Double JJ Resort facts for kids
| Double JJ Resort | |
| Hotel facts and statistics | |
|---|---|
| Location | West Michigan |
| Coordinates | 43°32′19″N 86°22′03″W / 43.53862°N 86.3674°W |
| Address | |
| Opening date | 1937 |
| No. of restaurants | Nine: The Sundance Restaurant, Rustler's Roost, Miner's Gulp, The Waterin' Hole(Seasonal), The Ice Cream Parlor(Seasonal), Shooter's Saloon(Seasonal), The Silver Dollar(Seasonal), Cactus Jack's (Seasonal) |
| No. of rooms | 162 |
| of which suites | 83 |
| Parking | Parking Lots |
Double JJ Resort is a fun place located in Rothbury, Michigan. It's a resort that's open all year round! It first opened way back in 1937 as the Jack and Jill Ranch. This resort has been home to big music events like the Rothbury Music Festival and the Electric Forest Festival. Today, Double JJ has lots of cool things to do, including a golf course, an indoor water park, and even a pretend old western town called the "Back Forty."
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History of Double JJ Resort
The story of Double JJ Resort began in 1914. George and Mary Stouch moved from Germany to Western Michigan. They bought a farm with a brick house and a big lake called Big Wildcat Lake.
Early Camps at Wildcat Lake
In 1930, their daughter Roma, a teacher, had a great idea. She wanted to offer summer camping at their farm for girls aged 8 to 12. This camp was called "Cedar Shores." Girls learned about outdoor camping, crafts, swimming, and horseback riding. Her first year brought 23 girls to the camp.
The Great Depression made it hard to continue Cedar Shores. But the family still wanted to use their beautiful farm. In 1933, they invited local church groups to send kids for summer vacations. To honor these young guests, they renamed the farm "The Jack and Jill Ranch."
The Jack and Jill Ranch Grows
In 1934, George Storm (who changed his name from Stouch) was a college professor. He realized that young adults (18-35 years old) wanted vacations with people their own age. He thought his family's Jack and Jill Ranch was the perfect spot.
In 1936, George Storm took charge. He started "The Jack and Jill Colony Camp," which later became "The Jack and Jill Ranch." The ranch grew as George bought more land from neighbors. The resort kept growing and attracting guests from all over the world. It became known as the biggest western-style dude ranch east of the Mississippi River.
In the mid-1970s, the owners changed the name to the Double JJ Ranch Resort. In 2009, it became simply the Double JJ Resort.
Music Festivals at Double JJ
Double JJ Resort has been the home for two major music festivals. These events bring many visitors to the area each year.
Rothbury and Electric Forest Festivals
The Rothbury Festival first took place at Double JJ in 2008. Famous performers like Snoop Dogg, 311, and John Mayer played there.
In 2009, there was some worry about whether the festival would happen again. But a special agreement was made, and the festival went on. Performers that year included Guster, Flogging Molly, and Bob Dylan. Since 2011, the festival has been held every year as the Electric Forest Festival.
Double JJ's Ownership Changes
In July 2008, the Double JJ Ranch faced some financial difficulties. It was planned to be sold. However, a company called Progressive Resorts LLC stepped in at the last minute. They bought the entire resort and reopened it.
The resort has had five different owners over the years. Each owner has helped to expand and improve this special place. Progressive Resorts, LLC. bought the resort in 2009 and reopened it that August.
What Double JJ Offers Today
Today, Double JJ Resort covers more than 1,000 acres (4.0 km2) of land. It has three large lakes for guests to enjoy.
Fun Activities and Attractions
- The Thoroughbred Golf Club: This is an award-winning golf course. It was designed by a famous golf course architect named Arthur Hills.
- Sundance Saloon & Steakhouse: A great place to eat that opened in 1996.
- Back Forty: This is a special resort area for kids and families. It's designed like an old western town and opened in 1998.
- Gold Rush Indoor Waterpark: A huge 60,000-square-foot (5,600 m2) indoor waterpark. It opened in 2006 and has condo rental suites next to it.
The resort continues to grow and offer new experiences for its guests.
