Lodge on the Manistee: Swim the Manistee | Riverfront Summer Stay
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.
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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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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 North Higgins Lake State Park, while Crawford County Historical Museum and AuSable Artisan Village are cultural highlights. Looking to get your feet wet? Kayaking, fishing and swimming adventures can be found near the property.
Hanson Hills Recreation Area - 12 min drive - 13.8 km
AuSable Artisan Village - 13 min drive - 15.3 km
Crawford County Historical Museum - 13 min drive - 15.3 km
Grayling Country Club - 14 min drive - 16.3 km
Restaurants
Tinker's Junction - 10 min drive
Westside Diner - 10 min drive
Dingman's - 11 min drive
Tacos Lupe - 10 min drive
The Lewis Nuthouse Northern Campus - 8 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Lodge on the Manistee: Swim the Manistee | Riverfront Summer Stay pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Lodge on the Manistee: Swim the Manistee | Riverfront Summer Stay?
As of 27 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lodge on the Manistee: Swim the Manistee | Riverfront Summer Stay on 17 August 2026 start from NZ$627, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Lodge on the Manistee: Swim the Manistee | Riverfront Summer Stay?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Lodge on the Manistee: Swim the Manistee | Riverfront Summer Stay?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Lodge on the Manistee: Swim the Manistee | Riverfront Summer Stay?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Lodge on the Manistee: Swim the Manistee | Riverfront Summer Stay 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. Grayling Hospital and Grayling Country Club 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.
Amazing property, the river was so peaceful and beautiful. House was stocked with everything we needed. Will stay again!
Peter J.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 9 October 2025
Thank you so much for the wonderful feedback! We’re so glad you enjoyed the property and the peaceful river. You were fantastic guests, and we’d love to host you again in the future! -Van FVR
The cabin was exactly as pictured. You can’t beat the views from the windows to the river. We felt cozy and right at home. The check-in and checkout process couldn’t have been easier. Truly enjoyed every minute we spent in this lovely cabin.
Carrie G.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 15 October 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear you loved the cabin, the river views, and the smooth check-in process. You were wonderful guests, and we’d be happy to host you again anytime! -Van FVR
Thank you for your great review TImothy! We’re so glad you enjoyed your stay and found it to be a relaxing spot. It’s wonderful to hear that the location by the Manistee was perfect for you. -Van FVR
Th place is great, very clean, well located to river fishing areas and town. We'll stay again.
Thomas S.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 26 May 2024
Hi there,
Thanks Thomas for the great review! We're thrilled to hear you found the place clean and well-located for river fishing and exploring town. Looking forward to having you stay with us again!
Best,
Janelle, Freshwater Vacation Rentals
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.
Madi D.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 27 June 2023
Madi, it sounds like you had very good time, and we look forward to your return!
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!
Lindsey T.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 11 October 2022
Lindsey, we're so glad that the cabin was perfect for what you needed! We look forward to your return.
We’re thrilled to hear the groom-to-be enjoyed the property Nathaniel. It was a pleasure hosting you all, and we’d be delighted to welcome you again! - Van FVR
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.
Amy R.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 3 July 2024
Amy, it's great to know that your family absolutely loved staying at the cabin, and that you never felt so relaxed. What a great review! You were wonderful guests, and we can't wait for you to return also! - Claire, FVR
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!
Lisa O.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 30 July 2022
Lisa, that sounds like an amazing staff retreat! We're so glad that you did it with us, and we hope that you will come back again.
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.
Lindsey H.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 4 June 2023
Lindsey, the best thing a guest can write in their review is that they would definitely return, so thank you for that! We love getting a 10/10 recommendation, and we hope that you come back again..
We had a wonderful time here! We had a small wedding reception with just eight of our family and set up a banquet table on the porch overlooking the river. It was an incredibly beautiful setting which made the wedding day a memorable event.
Michael D.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 2 October 2020
Michael, congratulations on your wedding! We were glad to be a part of offering you a beautiful setting. You'll have to come back for your wedding anniversary next year!
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!
Courtney J.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 25 October 2024
It's wonderful to hear that you and your family enjoyed your first Fall color ride and found our location perfect for accessing the trails. It’s great that you could enjoy the beautiful surroundings without the hassle of loading up the SXSs. You were great guest and we'd love to welcome you back again soon! - Van FVR
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!
Amy C.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 24 August 2023
Amy, thank you for this lovely review! We're so glad that your getaway was everything that you were hoping for. Thank you for your kind words for FVR. It means a lot to us. We look forward to your return!
About the host
Hosted by Freshwater Vacation Rentals
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, Danish, Croatian
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests