The old Northern Lumber building at 100 Dame Street in Suttons Bay, MI was purchased by Inland Seas Education Association in 2003. It was then renovated to create the Inland Seas Education Center and Museum, boat shop, and office space. Thanks to generous donors and fiscal responsibility, Inland Seas Education Association paid off the $900,000 mortgage early.
Over sixty people braved the cold to celebrate this historic event with the organization on February 1, 2018. A toast of L. Mawby wine was raised as a ceremonial mortgage was burned. Guests also toured the facility to hear about the new plans that will begin in the Spring of 2018 that include tearing down the old barn and dorm space for school groups. UpNorth Live and the Record-Eagle covered the event.