Cabin

Historic 'River Cabin' On The 'Holy Waters' Of The AuSable with AC

Photo gallery for Historic 'River Cabin' On The 'Holy Waters' Of The AuSable with AC

Property grounds
Looking down at River from Cabin
Property grounds
looking at our own private channel from cabin
Cabin with fall color
Reviews
10

Exceptional

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 442 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
    KitchenKitchen
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioningAir conditioning
  • Fireplace
    FireplaceFireplace
  • Pet-friendly
    Pet-friendlyPet-friendly
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • Outdoor space
    Outdoor spaceOutdoor space

Check-in time

3:00 PM

Check-out time

11:00 AM

Explore the area

Map
Grayling, MI
  • Popular LocationAu Sable River1 min walk
  • Popular LocationAuSable Artisan Village17 min drive
  • Popular LocationHartwick Pines State Park30 min drive
  • AirportTraverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)77 min drive

Most relevant reviews

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Historic 'River Cabin' On The 'Holy Waters' Of The AuSable with AC

Newly re-modeled! Built in the 1940's by famed fly fishing guide Jim Wakeley, our 'River Cabin' is located at the historic Wakeley Bridge. 'Uncle Jim' purchased the property during World War II and began developing the property one building at a time. As a second generation fly fishing guide, my family and I are working to keep the memory of Jim Wakeley alive and share our love of the river. The cabin is nestled along the world famous 'Holy Waters', a 'fly's only', 'catch and release' section on the AuSable. The cabin is just a short drive to the North and South Branches of the river.

For the golf enthusiast we are only a short drive away from both, Forest Dunes Golf Club and Garland Golf Resort. For the hikers, bikers and bird watchers the cabin is three miles from Wakeley Lake, a beautiful part of the Huron-Mainistee National Forest area with miles of trails with loon and eagle sightings on a regular basis.

The quiet and cozy cabin offers two bedrooms with a queen size bed in each, full kitchen with living area including a couch, for additional sleeping. Dishes and linens are supplied along with a charcoal grill. There is a riverside fire pit for enjoying the summer evenings. Now with AC!
Pets are considered, dogs only. Breed and number of dogs are to be disclosed at time of inquiry.
Pet fee / $50.00 per stay.
Whether you are fly-fishing, canoeing or simply relaxing our cabin provides it all.

Note: Owners live on property.
If your dog is allowed he/she must be leashed, not allowed on furniture and if left alone must be crated.

Property manager

Colleen Wyss
Premier Host
Premier Host

Languages

English

Amenities

Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Barbecue grill
Water view

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 30
Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking allowed outside of cabin
Well mannered dogs allowed with prior approval from owner. Must be leashed, not allowed on furniture and never left alone.
Also note: Fireworks not allowed. Quiet time begins at 10 p.m.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Grayling

Located in Grayling, this cabin is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Huron-Manistee National Forest and Au Sable River, while AuSable Artisan Village and Crawford County Historical Museum are cultural highlights. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Grayling, MI

What's nearby

  • Au Sable River - 1 min walk
  • Mason Tract Pathway - 17 min walk
  • AuSable Artisan Village - 17 min drive
  • Hartwick Pines State Park - 30 min drive
  • South Higgins Lake State Park - 46 min drive

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 77 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Two Track Inn - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Jim's Canoe Livery - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Two Track Inn - ‬21 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Historic 'River Cabin' On The 'Holy Waters' Of The AuSable with AC pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Historic 'River Cabin' On The 'Holy Waters' Of The AuSable with AC ?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Historic 'River Cabin' On The 'Holy Waters' Of The AuSable with AC ?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Historic 'River Cabin' On The 'Holy Waters' Of The AuSable with AC located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is steps away from Huron-Manistee National Forest and Au Sable River. Mason Tract Pathway is 0.9 mi (1.5 km) away.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 66 out of 68 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 68 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 68 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 68 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 68 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Mike K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Little Cabin!!
Loved this super cute cabin and its location on the river. Colleen and Dave were great hosts and the setting was super peaceful. Great getaway!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Myron B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice!
Cozy, well appointed cabin on a great stretch of the Au Sable River.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jamie J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great spot for fishing and outdoor activities
My husband loved this spot on the au sable "holy water" for fly fishing. We brought along our canoe and enjoyed that on the river as well. The cabin is very cute and clean, the grounds are immaculate and we enjoyed sitting outside at the fire pit and picnic table. The hosts are very nice people and I would definitely recommend it.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

