The world of travel and tourism has undergone a seismic shift over the last decade. More than just a place to sleep, travelers seek immersive, deeply personal experiences—ideally wrapped in a blanket of wilderness. This growing demand for intimate, design-forward, nature-anchored stays will push the outdoor travel segment into a billion-dollar industry by 2029.
But not everyone chasing this wave of experiential travel came to the industry with a strategy deck and seed funding. For Rachel and Scott—founders of Stillwater Stables & Stays in Ortonville, Michigan—it started with a horse named Doc.
A Horse, a Pandemic, and a Plot of Land
About ten years ago, Rachel was living in Birmingham, juggling life as a horse show mom and her business as a marketing consultant. The idea was always to sell the horse and move on when her daughter aged out of junior competition, as most people do. But for Rachel, letting go of Doc just didn’t feel right.
So instead, she decided to build a farm.
Of course, it wasn’t that simple.
“I met Scott around that time,” Rachel recalls. “He had a horse-crazy daughter of his own, a tractor, and an irresistible amount of enthusiasm for my crazy ideas.”
Eventually, the couple found themselves walking the wooded, overgrown trails of a 60-acre property near Perry Lake—untouched forestland settled in 1837, and largely unchanged since. It was the middle of the COVID lockdown. Everything felt uncertain—except for this.
“I got a chainsaw for my birthday that year,” Rachel laughs.
Scandinavian Roots, Michigan Soul
Rachel, a Rochester Adams High School grad with Upper Peninsula roots, is of Swedish and Finnish descent. Scott, originally from Iowa, has Norwegian heritage. Their connection to nature and the outdoors runs deep, and their Scandinavian background helped shape the philosophy behind Stillwater.
“Although we had always envisioned welcoming guests, we never approached it as a commercial venture,” says Scott. “Our goal was to create a home that reflects our passions and interests.”
That vision comes to life in every corner of the property — from horses, paddling, and fishing, to woodsy trails that are perfect for foraging and birdwatching. It also highlights their commitment to responsible land stewardship, incorporating innovative practices like biochar for pasture and waterfront restoration. And soon, the land will welcome a new addition: goats.
"Goats are so fun," says Rachel, "but they also have an important job — eating invasives and helping to manage the forest undergrowth. I'm not going to say Goat Yoga... but who knows."
It turns out this connection to nature and intentional living is something others love, too. Since officially opening in 2022, the property has become a beloved setting for wellness retreats, creative workshops, weddings, and family gatherings. It’s also home to Therapy Ranch, a nonprofit organization that uses horses to support trauma healing and therapeutic work.
“The most rewarding thing about building this place is sharing it,” Rachel adds. “Seeing others connect with the land and find inspiration or restoration here makes it all worthwhile.”
High Design in the Wild
Perched like modern treehouses on the edge of Perry Lake, Stillwater’s jet-black cabins—crafted from upcycled shipping containers—rise 72 feet above the forest floor. Through large fixed-pane windows, the outside world becomes a living mural: deer and wild turkey wander by; birds flit past; the lake is framed in the distance.
Inside, the contrast is striking. Sleek, contemporary interiors offer every comfort: French cotton sheets, heated towel bars, private hot tubs, and hand-picked Scandinavian furnishings.
A Living, Breathing Property
Rachel and Scott live on-site in a restored pre-Civil War log cabin, infusing the property with a lived-in authenticity that most “glamping” resorts lack. The barn, now home to several horses, including Doc, is also a working part of the experience. Guests are invited to visit with the animals—a feature included with every overnight stay and also available to day-trippers with a Field Pass.
Another feature is The Pony Up—a newly finished flex space above the horse stables. It comes alive with everything from intimate wedding receptions to creative workshops and private dinners. Beginning this summer, The Pony Up will also be the new home for a tasting room by Rochester’s Bitter Tom’s Distillery, bringing small-batch spirits and inventive cocktails to the venue.
Coming Soon: Stillwater SOAK
Stillwater continues to evolve, always with wellness and nature immersion at the forefront. This summer, guests will be able to book Stillwater SOAK, a serene wellness suite tucked into the forest. It features a hot tub spa, an infrared sauna, and a cold plunge pool—designed to embrace the Scandinavian ritual of hot-cold therapy, right under the Michigan stars.
That’s why Stillwater breaks the mold by allowing single-night stays and last-minute bookings—a rarity among premium cabin retreats. “If you can get a babysitter for a Tuesday night,” she smiles, “we’ll be here.”
What to Pack
The cabins are equipped with everything you need for a perfect escape, including coffee service and cooking basics. A few special items that you won't want to forget:
Your Boots: If you're planning to hang out with us in the barn and around the horses or if you want to hit the trails, you'll need closed-toe, leather shoes or hiking boots.
Your favorite slippers: Slippers help keep things cozy on the hardwood floors and come in handy for skipping out to the hot tub!
Binoculars: If you have a pair of field glasses, bring them! The bird watching is fantastic, plus you'll have fun with an up-close view of the deer, turkey, and other fuzzy critters that are busy in the woods outside your window.
That Thing You’ve Been Working On: Got a half-finished screenplay in your top drawer? An abandoned journaling project or a book you’ve been trying to get into? Use the quiet and calm to get inspired and unstuck!
More Than a Stay—A Story
Every inch of Stillwater is designed to encourage guests to slow down, unplug, and sink into their surroundings. The journey begins before you even arrive. Just 30 minutes north of Rochester, the drive winds away from traffic and strip malls into deep woods and gravel roads. By the time you turn onto Stillwater’s ½ mile-long dirt driveway, you feel officially Away.
There’s no front desk. No check-in queue. Just forest, sky, and a quiet moment with a horse who’s seen this story from the beginning.
“For people who want a stay that tells a story—and to come home with a few of their own—Doc is ready,” Rachel says.
Stillwater is a proud host and supporter of Therapy Ranch, a not-for-profit organization that provides experiential mental health interventions through sharing the magic of horses.
“You don’t need a far-flung vacation to rejuvenate and reset, sometimes you just need one night and a backpack.”