Sportsmen have a diverse range of interests. From hunting, shooting and fishing to hiking, mountain biking and four-wheeling, the list of outdoor pursuits is long and varied. Partaking in such disparate pastimes often means traveling to different locations. But at a unique destination in Michigan, a wide array of offerings satisfies the tastes of many—and is why Meemo’s Farm has become known as “the outdoor enthusiast’s dream location.”
Located in the central Lower Peninsula, Meemo’s began humbly about 20 years ago when owner Bob Barnes purchased the original 80 acres three hours from his Detroit-area home. Since then he has added neighboring properties and built facilities with the goal of creating a world-class sporting destination for all to enjoy. Today Meemo’s—the nickname of Barnes’s daughter, Emily—comprises 1,500 sprawling acres of forests, fields and marshlands interspersed with lakes and ponds. The diverse natural features lend themselves to a range of activities.
With Barnes being an avid wingshooter, it makes sense that a primary focus is on shooting. Bird hunters walk fields planted with a variety of cover types in pursuit of bobwhite quail, pheasants and chukars. Guests are welcome to bring their own dogs, but the lodge’s kennel will please breed fanciers of every stripe—whether they like German shorthairs, Drahthaars, pointers, Brittanys or English cockers.
For those interested in fast overhead shooting, Continental shoots see Guns stationed at pegs arranged around a central location. Pheasants are flown over the Guns, who rotate from peg to peg until they have shot at each. The pass-shooting opportunities are challenging, and dropped birds are picked up by well-trained gundogs.
By design, Meemo’s is centered in wild-bird country, and off-site hunts for ruffed grouse and woodcock are guided by the lodge’s hunt manager and dog trainer, Tracey Lieske. Trips can be arranged in the surrounding area, the upper Lower Peninsula or in the Upper Peninsula.
Back at the farm, shooters can fine-tune their skills on targets of all types. With its world-class sporting clays range, skeet field, 5 Stand setup and handgun and rifle ranges—all with instruction available—Meemo’s promotes the breadth of shooting sports in a comfortable and safe environment.
Combine all these shooting opportunities with deer and turkey hunting, pointing-dog training, grouse-hunting workshops and seminars with professional dog trainer Ronnie Smith, and you have a sportsman’s smorgasbord.
But that’s not all. Anglers can enjoy fishing for warm-water species in the property’s ponds and lakes, or they can take short jaunts to world-class fishing on storied rivers like the Muskegon, Pere Marquette, Au Sable and Manistee.
And for non-consumptive adventurers Meemo’s offers on-site hiking trails, ropes courses, a zip line, a climbing wall, mountain biking, guided ATV riding, water sports and more. Something for everyone.
Those who want to immerse themselves in the experience enjoy Meemo’s luxury accommodations, including The Lodge, with its traditional wood floors and stone fireplace; The Annex, with a large meeting room and fitness facility; The Lanes cottage, with an expansive lounge and two full-size bowling lanes; and The Lake Cottage, with lovely water views and an outdoor fire pit. Chef-prepared meals that are true farm-to-table creations fortify guests for busy days afield.
With all that Meemo’s Farm has to offer, it’s easy to understand why guests return again and again. Bob Barnes’ original vision, to create a luxury resort catering to discerning outdoor enthusiasts, has been not only achieved but exceeded.
