Our Story Begins Here

Whistle Stop Learning Center began in October 2022, born out of a simple but urgent need. Ashley, our founder and director, was searching for quality, local daycare for her own child while living and working in Benzie County—and she quickly realized there weren’t any options that met her standards. Driven by a desire to create a place where children could feel safe, loved, and inspired, Ashley opened Whistle Stop with a small but passionate team.

From that first day, our mission has been clear: we are more than a daycare—we are a family. Many of our original staff members are still with us today, nurturing the same sense of care and community that started it all. Over the past few years, we’ve grown alongside the families we serve. Our site also benefits from hosting foster grandparents, helping our children engage with multiple generations and enrich their social learning. Today, our main center hosts 52 children with 18 dedicated staff members, and in the summer of 2025, we expanded to a second site nearby to provide seasonal summer camp for an additional 20 children.

Our approach goes beyond standard childcare. Children at Whistle Stop enjoy daily learning, structured activities, and field trips throughout Benzie County, allowing them to explore and connect with their community. We celebrate together too, hosting annual community Easter egg hunts, Thanksgiving potlucks, and family-friendly game nights that bring neighbors, friends, and families together.

At Whistle Stop, every child is valued, every family is supported, and every staff member is part of a shared mission: to nurture curiosity, foster growth, and create memories that last. We’re proud to provide a safe, engaging, and high-quality environment, and our dedication has been recognized with the highest quality rating by Great Start to Quality.

Whistle Stop isn’t just a place to learn—it’s a place to belong. Born to play, built to grow, and designed to become part of your family’s story.