Cabin

Lodge on the Manistee: Relax by the River, Fish, and Explore

Photo gallery for Lodge on the Manistee: Relax by the River, Fish, and Explore

What a view!  Relax with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine
Mother Nature at her finest
Fire Pit for evening s'mores
Nestled in among the trees, the Lodge on the Manistee is ready for you
Room to park for our guests

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 8201.1 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Grayling, MI
  • AuSable Artisan Village
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Hartwick Pines State Park
    ‪28 min drive‬
  • Au Sable River
    ‪32 min drive‬
  • Gaylord, MI (GLR-Gaylord Regional)
    ‪41 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

main floor

1 Queen Bed

master on main floor

1 Queen Bed

upstairs

1 Double Bed

upstairs

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

attached to master bedroom

Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

main floor

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Lodge on the Manistee: Relax by the River, Fish, and Explore

LODGE ON THE MANISTEE
SLEEPS: 8
BEDROOMS: 4
BATHROOMS: 2
*RIVERFRONT (Manistee River)
*SWIMMING ON PROPERTY
*NO PETS
*FLY-FISHERMEN WELCOME (TROUT)
*Wi-Fi
*KAYAKERS BRING YOUR BOATS! GREAT for BOATING!
**We ask that our guests be respectful of our great neighbors by keeping quiet hours between 11:00 pm and 9:00 am.

It is just so nice to walk out on the back porch and see the beautiful Manistee River gently flowing around the bend. The Lodge on the Manistee is a peaceful place to enjoy a family gathering or a gathering of fly-fisherman casting their poles off the dock. Adventure seekers, feel free to bring your kayaks or canoes in order to paddle up the river.

This 4-bedroom home sleeps 8 people comfortably. The common spaces for gathering are ideal for a large family or two families vacationing together. The fully equipped kitchen will suit your needs and the extended covered porch on the river-side of the home is a pleasant setting for a morning cup of coffee or an evening glass of wine.

THIS COTTAGE HAS OUTSIDE VIDEO SECURITY MONITORING.
As an extra layer of security, we do have outside cameras mounted on the cottage. There are no cameras inside the cottage.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Air Conditioning: New as of December 2024: A geo-thermal unit was installed for AC! In addition, there are a couple of box fans for you to use.

ATV's: They are welcomed.

Animals: There are definitely bear in the area, deer, squirrels, muskrat, eagles, and bunnies.

Bathroom:

Bathroom #1: Attached to main bedroom FULL
BATH with jetted tub and shower.

Bathroom #2: Main floor---HALF BATH with
shower only.

Beach/Swimming: You can swim in the river. There is a ladder and a dock area. The river is flowing, and at times, the current can be swift (not white water rapids, but swift). Not recommended for little children/weak swimmers.


Bedroom Configuration:

Bedroom #1: Master Bedroom --Queen

Bedroom #2: main floor --Queen

Bedroom #3: upstairs—Full

Bedroom #4: upstairs--Queen

Boats: No boats are available. You are able to bring you own kayaks or canoes (20 steps to get down to river). Pull kayaks up along shore or on the wooden dock. The river is EXCELLENT FOR BOATING down.


Bugs: Typical Michigan bugs! Yes! Mosquitos are prevalent in the evenings around the water.

Cell phone service: Generally good!

Distances:
* Grand Rapids: 2 hours and 18 min. (153 miles)
* Traverse City: 1 hours away (44 miles)
* Detroit: 3 hours (212 miles)
* Lansing: 2 hours and 15 minutes (151 miles)
* Tahquamenon Falls State Park: 3 hours and 8 min (193 miles)
* Mackinac Bridge: 1 hours and 30 min.(90 miles)
*Shel-Haven Canoe/Kayack Livery on M-72 is 3 minutes (1 mile)
*M-72 to property is a 15 minute float.

Dock: There is a dock there, but it is usually only used for fly-fishing and swimming.

Fireplace: Wood-burning stove available for guests to use. You must bring your own wood.

Fire-pit: Yes. There is a fire pit.

Fishing: THIS IS A FLY-FISHING ONLY SECTION. This section of the Manistee is known for an excellent trout fishing. Please be sure to bring your own poles as there are none at this property. Also, in order to fish in Michigan lakes and rivers, one is required to hold a fishing license. Click here to purchase your fishing license online.

Garage: We apologize, yet although you are parking in front of the garage, it is not for us by guests.
Grill: Gas grill (and spare propane tank) is in the garage. We ask that it be used on the driveway area and returned to the garage each night. Bears, Coyotes, and Foxes are active in the neighborhood and love to get their paws on greasy grills.
Grocery Store: 5 miles into Grayling

Internet: YES!

Linens: Yes, we provide your sheets and linens. Just like a hotel, the beds will be made for you upon arrival. If you are fussy about the thread count of your sheets, just let me know, and I'll make sure we leave a bed open for your sheets. We have just the basic sheets, pillows, pillow cases and bath towels.

Parking: Easily 3 cars or a truck/trailer combo.

Pets: Pets are not welcome at this home.

Privacy: There are houses on both side of the home. Neighbors are about 50ft. away.

Space: 2-floors. Main with 2 bedrooms and Upper with a loft and 2 bedrooms.

Televisions: There is a smart TV in family room with streaming capabilities

Towels: Yes, we provide towels. It's always good to bring extra though.

Washer and dryer: YES. Soap is provided.

