In the rural parts of Washtenaw County, Michigan, a former sand and gravel mining operation has been transformed into a popular summertime destination. Welcome to Hidden Lakes RV Resort, a new venture that opened in late June just outside the village of Manchester, about 20 miles southwest of Ann Arbor.
According to its Facebook page, the resort celebrated its grand opening on Friday, June 30.
“We will be celebrating all weekend long with a live band, food truck, and more. We hope to see you there!” the post reads.
The RV park’s 51 sites overlook a pair of twin lakes, once dredged for sand used in concrete. The resort offers all the trappings of a summertime getaway — a clubhouse, swimming area, play structure, and a soon-to-be-installed heated pool. However, the journey of Hidden Lakes from its mining past to its present is a story of transformation and unlikely ownership.
The resort is owned by an Ann Arbor-area company, Doan Companies, known for its work in the concrete and highway construction industry. Dennis Doan, chairman of Doan Companies, founded the firm with his father and a partner in 1970.
As reported by MLive, the family business is now led by Doan’s son, Matt, who runs ready-mix concrete plants across southeast Michigan. The company acquired the land that is now the RV resort in 1999, initially interested in the washed sand it could dredge from the spring-fed lake on the property, which is mixed into concrete.
The company stopped operations in 2005 when the quality of the raw materials being extracted became less than ideal. Part of the mining permit required restoring the site, and after a few false starts, the idea of an RV resort was born.
The company partnered with Jackson-based Lester Brothers, an excavation and trucking company also founded in the 1970s, which has operated RV parks in Jackson County for decades.
The resort offers both seasonal accommodations and nightly rates and boasts Wi-Fi, picnic tables, and areas for fishing, kayaking, and swimming on the two lakes. The pool has received its state permit and is expected to be completed soon, with a pickleball court also on the way.
With early positive reviews from guests, the resort is moving ahead with its next phase, the second of three planned for the park, which may eventually house around 200 sites.
For aspiring campground developers, Hidden Lakes RV Resort serves as an example of how to repurpose land and create a successful business. It demonstrates the potential of transforming a site with a mining past into a thriving recreational destination.
The resort’s story also highlights the importance of partnerships in achieving success, as seen in the collaboration between Doan Companies and Lester Brothers.
The Hidden Lakes RV Resort story is a testament to the potential of land repurposing and the opportunities it presents. It serves as an inspiration for aspiring campground developers and a reminder of the importance of partnerships in achieving success. The resort’s story also highlights the importance of adapting to changing circumstances and seizing new opportunities as they arise.
Hidden Lakes RV Resort is more than just a summertime destination. It is a symbol of transformation, resilience, and the power of partnerships. It serves as a beacon for aspiring campground developers, demonstrating the potential that lies in repurposing land and creating successful businesses.
For more information about Hidden Lakes RV Resort, visit this website.
Featured image from Hidden Lakes RV Resort.