Grayling, MI

Travel Guide

Grayling
Grayling
Photo by Angie Bell
Photo by Angie Bell
Photo by Angie Bell

Mountains, rivers, forests and wildlife make this northern Michigan town a must-see vacation destination for outdoor types.

With skiing, hiking and wildlife spotting, Grayling is an excellent destination for year-round outdoor adventures. The city is located in Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula and attracts both nature lovers and thrill seekers.

Canoe or kayak along the AuSable River that runs through the city. The waterway also passes through forests of birch and cedar trees. Try to spot some of the local wildlife such as mink and deer. Nearby is the Manistee River which locals say is even better for wildlife watching.

Take advantage of miles of paved and unpaved trails throughout the Grayling area. Hike through the hills and forested areas of Hartwick Pines State Park. Rent a mountain bike and explore more than 20 miles (32 kilometers) of trails at the Hanson Hills Recreation Area. Autumn is a great time to visit for the colorful foliage. Come back to Hanson during the winter for downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing and cross-country skiing. Beginners can master skiing or boarding with lessons from the snow sports school.

The hills, valleys, lakes, rivers and forests of northern Michigan offer ample bird-watching opportunities. Book your spot on a guided tour to see Michigan’s rarest bird, the Kirtland warbler. Photograph American bitterns, yellow throats and blue jays on the Dyer Truck Trail.

Get in touch with the region’s past by exploring its historic sites. See artifacts of everyday life from the turn of the 20th century at the Crawford County Historical Museum. Stroll through the Beal Tree Plantation that was planted in 1888. Step inside the Lone Pine School, a one-room log schoolhouse.

For a fun-filled few hours with the family, go to the Grayling Fish Hatchery. Tour the grounds and feed trout in the ponds. For a small fee you can also catch the fish. No fishing license is required.

Grayling is a great place for action and adventure, and there are also plenty of places to unwind such as golf courses, parks and downtown restaurants.

Ramada Hotel & Conference Center by Wyndham Grayling

Ramada Hotel & Conference Center by Wyndham Grayling

2.5 out of 5
2650 I-75 Business Loop, Grayling, MI
$92 nightly
The price is $99 total per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
$99 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Grayling. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
6.2/10 (1,020 reviews)
"Staff were friendly and welcoming and the pool, arcade and swing set is a nice touch for kids"

Reviewed on Jul 23, 2025

Ramada Hotel & Conference Center by Wyndham Grayling
Days Inn by Wyndham Grayling

Days Inn by Wyndham Grayling

2 out of 5
2556 Business Loop South, Grayling, MI
$101 nightly
The price is $109 total per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
$109 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Grayling. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (801 reviews)
"All was ok except we prefer the regular size pillows. Changing up breakfast would of been great."

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Grayling
River Country Motor Lodge

River Country Motor Lodge

2.5 out of 5
257 North I-75 Business Loop, Grayling, MI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$112 nightly
The price is $121 total per night from Jul 31 to Aug 1
$121 total
Jul 31 - Aug 1
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this motel in Grayling. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Wakeley ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (346 reviews)
Cleanest room/bathroom I’ve ever seen!
"Absolutely one of the cleanest rooms and bathrooms I’ve ever seen. And I’ve stayed at a lot of hotels and motels. Owners were very accommodating as well. And they even had a reverse osmosis system in the bathroom sink. I’ve never seen that. So great! We’re definitely staying there again next year ..."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

River Country Motor Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
NEWLY REMODELED Cozy 2-bedroom home in quiet neighborhood

NEWLY REMODELED Cozy 2-bedroom home in quiet neighborhood

Grayling
Book a stay at this golf vacation home in Grayling. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Grayling Fish Hatchery ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (27 reviews)
"Cabin was very cozy & clean. We felt at home & comfortable. All the amenities we needed for a week. Lovely place. We will recommend!"

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

NEWLY REMODELED Cozy 2-bedroom home in quiet neighborhood
A well-maintained, vintage camper  in a secluded location near state land

A well-maintained, vintage camper in a secluded location near state land

2 out of 5
Grayling
Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker, housekeeping, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Kirtland's Warbler Historical Marker and B & B Sports Center & Marina are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
"My partner and I enjoyed the stay. The fire-pit and lights outside the camper were a nice touch and made our stay more enjoyable! The kitchen being stocked with some basic essentials for cooking was great! The extra blankets and pillows were great as well! The only con of the property was the bathroom. ..."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

A well-maintained, vintage camper in a secluded location near state land
Riverfront Retreat in Grayling

Riverfront Retreat in Grayling

Grayling
Stay at this vacation home in Grayling. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Au Sable River and AuSable Artisan Village are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
Wonderful option in Grayling on the Au Sable
"We stayed for three nights. 9 of us had plenty of space. The location is great, nestled into a neighborhood, on the bank of the Au Sable - with a great deal of frontage, and extremely close to town. It truly had something for everyone. We were pleased and may return!"

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

Riverfront Retreat in Grayling
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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