Wood: Guests need to bring their own wood for fire pit and wood-burning stove.

Property manager

Freshwater Vacation Rentals
Premier Host

Languages

English, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Grayling

Located in Grayling, this cabin is on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Hartwick Pines State Park and Huron-Manistee National Forest, while Crawford County Historical Museum and AuSable Artisan Village are cultural highlights. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Grayling, MI

What's nearby

  • AuSable Artisan Village - 13 min drive - 12.2 km
  • Wakeley Lake - 14 min drive - 12.8 km
  • Grayling Hospital - 14 min drive - 13.1 km
  • Hartwick Pines State Park - 28 min drive - 20.3 km
  • Au Sable River - 32 min drive - 16.3 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Tinker's Junction - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Westside Diner - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪NCO Club - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Dingman's Tavern - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Wimpy's - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Lodge on the Manistee: Relax by the River, Fish, and Explore pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Lodge on the Manistee: Relax by the River, Fish, and Explore?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Lodge on the Manistee: Relax by the River, Fish, and Explore?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Lodge on the Manistee: Relax by the River, Fish, and Explore located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is within 9 miles (15 km) of Hanson Hills Recreation Area, Crawford County Historical Museum and AuSable Artisan Village. Wakeley Lake and Rayburn Property Trail are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 36 out of 38 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 38 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 38 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 38 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 38 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Susan C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect for our girlfriend getaway

Loved our stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

James B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Place to Stay

Truly a great property in a relaxing location!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Thomas S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location for fishing "base"

Th place is great, very clean, well located to river fishing areas and town. We'll stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nathaniel M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bachelor Weekend

Groom to be loved it. Great property.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Courtney J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fall SXS Ride

My family and I decided to book a Fall color ride for the first time. We really needed a place that was close to tails and this place was 100% what we needed! It was beautiful and we didnt have to load the sxs's up to get to a trail. Would stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Timothy G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great spot to relax

Wonderful place to stay on the Manistee.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Christian S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely Stay

The location of the home is beautiful. The setting was really great.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nate H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect getaway

Clean, cozy, wonderful
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jayme G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place!

The cabin Exceeded our expectations. We would definitely consider staying there again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Amy R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Cabin

Our family absolutely loved staying at the cabin. Amazing view of the river. We never felt so relaxed. House was also nicely stocked with towels, kitchen supplies, etc. Can't wait to visit again.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Larry T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place

Love it will be back next fall
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kristen D., Grand Rapids, MI

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful well-equipped cabin for our family!

Enjoyed our stay very much!! The cabin was beautiful and had all of the amenities we could ask for and more. Can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Madi D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great setting, beautiful cabin

Such a peaceful setting. Great fishing and swimming. The cabin is very spacious and the deck and view is amazing. It was very clean and we are looking forward to staying again soon.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alberto F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonder experience

We saw a bear but wanted to see more
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved our log cabin!

We had a wonderful stay at the cozy cabin on the river. It was perfect for what we needed. Plenty of room, amenities and fun things to do. Would definitely go back again!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brantley H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

The property was as advertised. The kitchen had everything we needed. The view is great and easy access to town. We would go back for sure.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Barbara G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Kirtland Warbler habitat

Mountain bike to nearby Howes Lake for Kirtland habitat. Fly fish the Manistee in back yard. Well equipped kitchen.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tracie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

View that relaxes you!

What a stunning location. The log cabin was adorable and the view was amazing. The only issue we had was that air conditioning units didn’t work upstairs and it got unbearably hot. Other than thought….. amazing
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing

Property exactly as described and pictured. 10/10 would recommend a stay here. Amazing scenery, peaceful location and the river view spectacular! Loved it all and would definitely return.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lisa O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Office Staff Retreat

We had a great time of hiking, relaxing by the river, playing board games, reading, and laughing. The deck and dock are just fantastic! The cabin was spacious!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mike D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

River Heaven

Beautiful home in northern Michigan .
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mike R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Get Away

Peaceful stay on the river bend. Everything, plus! Great location to mid state and the lake shores.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful & serene- just what we were looking for!

Gorgeous cabin on a beautiful piece of land! The river view is stunning from in and outside of the cabin. We loved everything about this place. Plenty of space, beautifully designed and well-maintained. Hosts were extremely attentive and wonderful to communicate with. We will definitely be returning in the future!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carl D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome property

Exactly as billed. We totally enjoyed it.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

tina b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

This Cabin is breath taking!!

The beauty of this property was more than anyone could except! It’s warm, thoughtful, peaceful and perfect!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

About the host

Hosted by Freshwater Vacation Rentals

Host profile image
Freshwater Vacation Rentals
• Established in 2005
If you are looking for a vacation rental, you have come to the right spot! We specialize in vacation rentals throughout Michigan. From your own private island to a lodge big enough to host your family reunion or a relaxing getaway on one of the Great Lakes. If you feel like a social vacation where you have neighbors to enjoy the evening fires together, to remote places where you won't see another soul, give us a call and we'll find the right place for you.
Our philosophy
We work hard so you don't have to. Our goal is for guests have a wonderful vacation experience and assist our owners in maximizing their investment. We started this business 13 years ago, with the purchase of Republic Island, and added the Rapid River Lodge. We have a unique perspective, as we are both owners and property managers. We love the business and are enjoying it as it grows.

Languages:

English, Spanish

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests