No-Nah-Ma Resort (Michigan), a longtime vacation destination on Big Bay de Noc, has been sold after 28 years of family ownership. Founder Carl Johnson developed the property in 1997.
Johnson transformed the site from vacant land into a resort featuring cabins, a campground, and equipment rentals for water and outdoor recreation. He credited employees, vendors, and guests for helping establish the business as a popular seasonal retreat.
Johnson, originally from Escanaba, said his ties to the Great Lakes influenced his decision to create the resort.
He once worked as a lifeguard at the municipal beach before relocating to Colorado. A return visit for a class reunion inspired him to purchase the Nahma property, which had been owned by American Playground.
The resort’s name was adapted as a play on the town’s name, which itself comes from the Ojibwe word for “sturgeon.”
Over the years, Johnson and his family expanded its offerings to include personal watercraft, paddle boards, canoes, kayaks, and bicycles.
Employees played a key role in daily operations. Johnson highlighted the contributions of longtime staff members Mary LaVigne, Jeannie Kennedy, and Paula Brown, who provided customer service and shared local history with visitors.
According to an article published by The Daily News on September 29, Johnson’s wife, Kay, and daughters Brittany and Allie also spent summers in Nahma, contributing to the resort’s growth and development of new services and amenities.
Johnson noted the assistance of local contractor Bob Miron, who supported the resort’s maintenance needs until his passing several years ago. “We all miss Bob Miron, who passed away in a resident’s home fire,” he said.
Throughout its nearly three decades of operation, the resort weathered notable changes in the community. Johnson recalled the collapse of the historic saw mill burner, flooding that damaged the Eagles Nest golf course, and a large fire that destroyed multiple lumber-era buildings.
Reflecting on the decision to sell, Johnson said, “It’s time to pass on the business to others.”
The new owner, Max Constantino, had been a regular visitor to the property with his family during childhood. Johnson said he believes the transition will keep the resort’s legacy intact.
He expressed hope that Constantino would maintain the resort as a place for families to create lasting memories.