Grayling Travel Guide

Tourist 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 kilometres) of trails at the Hanson Hills Recreation Area. Autumn is a great time to visit for the colourful 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 artefacts 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 licence 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.

Days Inn by Wyndham Grayling

Days Inn by Wyndham Grayling

2 out of 5
2556 Business Loop South, Grayling, MI
The price is AU$168 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
AU$168
26 Oct - 27 Oct
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! (859 reviews)
"Nice set-up, clean room, very comfortable bed."

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Grayling
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 AU$127 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
AU$127
26 Oct - 27 Oct
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 ...
6/10 (1,014 reviews)
"Pool area is very nice!"

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Ramada Hotel & Conference Center 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 AU$162 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
AU$162
26 Oct - 27 Oct
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! (1,010 reviews)
"Even though the room was a bit small the property was in excellent shape and was clean dog friendly and well worth the money"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 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.
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! (22 reviews)
"Beautiful property right on the river. The RV was in excellent condition and very clean. The hosts are very responsive via text. We enjoyed our stay and would return."

Reviewed on 29 Aug 2025

Cozy camping retreat on the banks of the beautiful AuSable River
Charming Home on the mainstream of the Au Sable River...

Charming Home on the mainstream of the Au Sable River...

Grayling
Book a stay at this ski vacation home in Grayling. Enjoy laundry facilities, ski-in/ski-out access, and patios. Popular attractions Wakeley Lake and Rayburn ...
10/10 Exceptional! (188 reviews)
"This was our fifth time staying here, it’s perfect for us."

Reviewed on 1 Oct 2025

Charming Home on the mainstream of the Au Sable 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! (10 reviews)
"Property was clean and nice, beds were comfortable. We did run out of water but property owners were fairly quick to fix it."

Reviewed on 31 Aug 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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