10/10 Excellent
Peter J.
8 October 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peter J.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Cabin
Lodge on the Manistee: Cast into Spring | Manistee River Lodge
Photo gallery for Lodge on the Manistee: Cast into Spring | Manistee River Lodge
Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 8201.1 sq m
Popular amenities
Explore the area
Grayling, MI
- Place, Au Sable River11 min drive
- Place, Hanson Hills Recreation Area13 min drive
- Place, AuSable Artisan Village14 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: Cast into Spring | Manistee River Lodge
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.
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.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
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
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets allowed
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. Hanson Hills Recreation Area and Grayling Country Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Hartwick Pines State Park and North Higgins Lake State Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Grayling, MI
What's nearby
- Au Sable River - 11 min drive - 12.0 km
- Hanson Hills Recreation Area - 13 min drive - 13.8 km
- Timber Wolf Golf Club - 14 min drive - 21.5 km
- AuSable Artisan Village - 14 min drive - 14.2 km
- Grayling Hospital - 16 min drive - 15.3 km
Restaurants
- Tinker's Junction - 10 min drive
- Dingman's - 11 min drive
- Westside Diner - 10 min drive
- Tacos Lupe - 10 min drive
- The Lewis Nuthouse Northern Campus - 8 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
9.8/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
James B.
12 May 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Place to Stay
James B.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2021
10/10 Excellent
Mike P.
15 June 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Mike P.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Carrie G.
13 October 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Carrie G.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Susan C.
18 July 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect for our girlfriend getaway
Susan C.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Timothy G.
22 May 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great spot to relax
Timothy G.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
10/10 Excellent
Jayme G.
30 July 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place!
Jayme G.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
10/10 Excellent
Christian S.
17 September 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely Stay
Christian S.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Thomas S.
13 May 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location for fishing "base"
Thomas S.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Kristen D.
16 June 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful well-equipped cabin for our family!
Kristen D.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022
10/10 Excellent
Larry T.
13 October 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place
Larry T.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Nate H.
22 April 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect getaway
Nate H.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
10/10 Excellent
Madi D.
27 June 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great setting, beautiful cabin
Madi D.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Lindsey T.
10 October 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved our log cabin!
Lindsey T.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
10/10 Excellent
Nathaniel M.
25 August 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Bachelor Weekend
Nathaniel M.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Amy R.
2 July 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Cabin
Amy R.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Brantley H.
16 August 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay
Brantley H.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Mike D.
3 July 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
River Heaven
Mike D.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022
10/10 Excellent
Lisa O.
21 July 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Office Staff Retreat
Lisa O.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
10/10 Excellent
Lindsey H.
1 June 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing
Lindsey H.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
10/10 Excellent
Courtney J.
15 October 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fall SXS Ride
Courtney J.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Michael D.
21 September 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Magical location
Michael D.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020
10/10 Excellent
Mike R.
4 June 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Get Away
Mike R.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023
10/10 Excellent
Alberto F.
5 June 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonder experience
Alberto F.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
tina b.
22 July 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This Cabin is breath taking!!
tina b.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
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.
• 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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