Grayling

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 holiday 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
The price is €73 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€73
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & 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 (1,008 reviews)
"Even though still under renovation and recently reopened, our stay was comfortable and quiet. Troy and Audrey on front desk went above and beyond to take care of our every need and make our stay the best it could be. The free breakfast was full of choices and the cook/attendant was very friendly ..."

Reviewed on 10 Aug 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
The price is €94 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€94
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & 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! (810 reviews)
"Very affordable for the time of year I went which was great! Solid stay for the value."

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Grayling
Super 8 by Wyndham Grayling

Super 8 by Wyndham Grayling

2 out of 5
5828 Nelson A Miles Pkwy, Grayling, MI
The price is €84 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
€84
3 Sept - 4 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Grayling. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"No microwave or coffeemaker"

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

Super 8 by Wyndham 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.
Newly Remodeled 3 Bedroom Cabin on the upper AuSable River

Newly Remodeled 3 Bedroom Cabin on the upper AuSable River

Grayling
Stay at this property in Grayling. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Wakeley Lake and Rayburn Property ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3 reviews)
"Quiet and comfortable. Great weekend."

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Newly Remodeled 3 Bedroom Cabin on the upper AuSable River
Cozy camping retreat on the banks of the beautiful AuSable River

Cozy camping retreat on the banks of the beautiful AuSable River

Grayling
Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Grayling Fish Hatchery and Au Sable River are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (19 reviews)
Great spot
"It was a great spot, on the river, close to town. There was plenty of firewood, a grill, and plenty of peace and quiet. Awesome stay"

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2025

Cozy camping retreat on the banks of the beautiful AuSable River
The Up North Experience

The Up North Experience

Grayling
Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Crawford County Historical Museum and AuSable Artisan Village are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
"Everything was amazing we really enjoyed it all the most important thing was the kids had a blast would 100 percent stay again!!!"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

The Up North Experience
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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