Meet the Sutherlands

The River was built with Old School Fun in mind to give families another entertainment option besides the bars and restaurants of Leelanau County. Mike & Becky Sutherland and their five kids Fisher, Isabelle, Maggie, Bev and Finn have all put their hearts into creating a fun, safe, and green outdoor park for all ages. Indeed, to witness a grandmother give a high five to her favorite grandson after a hole in one, or a father and daughter talking trash in a heated game of Ping Pong or Giant Chess are all precious memories for us that make it worth the hard work.

The River was built with one theme in mind: To create a Place of Happiness  for folks that want to escape the whirlwind that has become the American Lifestyle. “It ain’t all about putt putt and kayaking”  is an understatement. There is an amazing energy attached to this property along the Crystal River that is contagious. Bring your family, bring your friends, bring your spouse, bring a smile and make some memories.

Mike and Becky Sutherland

Mike and Becky Sutherland

Mike and Becky met on Nantucket Island in the late eighties while Mike was running his taxi and construction business and Becky was “up north” to escape the hot summers of Lafayette, Louisiana.
They left Nantucket and traveled for several years, finally returning to Mikes home town of Glen Arbor in the early nineties. They were married in 1993 and opened the Glen Arbor Bed and Breakfast, Becky waited tables full time at Boonedocks and Mike started up Sutherland Construction. They purchased the “River” property and began their dream of creating an eco friendly “park”. Their five kids are mostly home schooled and they spend their winters in the Bahamas. The Sutherlands love Glen Arbor, and welcome you to come have some fun on the banks of the Crystal River.