North Branch Outing Club

1898

T.E. Douglas and his family came to the banks of the Au Sable's North Branch in 1898 in search of a fortune in the lumber industry.

1898 - 1906

In just a few short years T.E. developed a very successful lumber milling operation and built a general store, post office and established other needed services to support his lumber operation in Lovells, Michigan.

1906 - 1916

As the lumber resources in the area dwindled T.E. with his entrepreneurial spirit realized he needed to expand his business if he was to stay on the beautiful North Branch.

1916

In 1916 his dream and future was complete. The North Branch Outing Club was born. His plan was to provide the world with first class accommodations, services, and access to world class fly fishing and wingshooting.

1916 - 1960

Men and women from around the world came to the North Branch to experience this extraordinary fishery, beautiful river, and relaxed atmosphere.

1963

The North Branch Outing Club served fly anglers until the Douglas family closed the doors in the early 1960's

1996

In September of 1996 the North Branch Outing Club was purchased by the Fuller family and the restoration of this historic landmark began.

2001

In 2001 the Douglas Hotel was designated a state historic site by the state of Michigan.

2002

The State of Michigan was so impressed with the historical significance of the North Branch Outing Club that it nominated this landmark to be considered as a National Historic Site. In July 2002 the US. Department of Interior approved this designation and today the NBOC is on the register of Historic Places.

2008

Today the North Branch Outing Club once again offers riverside lodging, world class fly fishing and wingshooting in the vision of T.E. Douglas.

Come experience the tradition of the North Branch Outing Club and the beauty of the Au Sable River.