By Christopher Johnson
Farwell’s Liberty Mountain has endured a long history. Formerly known as Mott Mountain in another lifetime, the property has taken on new ownership in the latest turn of events. Who, along with a committed team of staff and organizers, have been positioning the property for a wide-ranging transformation. One that could see the long-dormant venue reemerge as one of Mid-Michigan’s larger entertainment and recreation destinations.
July is the definitive month for the mountain’s grand reopening. With Mark Farner’s American Band headlining the Fourth of July celebration and Ted Nugent arriving shortly after on the 25th, the venue’s fresh face is expected to draw a crowd. Those involved with the site say it represents only the first visible step in a much broader redevelopment effort.
“We really hope to reintroduce the mountain to the community,” said Kelly Harrison, who handles venue operations. “This is about building something long-term.”
At full capacity, the hillside venue area can accommodate approximately 50,000 people. That space forms the centerpiece of what organizers envision as a large outdoor amphitheater-style environment. Cropping closer, the stage’s interior and hangar-style structure is capable of hosting between 500 and 1,000 guests, depending on configuration and event type.
Nearby, a large chalet serves as an auxiliary venue for added programming. Such as receptions, afterparties and more community driven gatherings that demand less space but still maintain a sense of scenic grandeur. It is constructed with soaring modern angles, with multiple windows permitting natural lighting. Further inside there is a stage, kitchen, bar and second story level that can accommodate an expanded experience.
The space between the chalet and the stage facility will soon be used for VIP mingling as events begin to commence.
The property itself spans more than 100 acres, with significant portions undergoing ongoing clearing and restoration work. According to those involved with operations, extensive land management has already taken place, including repeated removal and clearing of invasive bush species across large sections of the property. Particularly a notorious outbreak of autumn olive brush. The effort is part of a broader push to restore usability and improve sightlines across the venue’s outdoor event areas.
The new owners, the Pastor family, has outlined plans to reposition Liberty Mountain as a year- round venue rather than a seasonal or single-purpose site. Those plans include concerts, festivals, weddings, camping, recreational rentals and large-scale community events.
“We want to be a successful venue,” Kelly said. “We want to make the community happy and make this business run.”
The owners bring business experience from construction and restaurant operations in southeast Michigan, and say they are focusing on long-term infrastructure development rather than short-term programming alone.
A key component of that redevelopment strategy includes expanding lodging options on the property. Among the most notable additions under consideration are tiny home rentals, which organizers say could provide short-term accommodation for event attendees, wedding guests and visitors.
For some in the community, Liberty Mountain carries a long history of different eras of use and transition. New management says the current focus is on building stability, consistent programming and strong working relationships with vendors and partners moving forward.
“We’ve heard a lot from people in the community about their experiences over the years,” Kelly said. “We want to make sure moving forward that everything is handled in a professional and reliable way.”
The upcoming Ted Nugent event—combining live music with political commentary—has drawn heightened attention due to its timing during an election cycle. The event is promoted as an event for Republicans and Independents but not limited to any one party. Organizers emphasize that the venue itself is not intended to function as a partisan space. “Anybody is welcome,” Kelly said. “If you just want to listen to Ted Nugent, buy a ticket and come.”
In addition to entertainment by Ted Nugent and comedian Dave Landau, the latter event will also include a lineup of political speakers from across Michigan. Scheduled participants include Jim Runestad, Mike Rogers, Mike Cox, Aric Nesbitt, Perry Johnson, Karla Wagner, and Tudor Dixon. Each expected to deliver remarks as part of the broader program alongside the headlining acts.
Kelly noted that the event is intended to serve as an introduction to the property’s renewed operations rather than define its long-term identity. Because the event takes place during an active political season, organizers acknowledge that some community members may interpret it through a partisan lens. “We want people to come, enjoy themselves and feel welcome,” says Kelly.
She emphasized that Liberty Mountain’s goal is to host a wide range of events, regardless of political affiliation, including concerts, conventions, festivals and private functions.
“If somebody wants to have another type of event, we’re open to that,” she said.
Beyond concerts and political events, Liberty Mountain’s future plans include expanding into festival programming and recreational tourism. Among the concepts under discussion is a Renaissance-style festival similar to established events elsewhere in Michigan, designed to attract seasonal tourism and regional visitors.
Organizers say the region lacks comparable offerings north of Holly, where the most notable example currently operates.
Additional recreational development plans include ATV rentals, golf cart rentals, expanded campground infrastructure and outdoor activity programming.
The property is also expected to support wedding venue operations, with indoor and outdoor spaces adapted for private events.
Much of the property is still actively undergoing physical transformation. Organizers describe ongoing clearing work, land reshaping and vegetation management across the 100-plus-acre site.
The scale of the property allows for multiple simultaneous uses, with outdoor festival grounds, indoor event spaces and recreational zones planned in different sections of the land.
Kelly compared the venue’s trajectory to early-stage development at other major Michigan entertainment sites.
“It doesn’t go from zero to something like Pine Knob or Sammy Hagar overnight,” she said, referencing the well-known outdoor amphitheater now operating as a major regional venue.
“Everything starts with a base layer.”
At present, seating at Liberty Mountain remains temporary, with folding chairs used during events. Future upgrades may include permanent seating installations and expanded guest infrastructure as the venue grows.
Organizers say a key part of the project’s success will depend on public perception and repeat attendance. Early events are expected to serve as both testing ground and introduction. “If people have a good experience, they’ll come back,” Kelly said.
Local officials and business interests are also watching the redevelopment closely, as a successful venue could bring increased tourism, regional traffic and event-driven economic activity to Clare County.
For residents, the venue represents both a return and a reinvention: a large rural property attempting to reposition itself as a regional entertainment anchor.
While the Ted Nugent event is expected to draw the most immediate attention, organizers say the broader goal is sustainability rather than a single high-profile weekend.
In tradition with the month of July, both events will feature a firework display from atop the mountain after dark. Which is sure to amaze showgoers below, considering the elevation.
Tickets for the Fourth of July event are just $15. Offering an affordable way to experience a full
Independence Day celebration. Mark Farner’s American Band are known for delivering a powerful, crowd-pleasing show, and when paired with fireworks overhead, the event is designed to create a memorable holiday experience. Tickets are limited and expected to go quickly, so early purchase is strongly encouraged.
Tickets for the July 25 Ted Nugent event are available in several tiers, depending on viewing location and amenities. General Admission – Mountain Seating offers entry to the hillside venue with a bring-your-own lawn chair or blanket setup, operating on a first-come, first-served basis, with pre-sale pricing starting as low as $39 and standard pricing at $60, with approximately 25,000 tickets available. A mid-tier option, General Admission – Mountain Prime, provides access to a closer designated section of the mountain where attendees can choose a marked-out space near the stage, also with a bring-your- own chair or blanket policy; tickets range from a $49 pre-sale price up to $75, with about 5,000 available. The Floor General Admission option offers the closest access to the stage, includes a chair, and is also first come, first served, with pre-sale pricing starting at $89 and standard pricing at $125, with roughly 3,000 tickets available.
More information can be found on Liberty Mountain’s website and social media pages.
