Cabin

Lodge on the Manistee: Swim the Manistee | Riverfront Summer Stay

Photo gallery for Lodge on the Manistee: Swim the Manistee | Riverfront Summer Stay

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
*Relax on the covered porch overlooking the Manistee river

Reviews

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

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View map
Grayling, MI
  • Place, Au Sable River
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Place, Hanson Hills Recreation Area
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Place, AuSable Artisan Village
    ‪13 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: 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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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
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.
Map
Grayling, MI

What's nearby

  • Au Sable River - 10 min drive - 12.0 km
  • 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.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 39 out of 41 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 41 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 41 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 41 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 41 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Peter J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing property, the river was so peaceful and beautiful. House was stocked with everything we needed. Will stay again!
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
Verified

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
Response from VrboOwner on 13 May 2021
Thank you for your review, James! We're so happy to hear that you were able to have a nice relaxing stay!
Verified

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
Response from VrboOwner on 19 July 2023
Susan, we are so happy to know that you loved your stay, and we hope that you come back again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mike P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great looking cabin on a beautiful spot in the Manistee River. The view from the back deck is worth the stay alone.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carrie G.

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

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
Response from VrboOwner on 18 November 2024
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
Verified

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
Response from VrboOwner on 31 July 2022
Jayme, we're so glad that you want to come back. That says it all. Thank you.
Verified

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
Response from VrboOwner on 22 September 2023
Christian, we're glad that you had lovely stay, and we hope to see you back again.
Verified

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
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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristen D.

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
Response from VrboOwner on 17 June 2022
Kristen, we're happy to know that you enjoyed your stay. We look forward to your return.
Verified

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
Response from VrboOwner on 15 October 2023
Larry, the best review is when the guest says they will be back, so thank you for that, and we'll see you in 2024!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nate H.

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

Perfect getaway

Clean, cozy, wonderful
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 3 May 2024
Nate, what a great 3 word review! Thanks for that. We hope that you come back again. - Claire, FVR
Verified

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
Response from VrboOwner on 27 June 2023
Madi, it sounds like you had very good time, and we look forward to your return!
Verified

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
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.
Verified

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
Response from VrboOwner on 2 November 2024
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
Verified

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
Response from VrboOwner on 20 August 2023
Brantley, when guests say they would come back again, we know they have had a good stay, so thank you for that. We do hope that you come back again.
Verified

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
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
Verified

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
Response from VrboOwner on 3 July 2022
Mike, we're glad that you spent you U.P. vacation with us, and we hope to see you back again.
Verified

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
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.
Verified

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
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..
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael D.

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

Magical location

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.
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!
Verified

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
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
Verified

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
Response from VrboOwner on 6 June 2023
Mike, it's great to hear tat you had a peaceful stay, and we hope that you come back again.
Verified

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
Response from VrboOwner on 30 July 2022
Tina, thank you for this lovely review. We're glad that the property worked out so well for you, and we hope to see you again.
Verified

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
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

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, Danish, Croatian

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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