf Trips: Teeing Off Summer 2026
Oak Heart Lodge is thrilled to announce the launch of our Veteran Golf Trips in participation with PGA HOPE. Since opening our doors in June 2023, the lodge has served as a sanctuary for Veterans, and we are now bringing that same "first-class" experience to the fairway.
The Experience:
The Schedule: Tuesday arrival, Saturday departure.
The Capacity: 8 Participants and 1 Trip Lead per session.
The Setting: A fully accessible, premier lodge designed specifically for Veteran comfort.
Join us as we combine the therapeutic power of golf with the prestigious landscape of Northern Michigan.
Experiencing the best of Michigan Golf
You will play rounds at top local courses such as Pilgrim’s Run, American Dunes, and Tullymore, followed by meals, rest, and community at Oak Heart Lodge.
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Tuesday: The Welcome
Arrival: Please plan to arrive at the Lodge after 2:00 PM Eastern.
Orientation: Upon arrival, the Oak Heart team will orient the group, facilitate room and bed selections, and provide an overview of the championship courses ahead.
Evening: Enjoy a Special Welcome Dinner prepared by the Oak Heart staff.
Prep: Following dinner, you will prepare your packed lunch for tomorrow’s first round on the links.
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Wednesday: Pilgrim's Run
Morning: Early coffee and breakfast at the Lodge. Grab your cooler and head out to Pilgrim’s Run Golf Club.
The Round: Experience 18 holes of natural, wooded beauty on a course consistently ranked as one of the best in Michigan.
Evening: Return to the Lodge for a pre-arranged team dinner. After the meal, the group will prep lunches for Thursday’s round.
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Thursday: Tullymore
Morning: Early coffee and breakfast. Pack your coolers and head to Tullymore Golf Resort.
The Round: Challenge yourself on an award-winning, Jim Engh-designed masterpiece known for its unique green complexes and stunning wetlands.
Evening: Another pre-arranged dinner will be ready for the team to prepare. After dinner, pack your final lunch for the "bucket list" day ahead.
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Friday: American Dunes
Morning: Early coffee and breakfast. Head out for a truly special day at American Dunes Golf Club.
The Round: This Jack Nicklaus-designed course is a tribute to the United States military. It is a profound experience for any Veteran, with every hole dedicated to a fallen or wounded hero.
Evening: Celebrate the week with a Grand Finale Dinner prepared by the Oak Heart team.
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Saturday: Departure
Morning: Enjoy a final team-made breakfast at the Lodge.
Farewell: Share your favorite memories from the fairways and depart by Noon Eastern.
What To Expect During Your Stay
Your Program will be staying five nights at the Lodge. Here’s what to expect:
Guidelines for your Stay:
Your stay at Oak Heart Lodge will be covered by the generosity of the Lodge and its Donors. Below are some important things to know about staying at Oak Heart:
Oak Heart Lodge covers the cost of your stay through the generosity of OHL and its donors. Here are some important things to know:
OHL has planned and scheduled guides and tee times for each week, so it is important to fill your roster. Maximum capacity is 9 Participants and 1 Trip Leader.
The lodge is designed to accommodate guests with accessibility challenges. Up to 4 guests and 4 caregivers can be housed as part of a total group of 10, and OHL will reserve accommodations for caregivers as needed.
OHL welcomes certified service dogs. Trip Leaders should notify Lodge Manager Chris Raines in advance so accommodations can be arranged.
If your organization cannot fill a full week, you may share a week with another group. Each organization in a shared week should provide at least one Trip Leader unless both agree that one organization will provide the required two.
Organizations may invite Participants from other programs or regions with agreement between leaders.
Trip Leaders will participate in guided activities alongside the group during their stay.
No alcohol or reactional drugs are permitted during your week at Oak Heart Lodge.
Participants should come prepared for the weather and bring appropriate clothing for the week's activity.
Bios must be submitted at least two weeks before your stay, or two months prior if air travel is required.
Up to three single-occupancy rooms are available for mixed-gender groups.
Cancellations must occur at least 30 days in advance or OHL will incur costs.
Groups driving to OHL (carpooling recommended) may have gas reimbursed per their organization's guidelines. Travel day incidentals should be submitted with receipts.
What Program Leads and Regional Coordinators Need to Know
Programs should consider the time of year and the type of experience to provide the best, and perhaps most unique, week for their group. OHL's location offers outstanding opportunities for both fishing and golf.
Seasons: This part of Michigan has delightful weather in spring, summer, and fall, with warm days and cool evenings. Nights around the firepit can be epic. Oak Heart Lodge opens the first week of March to mid-November.
Activity Options: For fishing weeks, target species change throughout the year with some overlap, and OHL's guides adjust based on conditions. For golf weeks, course selection and tee times will be coordinated by the Lodge Manager based on seasonal availability and group size.
Trip Leaders: Your Trip Leader should be a strong communicator, well-organized, and comfortable working with groups. They'll be treated as guests for most of the stay but will be expected to help at key points, including getting the group up and making coffee in the mornings, transportation, leading dinner preparation in the evenings, and making sure everyone is ready for the next day.
Choosing Participants: For fishing weeks, Participants should be able to cast a dry fly 30 feet with a 5wt fly rod and roll a salmon rig (two egg flies with a strike indicator) 20 feet with an 8wt fly rod. They should be able to handle the weather and fish 4 to 6 hours per day. Guides will come in early if guests tire and can take a later start if requested. For golf weeks, Participants should be able to play or ride 18 holes and handle 4 to 6 hours of activity per day. Specific skill level expectations will be coordinated with your partnering organization.
What Trip Leaders Need to Know
Trip Leaders will coordinate trip details with their organization's HQ and with Chris Raines, OHL Lodge Manager, and serve as the point of contact between OHL and the attending Participants.
Coordination: Trip Leaders are required to call the Lodge Manager Chris Raines: (231) 794-8892 a week prior to arrival. Before and upon arrival, Trip Leaders will meet with the Lodge Manager to share details about each Participant's abilities and any physical limitations, dietary restrictions, or adaptive needs.
Organizing Activities: During the stay, Trip Leaders will meet with the Lodge Manager to plan each day. At the end of the trip, they will gather feedback and suggestions to help improve the guest experience.
Leading the Group: Trip Leaders are expected to know their Participants' abilities and limitations best. Working with the Lodge Manager, they will help determine pairings for guided activities and the best approach for each day.
Keeping on Track: Trip Leaders will organize the group for the two dinners they are responsible for preparing and ensure everyone is prepped and ready for the following day's activities.
What Participants Need to Know
For many, a stay at Oak Heart Lodge is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. To ensure every guest has a remarkable time, OHL asks that each Participant embrace the following:
Code of Conduct: All guests represent their partnering organization and are expected to follow its Code of Conduct throughout their stay.
Personal Space: Most guests will be bunking in together. OHL has made efforts to ensure everyone has space for personal items. Please help each other keep track of belongings.
Pitching In: Many hands make light work. Please help with preparing dinners and cleaning up. It makes the evenings more enjoyable for everyone.
Bring Layers: Pack layers even if the forecast calls for warm weather. Evenings are surprisingly cool, and there's nothing better than sitting on the deck watching the sunset.
Cleaning Your Gear: For fishing weeks, if you step off the boat into the water or use your own rods, rinse everything off at the cleaning station to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species. At the end of each week you will be required to ensure all loaned equipment is cleaned and returned with all personal items removed. If there are any issues with the equipment please report them to Oak Heart Lodge prior to to departure. For golf weeks, please clean clubs and shoes before and after rounds as a courtesy to the courses hosting your group.
Your Contact at Oak Heart:
Oak Heart Lodge Manager Chris “Uber’ Raines
If you ask him, Chris Raines will tell you that he has been a fishing guide forever. Chris has guided all over the Western Hemisphere and even ran a fly shop in San Pedro, Belize! He comes with great insight and is a great instructor who puts his instruction into the context of the fish you are about to catch. Chris will be working with the Programs hands-on to ensure everyone has an amazing time!
If you need to connect with Chris, he can be reached by email at: chris@oakheartlodge.org
He prefers to speak by phone at 231-794-8892
Where to get your Fishing License
Home Page for Michigan DNR Website for Fishing Licenses or Non-Resident Three-Day Permits ($10 per Day)
