Family Friendly upper peninsula, Michigan adventures

Who we are

We strive to offer the safest, highest quality U.P. outdoor experience, tailored just for you and your group. You will get to see, hear & feel Michigan's Upper Peninsula with others that love this place as much as you will.

Our in-store and online shop offers one-of-a-kind antiques, art and decor from local U.P. artists as well as True North, Upper Peninsula, Piers Gorge & Norway MI gear. We will definitely be your one-stop U.P. shop for all the things you are looking for!

If you’re into the more extreme side of adventure, we offer wet and wild whitewater rafting tours through Piers Gorge on the breathtaking Menominee River. Starting in 2025, we also offer whitewater trips on the Sturgeon River!

Our weekend and overnight trips take guests all over the Upper Peninsula. We are passionate about exploring the U.P., and are looking forward to sharing this with you!

why choose true north outpost

family Orientated

At True North Outpost we believe in the value of family. Lots of places say that you are like family, but here we live it. From the moment you call with a question or to book a trip, to the moment you walk out the door after an adventure we will treat your family like our family. That’s a promise.

AFFORDABLE

When we started True North Outpost we had four things in mind. Safety, Family, Quality & Affordability. We believe one of a kind adventures don’t have to cost a fortune. That is why we have worked hard to keep our trips affordable while still offering you the highest quality and safety standers possible.

Safety

Safety is the most important thing to us. We spend more time training our guides than any other company in the game. We go the extra mile to ensure that when you set out into the woods or on the river, your guide is a pro at what they do.

ADVENTURES FOR EVERYONE

True North Outpost is located in the heart of Upper Peninsula outdoor adventures. We have trips for those looking to experience a serene hike to big, class IV whitewater. We’re here to help you explore the outdoors in the best way for you!

QUALITY

We provide our customers, our family, with the best safety equipment, rafts, paddles, bikes, kayaks, paddleboards, guides, and adventures that we possibly can. We know that when you book an adventure with us, you will see the difference for yourself.

SMAlL GROUPS

We believe in the power of small groups. We want to provide you with a personal, high-quality experience that focuses on you and your group. You will know your guide’s name and they will know yours. We will listen when you talk and come when you call. Most importantly, we will provide you with an adventure centered around you and your needs. That is our promise to you.

THIS OLD HOUSE

True North Outpost was originally part of the Cassinova-Morosini Farm that began in the 1890’s. In its prime, the home was beautiful, complete with a high-sloping roof and a two-story wrap-around porch. Originally, the highway was on the opposite side of the house, so the side that is the front today was originally the rear of the house.

Over the years, the house has served as a farm home, a boarding house, and even became home to an escaped circus monkey for years. The house fell vacant after a tragedy in the 1980’s and by the mid-1990’s had fallen into disrepair. It sat forgotten for over twenty years, gradually rotting past what was considered salvageable. It stood as an icon of another era, and captured the imagination of countless passersby as the roof sagged, the walls began to buckle, and the foundation began to crumble. In 2018, we were given the remarkable opportunity to save this amazing piece of history.

The only way it was feasible to restore this structure was by re-purposing materials salvaged from defunct sawmills, fallen barns, a hospital slated for demolition, and even treated lumber from an old industrial site.

We’ve poured everything we could into this home to give it new life and a chance to see another century pass. Come visit to be a part of this incredible story and explore the intricacies and nuances that make this place what it is.

ANTIQUE SHOP

We started our passion for Antiques in 2009 as 8th Avenue Antiques & Salvage in Norway, Michigan. In 2018, we moved upstairs at True North Outpost, and in 2023, we’ve grown into a new-to-us building adjacent to the main Outpost. This space is dedicated to our love of antiques and upcycled pieces.

Most of the Antique Shop has been constructed from reclaimed and salvaged materials from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The interior structure is reclaimed from a cabin built in the area in the 1960s, and the interior trim is from the old Timbers Motor Lodge in Iron Mountain.

The Antique Shop represents a piece of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula history. So many unique items cross our path, and we’re always learning from our past.

In-store vignettes you’ll see include:

Farmhouse primitive kitchen items
Antique hardware
Industrial-chic-inspired designs
Heirloom furniture
Stained glass
One-of-a-kind upcycled furniture & lighting
Mythical and dark-side-inspired collectibles
And more!

BRANDS IN-STORE

JOIN OUR TEAM!

WHITEWATER RIVER GUIDE

True North Outpost is looking for energetic people to join our team as Whitewater Rafting Guides.
Each day, we work hard providing our guests with unforgettable, high end, personalized experiences.
You will be working with other guides to help facilitate our guests in their outdoor river adventure. Safety is the first priority and we will train you to make sure you are comfortable on each trip.
Housing available at our guide campground included in employment. Season runs May 15 to October 15.

River Guide Job Description
ADVENTURE GUIDE

Our Adventure Guides do it all! Train to lead all the different trips offered by True North Outpost.
So if you want to join our family and be an adventure specialist for the coolest customers in the Midwest than adventure guiding is where you want to start.
Housing at our guide campground is included in employment. Season runs May 15 to October 15

Adventure Guide Job Description
River Photographer

True North Outpost is all about capturing the action for our customers.
Gain a commission for every package you sell. Sales and photography experience is a plus however, we are happy to train.
Camera and lenses are provided by True North Outpost, but you are welcome to use an adequate personal camera.
Housing at our guide campground is included in employment. Season runs May 15 to October 15.

River Photographer Job Description

PAST ADVENTURE Photos & Videos

Search for photos and videos from past whitewater rafting trips by date and trip type.

Find Your Photos & Videos

Partner Accommodations

Towneplace Suites Iron Mountain

Towneplace Suites is conveniently located 10 miles from True North Outpost in the heart of downtown Iron Mountain.
They are an extended stay hotel offering complimentary breakfast everyday of the week. Save 20% off your room when you book a tour with us!

Towneplace Suites
Pine Mountain Resort

Pine Mountain is located less that 11 miles from the front porch of True North Outpost.
This resort features an indoor pool, sauna, and hot tub, Famers restaurant, the famous Sitzbar, workout room and steps to the top of the ski jump and Veteran's Memorial.

Pine Mountain Ski & Golf Resort
Four Seasons Island Resort

Located on famous Miscauno Island, the Four Seasons is only 15 miles from the Outpost.
This inviting resort offers elevated comforts with all-suite lodging, fine dining, and modern amenities like an indoor pool, on-site spa, and nine-hole golf course.

Four Seasons Island Resort