If you are planning a getaway up north, Grayling, Michigan offers a rare mix of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and historic charm. Nestled on the scenic AuSable River, Grayling is the perfect destination for travelers looking for cozy B&B stays combined with paddling, fishing, or simply relaxing in a quiet town. Here are three of the best bed and breakfast options in the area.
Paddle and Stay at Borchers AuSable Canoe & Kayak Bed and Breakfast
Borchers AuSable Canoe & Kayak Bed and Breakfast sits right on the banks of the AuSable River at 101 Maple Street in Grayling. With a wrap-around balcony overlooking the water, this riverside B&B offers four guest rooms—the AuSable Room, Brook Room, Canoe Room and Main Stream Room—all with private baths and cable TV.
Guests can expect to start their morning with a home-cooked breakfast, sipping coffee while watching the river flow by. For paddlers, canoe and kayak rentals are available directly from the property.
While river trip availability varies depending on the season, the bed and breakfast remains open year-round, with the exception for November and December. This allows for winter visits when cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, winter kayaking and any of the myriad other cold-weather activities can be enjoyed nearby.
Borchers provides a wonderful base for a relaxing vacation or an outdoor adventure. It is ideal for families, couples, or anyone who wants to combine comfort with access to the AuSable River.
Historic Elegance at Hanson House Bed and Breakfast
Hans
on House is a beautifully restored Victorian-era inn located at 604 Peninsular Avenue in Grayling. Originally built in 1890 as the home of local lumber baron Rasmus Hanson, the house has been converted into a boutique inn with four uniquely decorated guest rooms and elegant common spaces.
Each room offers modern comforts including a king bed, private en-suite bathroom, electric fireplace (in some rooms), air conditioning, flat-screen TV, WiFi, and natural woodwork with high ceilings that preserve the home’s historic character.
The main level features a grand dining room and cozy sitting rooms where guests can relax, read, and unwind. Meal vouchers at local partner restaurants are also offered as an option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, making for a convenient way to explore some of Grayling’s fantastic local fare.
Hanson House welcomes guests in all seasons, whether for summer river activities or a peaceful winter retreat, making it a refined, comfortable choice any time of year.
Rustic Lodge Tradition at North Branch Outing Club
If you prefer a rustic lodge atmosphere immersed in northern Michigan’s outdoor tradition, North Branch Outing Club, which is open in the spring, summer and fall, offers a unique and historic lodging option. Located at 6122 East County Road 612 near Grayling, the lodge sits on 20 wooded acres with 400 feet of private shoreline on the North Branch of the AuSable River, a state-designated blue-ribbon trout stream.
Since 1916, visitors from around the world have come here to fly fish, hunt or enjoy the natural beauty of the river and forest. Today the lodge continues that tradition with a full-service fly shop, guide services, casting lessons, and wing-shooting trips.
Inside, 12 rooms and 2 suites are decorated in a style that reflects northern Michigan tradition or classic outdoor activities like fly fishing, canoeing, and upland hunting. Interiors are simple, relaxing, and invite you to slow down and appreciate the quiet of a forest-side lodge.
Each morning begins with a hearty, made-from-scratch breakfast that fuels a day of fishing, paddling, hiking or simply relaxing.
Why Grayling Is the Perfect Destination
Grayling combines natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm. With the AuSable River flowing through town and its tributaries nearby, it is easy to paddle, fish, or enjoy peaceful waterfront views. When winter comes, surrounding forests and trails offer cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and other seasonal fun.
Borchers, Hanson House, and the North Branch Outing Club give you easy access to all that Grayling and its surroundings have to offer. Whether you are seeking a riverside paddle, historic elegance, or a rustic lodge experience, Grayling delivers.
Plan Your Stay
For more information about these properties, seasonal activities in the area, and other lodging or event options, visit the Grayling Visitors Bureau website. That’s the best resource to help you plan an unforgettable Up North escape.