DEBBIE B., Waterford

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Place Perfect Spot
This Cabin has to be the cleanest place we have ever stayed at in all our years of traveling/vacationing. The hosts Colleen and Dave are Wonderful People. The grounds are meticulous and the river is so peaceful and relaxing. We will definitely return again! Congratulations on a Fabulous Place!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Linda M E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Jim Wakeley Cabin by the river
What a beautiful place. Cabin was well appointed and extremely clean. A lovely setting where my husband could walk out the door and fish.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dawn E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Cabin
This cabin is right on the banks of the Au Sable and Colleen and Dave were great hosts. They too are on the property but it was very private. Ample parking, well stocked with thoughtful items like paper towels, dish soap and coffee filters. Town is approx 10 minutes away with plenty of dining options if you want to go that route. We put our kayaks in at Stephens Bridge and kayaked downriver to the property to take out - a nice run but has some sweepers. Would definitely stay here again!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
River cabin
The cabin is VERY clean! Everything is so neat and tidy! The kitchen is stocked with good quality pans, dishes and utensils! The bed was comfortable. There is a nice view of the river and a really nice fire pit right by the river. We visited in October and it was a bit chilly to sit outside but in the summer it would be really fun to watch the river traffic go by! We brought our dog and really enjoyed hiking around Wakeley Lake and also hiked at Hartwick Pines. It was very nice meeting Colleen! Her family lives on the property and she answered our questions about hiking and things to do in the area! Thank you Colleen! We had a really nice weekend at your river cabin!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Randy H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Anniversary
Kayaker the American Sable, hiked around Wakely Lake, and enjoyed a beautifulsunny afternoon with fire on the shore of the American Sable
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Judy W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The River Cabin
This was our second time staying at The River Cabin. I can't say enough about how great it was. The cottage is very comfortable and has a homey feeling to it. The fire pit beside the river is a plus and it is fun to watch all the kayaks, canoes and fishing boats go past. Everything is very clean and orderly. It was a nice relaxing week!
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Krista B., Plymouth, MN

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
River Cabin
Our family of four enjoyed our time at the River Cabin. The space is small but efficient, and the large outdoor space by the river was the highlight. Everything recently remodeled and new. I appreciated the model of coffee maker - an upgrade from Mr Coffees I've mostly experience in VRBOs. :) Thank you!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

Schelisa D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location
Pleasant
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nichole E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing place!
The location was fantastic. The owners were great with communication and very helpful. Can't wait to go back.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Shelly S., Jackson, Michigan USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect!
Beautiful cabin and park like property on the river. Very clean and close to everything we needed. Host's were very friendly. Loved it! We will be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jill R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The perfect river cabin!
Everything about this cabin was perfect! The owners pay so much attention to every little detail, the view and the property was incredible, they were friendly and accommodating we will absolutely be back! I have to say, in all of the cabins I’ve stayed in around Northern Michigan this was by far my favorite and by far the most clean! Every single thing we needed was there. I could not say enough good things about our stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rhonda S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Gorgeous Cottage/Property and Location!
All I can say is WOW! The cottage is incredibly clean and has everything you need to enjoy the beautiful location. It was amazing to sit right next to the river and also have a firepit to enjoy. The convenient location is only a short distance to downtown Grayling and the canoe rentals. Will definitely book again!! Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful location, fantastic cabin and warm hosts
The pictures of the comfortable, immaculate, well-stocked, quality built cabin are accurate. What you can only get from visiting is the peaceful setting, well-kept grounds, and sounds of the Ausable River as you sit on the porch or at the fire pit. Even with great wi-fi, our 13 year old son was in the river learning how to fly fish more than he ever thought of looking at his phone! That says it all! Our hosts were so welcoming and thoughtful. We enjoyed our weekend and look forward to coming again to visit this beautiful area. Thank you for sharing your property.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

