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

Terrace/patio
Looking down at River from Cabin
Exterior
looking at our own private channel from cabin
Cabin with fall color

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue grill
  • Deck or patio

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.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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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 Hartwick Pines State Park and Huron-Manistee National Forest, while AuSable Artisan Village and Crawford County Historical Museum are cultural highlights. Kayaking and power boating offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and hunting nearby.
Map
Grayling, MI

What's nearby

  • Au Sable River - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Wakeley Bridge Landing - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Mason Tract Pathway - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Hartwick Pines State Park - 17 min drive - 30.6 km
  • Houghton Lake - 32 min drive - 62.0 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 74 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Keeper’s Pub - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Gallagher’s Sports Bar & Grill - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Jim's Canoe Livery - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Taco bell - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Camp Biberoni - ‬15 min drive

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 86 out of 88 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 88 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 88 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 88 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 88 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christopher L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Cabin

Wonderful place to stay, clean and comfortable, as advertised.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jun 2025
Thank you Christopher for the wonderful review. We hope you can return in the future!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mike S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Immaculate cabin right on the AuSable— fly fishermen paradise.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great spot

Awesome cabin in a perfect location!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 15 May 2025
Thank you Scott for the wonderful review. We hope you return in the future!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anna C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
I am 71 years old, and this was one of the most beautiful and relaxing places I have ever stayed, in Northern Michigan. Dave & Colleen were very accommodating and perfect hosts. Definitely as place I would love to visit again.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tim S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is a wonderful property if you want a peaceful stay! We loved everything about it! It truly is just as described on the listing.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jul 2025
Thank you Tim for the great review. We enjoyed meeting all of you. We hope you can return to enjoy the AuSable River again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

ANGEL T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cabin had everything we could need. It was extremely clean and in the perfect location. We appreciated the fishing tips. Dave and Colleen thank you for your hospitality!
Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laveta H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect weekend getaway

This isn't our first stay here, or our last! Clean little cabin right on the river with the coziest beds. Kayaked, played games and enjoyed the quiet.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jul 2025
Thank you Laveta for the great review. We hope you can return again in the future!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mike K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was wonderful! Beautiful cabin, comfortable and spotless. Many thoughtful touches including a fire pit with wood and starter materials, charcoal grill. The kitchen had everything we needed. The location is awesome, right on the Au Sable river, quiet and peaceful.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mitchell M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful river retreat

Loved the location right on the river, made for easy kayaking and beautiful scenery. Cabin was very clean, had everything we needed and the hosts were great. Will definitely stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Sept 2024
Thank you Mitch for the great review. So glad you had great weather to enjoy kayaking. We hope you return to enjoy the AuSable River once again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

mschmidt14

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What an amazing experience! The cabin was incredibly clean and well equipped, and the property is spectacular. Dave and Colleen are warm, wonderful hosts. We look forward to our next stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sandi J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely Gorgeous Property

Perfect location and extreamly comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Mar 2020
We hope to see you again to stay here on the beautiful AuSable River. Colleen
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Arianne N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely loved our stay on the Holy Waters. We came to fly fish, and it didn't disappoint. The grounds and cabin are adorable- a real dream of a retreat. Our dogs had a blast playing in the little canal alongside the cabin. It's just 10 min to Grayling for restaurants and breweries. It was perfect.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

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
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Jul 2022
Thank you Nicole for the great review. So happy you and your family enjoyed the river. Hope you return again!
Verified

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
Response from VrboOwner on 29 May 2024
Thank you Mike for the wonderful review. We enjoyed having you both stay with us. Hope you return in the future!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Timothy K.

Fantastic cozy get away cabin!

If you are looking for great place to stay while enjoying the AuSable or Upper Manistee rivers, this is it! Beautiful, quiet, very comfortable! My wife and I just stayed three nights and had a wonderful time and can't wait to go back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Mar 2020
Tim and Nancy, Thank you both so much for coming and enjoying our River Cabin. We would love to have you return and stay with us again soon.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jay A.

Beautiful piece of property. Loved it.

Very clean and quiet. Beautiful piece of property with super friendly owners.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Mar 2020
So happy you were able to stay at our River Cabin on the beautiful AuSable River. Hope you return in the future. Colleen and Dave
Verified

8/10 Good

Schelisa D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

Pleasant
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Oct 2022
Thank you Schelisa!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steve D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very Very Nice

We really enjoyed our stay on the cute and clean little cottage. We really appreciated how responsive the owners were to any questions. Highly recommend this cottage rental.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jul 2020
So glad you enjoyed your stay. Please keep us in mind for future travels! Thanks again, Colleen
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alan G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great cabin and location for trout fishing !

We had a wonderful time. Colleen and Dave are fantastic hosts and the cabin was very comfortable and clean. Thanks!!!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 26 May 2021
Alan, Thank you for staying with us in our River Cabin. We hope you return to fish the AuSable River! Colleen and Dave
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bill A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic getaway

Close enough to amenities to enjoy them; far enough away that we were undisturbed. Right on the AuSable River, very nice cabin, lovely hosts. We WILL be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Mar 2020
Bill and Betsy were the perfect guests to have here in our River Cabin.They enjoyed the beautiful AuSable River with kayaking and fishing. We would love to have them return. Colleen and Dave
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kim J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Pristine Grounds/Cozy Cabin

The property is very well kept. All amenities included. The location overlooking the Ausble River adds to the relaxing experience. The cabin is very clean and the hosts are very friendly and attentive. Close to all tourist attractions. Would definitely recommend this property.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Aug 2024
Thank you Kim for the great review. So happy you enjoyed our cabin here on the AuSable River. We hope you return to enjoy again in the future.
Verified

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
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Oct 2022
Thank you Ryan for the great review. We enjoyed meeting you and glad you enjoyed fishing on the beautiful AuSable River!
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Mothers Day getaway

Absolutely beautiful property and cabin! Not only was the setting great but the cabin was super clean and cozy. Colleen was amazing to work with and a truly wonderful person. Every small detail was addressed for renter convenience. From firewood on site, fire starting materials, hot dog skewers, coffee, etc… everything was organized and ready for use!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 15 May 2025
Thank you Michael for the great review. Loved meeting all your family. We would love to have you return in the future!
Verified

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
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