If you're planning a trip to Grayling, Michigan, for the annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon and AuSable River Festival, knowing where to find accurate, up-to-date information can make all the difference. With thousands of spectators and athletes visiting the area each July, it is essential to find the most effective way to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience by utilizing the right online resources. From lodging and event schedules to travel tips and race maps, here are the top websites to help you plan your visit.
1. Grayling Visitors Bureau Website
The Grayling Visitors Bureau is the most comprehensive resource for anyone attending the Canoe Marathon or River Festival. The site offers a range of amenities, including lodging options, local dining, trail maps, and travel guides. Visitors can request a printed version of the Visitors Guide to be mailed in advance. The site is easy to navigate and particularly helpful if you're unfamiliar with the Grayling area or looking to extend your stay to explore local attractions, such as Hartwick Pines State Park or the AuSable River trails. For all events in Grayling go to https://graylingmichigan.org/events/
2. AuSable River Canoe Marathon Website
This is the official site for the marathon and your go-to source for race-specific details. It features course maps, a full list of registered teams, race-day logistics, and information on feeder crews. During the event, the site also provides live tracking of racers, results, and official updates. If you're attending primarily for the race itself, this is the most authoritative and up-to-date source for the sporting side of the weekend.
3. AuSable River Festival Website (Grayling Chamber of Commerce)
The AuSable River Festival is a week-long celebration leading up to the big race. This site features the full schedule of events, including live music, the car show, kids' activities, the HUP race, food vendors, and more. It's particularly useful for families and casual visitors who want to enjoy the festival atmosphere in addition to the race. You'll also find maps, street closure info, and forms for vendor or event registration if you're participating as more than a spectator.
The AuSable River Festival brings a full week of community celebration to downtown Grayling, with events that complement the excitement of the canoe marathon. Visitors can browse the popular Arts and Crafts Show, enjoy nightly live music, and relax along “Brew Avenue” with local food and craft beer. With entertainment, shopping, and refreshments all close by, there’s something for everyone.
Major race events kick off early in the week, so no matter when you make it to Grayling, there's always something happening. From sprints and live music to food vendors and family-friendly fun, the excitement builds each day leading up to the big race.
Key Events
Tuesday, July 22 – Da$h for the Ca$h
This high-stakes sprint event features a short, head-to-head paddle race where invited marathon teams compete for cash prizes. It's a fan favorite due to its fast pace and exciting bracket-style format, held in downtown Grayling near the start of the official marathon course.
Wednesday, July 23 – Time Trial Sprints (Day 1)
The first day of time trials determines starting positions for the main marathon event. Teams race individually against the clock on a short course, offering spectators a chance to see paddlers' speed and technique.
Thursday, July 24 – Time Trial Sprints (Day 2) & C-1 Express Race
Time trials continue with more teams battling for a prime starting slot on Saturday night. Later in the day, the C-1 Express Race takes center stage. This solo canoe event showcases individual paddlers and is a great opportunity to watch skilled athletes handle the AuSable solo.
Friday, July 25 – Time Trial Sprints (Day 3) & AuSable River Challenge 120
The final round of time trials concludes with any remaining teams completing their qualifying runs. In the evening, the AuSable River Challenge 120 takes place—a youth and amateur-focused race that offers upcoming paddlers the chance to experience a competitive environment on the river.
Saturday, July 26 – AuSable River Canoe Marathon Start
The main event begins with the iconic Le Mans-style foot sprint through downtown Grayling at 9:00 PM. Racers then launch into the river for a grueling 120-mile overnight paddle to Oscoda. Thousands of spectators line the streets and riverbanks to cheer on the teams in one of North America's most prestigious canoe races.
Sunday, July 27 – Marathon Finish in Oscoda
Racers arrive in Oscoda throughout the morning after paddling all night. The finish line celebration takes place at the AuSable River mouth on Lake Huron. Spectators often gather here early to witness the dramatic final stretch of the race.
Whether you're coming for the competition, the festival, or the chance to explore Northern Michigan's natural beauty, these online resources will help you plan a memorable trip to Grayling. Start with the Grayling Visitors Bureau for travel and lodging, head to the Canoe Marathon site for race logistics, and check the River Festival page for the full event experience. Together, these websites ensure you won't miss a thing during one of Michigan's most celebrated summer traditions.