michael p., Grand Rapids

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Exactly as shown
It’s a perfect place to stay on the Au Sable. The cabin is absolutely perfect for 2 people. The grounds are beautiful. Would definitely book this again without hesitancy!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ryan R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fly fishing paradise
One of the best VrBos I’ve ever stayed at. The owners are very receptive and are excellent hosts. The cabin is feet away from the Au Sable river and excellent fishing. Perfect for fly fisherman, or anyone looking to relax.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Judy W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Comfortable River Cabin
The River Cabin is in a very relaxed setting. The provided fire wood was a wonderful touch. The Cabin was comfortable and clean. Even though we had a rain storm the cabin was a secure place to be. Everything was wonderful and plan to return next year.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Bill A., West Lafayette

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Continues to be one of our favorite places to get away
Everything about this works for us - my wife kayaks (the Au Sable is literally steps from the front door of the cabin) and I ride bikes (plenty of directions and road surfaces to keep things interesting). And the cabin has everything you need (kitchen, bedrooms, air conditioning - important this year!, view of the river from multiple rooms/windows). Only downside is the shower is a little small; I don't count that as a big enough problem to lose even a tenth of a point!
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Nita R., St. Louis, Mo

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful property!
We had an absolutely wonderful stay. The cabin was spotlessly clean and the beds are comfy! The kitchen has everything you need and is nicely organized. We also appreciated the very clean kettle barbecue. There is even a container to keep your charcoal in. One of the best amenities, in our opinion, is the covered stack of firewood, complete with a box of fire starting tools, next to the fire pit/seating at the side of the river. We loved sitting next to the fire at night, watching the river in the moonlight. During the day, we saw several different animal visitors to the river, including a mink, muskrat, and common merganser ducks. Colleen and Dave are wonderful hosts, friendly without being obtrusive, helpful whenever you need it. The only caveat is that if you are a larger person, the small shower will be tricky..... My husband and I would highly recommend this property, whether you are there to fly fish the Holy Waters, or just enjoy the amazing riverside view!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Joe S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Highly Recommended
The property owners were really nice. When we arrived Colleen greeted us outside by the parking spots. We loved the cabin and enjoyed sitting by the river. Having nightly fires by the river was very relaxing. We will definitely be back in the future!! Highly recommend staying here!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

marie d., Birmingham

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Simply the best!!!
Can’t say enough about our lovely hosts and this absolute gem along side the Au Sable River! Beautiful & absolutely darling cabin on pristine property! Close to everything fly fishing related! If you are a fisherman then this is the perfect place for you! David even took the time to give us a fly casting lesson!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jay E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Idyllic
We had such a wonderful, peaceful time during our stay. Everything was clean, well maintained and geared towards comfort. From the amazingly soft beds, the well equipped kitchen, to the thoughtfully provided firewood, tinder, and s'mores stick, this was one of the best stays we've had. The views are fantastic, with a private channel/dock through the property, and serves as a great launching point to Traverse City, Mackinac Island and points north. There were zero regrets with our decision to stay here.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Gary H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
River cabin stay]
My husband & I, plus Ozzy, our australian labradoodle, just completed a wonderful, relaxing stay in the “River Cabin” on the Ausable. The cabin is beautifully renovated & spotlessly clean. It is supplied with everything you need for cooking, etc. Colleen & Dave were excellent hosts. We will be back!🛶🎣
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021

About the host

Hosted by Colleen Wyss

Host profile image
Second generation fly fishing guide taught by the famed Jim Wakeley. My wife and I bought the property in 1978 raised our three children here and continue to enjoy having our four grandchildren enjoy it also.

Why they chose this property

Our Aunt wanted the property to stay in the family so after the sudden death of our Uncle Jim we bought it from her to continue the traditions that they started.

What makes this property unique

We love the River and cannot imagine ever not being here. The view of the River is spectacular and fishing is
great. So nice to be able to walk out and be right at the riverfront.

Languages:

English

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