LSSU Outdoor Centre

Supplied by Lake Superior State University… SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – A new campus facility that is helping Lake Superior State University students enjoy the great outdoors is now open to the public.

LSSU’s Regional Outdoor Center opened last summer with a variety of camping and outdoor equipment available to students at low rates. Now that same equipment is available to members of the public. The ROC offers tents, backpacks, mountain bikes, fishing equipment, stand-up paddleboards, and more. Some of the bikes are available free as part of the new bike exchange between LSSU and the City of Sault Ste. Marie.

“At the ROC, we strive to get LSSU students, employees, community members and tourists alike outside and enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Easter Upper Peninsula,” said Paul Tumey, the center’s director. “So if you are planning a trip, looking to enjoy an afternoon bike ride, or just feel like seeing what we have available, come on in and check us out.”   All of the ROC equipment is available for rent by the day, weekend, or the whole week. Tumey said bikes have been very popular since the center opened, including a few “fat tire” bikes that are made for riding in snow and sand.

“For someone who is thinking about buying their own camping equipment, or a bike or a stand-up paddleboard, this is a great way to find out if you’ll enjoy using it before you make the investment,” Tumey said.

In addition to renting equipment, Tumey has been organizing backpacking and camping trips that have been popular with students. Last spring, he took students to the Carp River for smelt dipping and camping, and earlier he organized an ice fishing excursion on Munuscong Bay.

In addition to running the ROC, Tumey is responsible for the rock wall or climbing wall in the Norris Center’s Student Activity Center. This facility is also open to students and community members. LSSU students and employees can climb for free; others pay just $3. It’s also available at an hourly rate for birthday parties, boy/girl scout excursions, team-building events, and more. Anyone over age 6 may climb, and a guide is on hand to help out.

This summer, the rock wall is open from 5-8 p.m., Monday through Thursday. The ROC, located adjacent to the Kenneth Shouldice Library parking lot, is open this summer from 1-6 p.m., Monday through Friday. It is also available by appointment.

For more information, contact Tumey at 906-635-2890 or roc@lssu.edu. You can also find information on Facebook by looking for “LSSU Regional Outdoor Center.”