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While some travelers crave sun, sand, and ocean waves, others prefer retreating to a serene lodge surrounded by dense forests rather than crowds—a scene reminiscent of a Bob Ross masterpiece.
For those who lean toward the latter, Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offers the Bob Ross-inspired “Happy Little Getaway.” This unique experience, hosted at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center in Roscommon, Michigan, includes overnight stays in charming rustic lodges, tree-planting activities, and art classes where participants can master the iconic painting techniques of Bob Ross.
The area surrounding the conference center, close to North Higgins Lake State Park, holds deep historical roots. In the early 20th century, the Civilian Conservation Corp founded a tree nursery here, cultivating 484 million trees that were later planted across the state. Today, this region is celebrated as Michigan’s “cradle of forestry.”
According to MLive reports, the available dates—April 22 to April 30—align with the DNR’s “Run for the Trees / Happy Little Virtual 5K” event. Local participants plant trees in Michigan’s state parks, while those farther away contribute by raising funds and awareness for forest conservation, alongside completing a 5K in their preferred location.
Priced at $80 per person per night, the “Happy Little Getaway” package includes breakfast and lunch. Optional Bob Ross painting classes, with all supplies provided, cost an additional $60 per person per session. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, lodges are limited to guests from no more than two households. Even if you’ve received the COVID-19 vaccine, adhering to the CDC’s safety recommendations—such as wearing masks and maintaining social distancing in public—remains essential.
