By Petula Brown
A lot can happen in twenty years, but since my last visit in 2006 there remains a rural sanctuary that’s hosted guests from Michigan and beyond with natural beauty, warm greetings, spacious accommodations, and delicious meals. Established in 2004, The Inn at Rustic Gate of 2006 was a relatively new addition to the collection of Michigan retreat locales, B&Bs, and country inns. In 2026, new innkeepers deftly navigate honoring the inn’s history while evolving to accommodate guests’ shifting expectations.
In the early 2000s, co-owners Marcia Stroko, Patricia Barrett, and Sharon Stroko were inspired by cultural anthropologist Angeles Arrien to create a place where guests could focus on self-development. In a January 2006 guest book entry, guest F. Rowe shared, “Thank you for having such a wonderful atmosphere in your home inn and surroundings,” thereby recognizing that Rustic Gate is not only a space for visitors, but also a family home. By the 2010s, The Inn’s spacious interior, comforting amenities, and sophisticated décor appealed to a variety of guests. It was particularly inviting to groups and visitors drawn to the tranquil landscape. A couple visiting in March 2016 noted, “A winter stay–our lovely wedding present–what a treat to be pampered by your generosity.”
During the Covid era, Rustic Gate temporarily paused operations due to distancing and health check requirements. Post-Covid, the inn reopened to accommodate past guests and groups but did not pursue an extensive marketing strategy to attract new visitors. Ownership changes in 2025 introduced a new generation of leadership inspired to reintroduce the retreat to a broader community while maintaining strong connections with guests who share a sacred bond with Rustic Gate. The new owners, Ryan Stroko and Erin Wynn (the original owners’ nephew and niece) and Erin’s husband, Aaron, have begun a new era and continue to impress guests. Jennie, a January 2026 visitor who commented in the guest book, “The food was fantastic, the room was super comfy…. We felt like we were in our own cozy snow globe as we watched the snow swirl outside…”
The 7,500-square-foot 1909 American Four Square farmhouse remains a key focal point at Rustic Gate. Each of the eight bedrooms (each with a private bath) has maintained a distinct style. One bedroom dons a Southwest theme while another has a brass bed as its centerpiece. A third bedroom’s Mission style complements the Inn’s stylish character. Common areas—a dining room that seats up to 18 guests, a meditation loft with expansive views of the property, a living room/library that includes wellness-focused books, and games—provide a variety of outlets for visitors to relax, reflect, and renew.
A meeting house, across the driveway from the main house, provides 600 square feet of flexible space to host a range of programs (yoga sessions, crafting groups, writing workshops, business meetings). The owners’ attention to detail is also reflected in the inn’s continued commitment to provide guests and visitors customized menus including brunch, dinner, and an afternoon snack. Ryan Stroko and Aaron Wynn’s professional experience in the culinary arts, combined with the resources of a commercial kitchen, enable the inn to create restaurant-quality meals that nourish the body and support guests’ wellness journeys.
An emphasis on well-being extends beyond the facilities to its natural surroundings. With a footprint of over 135 acres, the rolling meadows and woodlands provide space for thoughtful walks, while both a pond and a lake offer calming waters. Guests can also use the outdoor labyrinth for meditative activities and explore the area’s 13-mile trail within the Manistee National Forest via cross-country skiing or hiking.
While Rustic Gate has maintained many of the same elements for the past 20 years, the inn has also embraced change. An expanded vegetable and herb garden provides fresh produce and herbs for cooking. Later in 2026, the owners will plant another garden to source fresh flowers for the guest rooms and dining room. Beyond on-site improvements, the inn has included a blog on its website to maintain an active connection with past guests and visitors and has a social media presence on Facebook and Instagram.
The Inn at Rustic Gate has hosted a variety of events in the past 20 years, but it has an aura that transcends being described as an event space. Its niche, hosting small groups of six-14 persons, is ideally suited for activities where respite, calm, and rejuvenation are key objectives. As full-time residents, Ryan, Aaron, and Erin are offering more than well-appointed sleeping quarters and creative dishes. They are opening their home to serve as a sanctuary for guests, continuing a tradition where Rustic Gate hospitality is an essential part of the visitor experience.
Building connections is integral to the Inn’s operating model. The Rustic Gate has hosted Ferris State University culinary students to provide practical educational experiences. Sourcing ingredients from local farms allows the inn to highlight the depth and quality of area vendors. Through the years, craft groups have gifted quilts and other homespun goods to Rustic Gate that adorn the common areas… a reflection of the Inn’s impact on guests.
Although the inn is within an hour’s drive of several population centers (Grand Rapids, Mount Pleasant, Ludington, and Cadillac), it’s surrounded by a rich landscape that provides a welcome escape from the dynamics of daily life.
What’s the future of Rustic Gate? Ryan emphasized a desire for the inn’s evolution to “happen organically,” but there’s interest in hosting more small groups. Given the new owners’ culinary and operations backgrounds, there may be opportunities to broaden dining options or serve as the local event center for community gatherings. What’s not on the horizon? Positioning the inn as a bed and breakfast, Airbnb, or crash pad. Its vibe transcends such characterizations.
The Inn at Rustic Gate is located at 6991 East Hungerford Lake Drive, Big Rapids, MI 49307. You can reach them by phone at (231) 796-2328 or by email at innattherusticgate@gmail.com. Visit them online for more information at innattherusticgate.com.
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In the early 2000s, co-owners Marcia Stroko, Patricia Barrett, and Sharon Stroko were inspired by cultural anthropologist Angeles Arrien to create a place where guests could focus on self-development. In a January 2006 guest book entry, guest F. Rowe shared, “Thank you for having such a wonderful atmosphere in your home inn and surroundings,” thereby recognizing that Rustic Gate is not only a space for visitors, but also a family home