Lodge in Michigan
10 guests · 3 bedrooms · 3 baths
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About this lodge
CLUB THUNDERBIRD LODGE (A PRIVATE LODGE AND PRIVATE CABIN COMBINATION)
SLEEPS: 10
BEDROOMS: 3
BATHROOMS: 3
*RIVERFRONT (Au Sable River-Holy Waters)
*FLY FISHING ONLY (DRY FLY, CATCH AND RELEASE)
*2 PETS are WELCOME
In the middle of the Holy Waters stretch of the Au Sable River rests the Club Thunderbird property. Originally built in the 1920's as a private fishing club for Detroit's industrialists, the property includes a Main Lodge and the adjacent Squall Cabin. The half-mile drive through towering pines, oaks, and birches leads to one of the biggest whole log structures on the river. It's like taking a step back in time when you open the door to this classic lodge experience- huge porches, views of the river, and just steps to the dock. After a day of incomparable fishing, kayaking(available to rent nearby), and tubing, followed by cocktail hour on the porch and dinner around the big oak table, fall asleep listening to the wind in the pines and tumbling river.
The 7 acre property is completely surrounded on both sides of the river by 250 acres of Trout Unlimited land that is yours to explore- no neighbors in sight! Both the Lodge and the Cabin are solely yours to enjoy with your family and friends during your stay.
At Thunderbird Lodge, envision yourself stepping out of the living room, facing the riverside, and stretching onto the side of the house you will find a screened in porch where summer night dreams of a forest are made. Four of the six bedrooms in the houses front the river, but in the Squall Cabin you can sleep in the summertime bed on the porch to feel enmeshed with nature- feet from the river and much better than a tent!
Club Thunderbird's serenity and beauty will surround you just take a deep breath and exhale...
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Accessibility: This is a one level (a ranch-style home). The bathrooms and hallways are not up to official handicap standards and do not come equipped with special apparatus to help those in need. Please use caution. The short walkway down to the river has steep, uneven, concrete steps.
Acreage: 7 private acres surrounded by 250 acres of Trout Unlimited land.
(NO) Air Conditioning: No, however there are fans and lots of shade surrounding the Lodge and adjacent Squall Cabin
ATV's/Snowmobiles: Approximately 13 miles to the LP9 snowmobile trail. The trail map will show you the locations of places to park your trailer. Please refer to the Crawford County snowmobile map. ATV's - PLEASE be respectful riding on the lawn and landscaping bushes and plants.
Bathroom: 3 bathrooms, 2 in Main cabin, 1 in Squall cabin
Thunderbird Lodge: 1 bathroom with toilet & claw foot tub (no sink)
1 bathroom with toilet & stand-up shower (no sink)
Sinks with mirrors are in each bedroom of main cabin.
Squall Cabin: 1 bathroom with toilet, sink & stand-up shower.
Bedroom Configuration: 4 bedrooms in main cabin, 2 in squall cabin (porch has a queen size bed)
Main Cabin: Bedrooms 1 - 3 all have 2 twin beds in each room with a sink and mirror
Bedroom 4: 1 Double bed
Squall Cabin: Bedrooms 1 & 2- 2 twin beds in each room.
Porch - 1 Queen bed.
Boats: NO (but there are places to rent canoes and Kayaks nearby)
Bugs: Yes, there are plenty of bugs in the wilderness. If doors are left open at the cabin, even for short periods of time, then bugs/flies/mosquitos love to sneak in. We do not spray outside for bugs, as with the natural landscape, along comes bugs. Depending on the level of rainfall, mosquitos can be plentiful. Bug spray is highly recommended. Still, the large screened in porch is a welcome reprieve.
Cable: Yes, there is Smart TV in the Thunderbird Lodge only. Currently, there isn't a TV or Cable in Squall Cabin.
Cell phone service: Verizon provides a solid signal (3-4 bars) for most, AT&T cell signals struggle (normally 0-1 bars).
Distances:
* Forest Dunes Golf Club- 16 mins ( 10.5 miles)
* Grayling Township- 12 mins (8 miles)
* Hartwick Pines- 18 mins (13 miles)
* Higgins Lake State Park/Beach- 28 mins (25 miles)
* Mackinac City- 70 minutes- (90 miles)
* Traverse City- 1 hour & 18 mins (62 miles)
Dock: Yes, there is a platform along the water.
Drinking Water: Mineral-rich well water from underground springs. Water filter jug provided for those who don't like the taste.
Drugs/Smoking/Fireworks: Freshwater does not permit illegal drugs of any kind on the property. Due to the location of the properties, smoking is strongly discouraged around the home and strictly prohibited in the home. Fireworks are prohibited at a Freshwater location for the safety of all persons in and around the property, even if it is legal in that city.
Fireplace: Yes, in Main Cabin (firewood provided)
Fire pit- Yes, newly constructed stone firepit. Wood is provided. Please verify that there are no fire hazards before starting fires outside in the pit. You can check on this site for restrictions.
https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/forestfire/restrictions.asp
Fishing: The Au Sable River- and Club Thunderbird area in particular is known as the birthplace of Trout Unlimited. It is considered one of the best brown trout fisheries east of the Rocky Mountains. Fly-fishing along the Au Sable is on every fisher's bucket list. This stretch of the Au Sable, The Holy Waters, is known as a prominent trout area. Fisher's bring your gear-it is catch and release, fly-fishing only. Dry flies only. Waders suggested. Patience (and maybe some skill) will reward you with one of our flashing brooks, brown, or rainbow trout. (Must purchase a fishing license.)
Grill: Please bring your own charcoal, lighter fluid provided, or you may use the electric starter-DO NOT USE BOTH!
Grocery Store: Family Fare and Save-A-Lot, both in Grayling
Internet: Yes, high speed fiber optic
Linens: Yes, we provide your linens and towels. Just like a hotel, the beds will be made for you upon arrival. If you are particular about the thread count of your sheets, just let me know, and I'll make sure we leave a bed open for your sheets. We have just the basic sheets, pillows, pillowcases, and bath towels.
Parking: Plenty of parking for all your cars/trucks, including trailers. Plenty of room to pull around your trailer, so you don't need to back up! We ask that guests do not bring campers or RV's.
Pets: 2 pets are welcome! Freshwater Vacation Rentals currently charges $75/per pet for your entire stay. Yes, we do accept dogs, yet we do ask that you please clean up after them both inside and outside the cabin. Plus, if you allow them on the furniture, we do ask that you please bring your own linens/blankets for them to sleep on. Just let us know which bed you will be using with them, and we'll make sure it is ready for your sheets when you arrive. Plus, if the pet hair starts to build, we do ask that you please run the vacuum. Generally, dogs love the water and places to explore. Pet food does tend to attract mice, so vigilance is needed.
Privacy: Plentiful, secluded
Snowmobiles: a person (resident and nonresident) that operates a snowmobile in Michigan is required to purchase a snowmobile trail permit. The trail permit enables snowmobilers to ride state-designated trails and thousands more miles of public roads and on public lands (where authorized). It is valid for one year, which begins Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30 of the following year. State-designated trails are open Dec. 1-March 31 and grooming occurs when there is enough snow on the ground. (Must have a snowmobile trail permit)
Space: Ranch style
Televisions: Small flat screen
Towels: Yes, we provide towels. Please bring your own beach towels to take to the water.
Washer and dryer: Yes, detergent provided.
Wood: Yes(provided)
SLEEPS: 10
BEDROOMS: 3
BATHROOMS: 3
*RIVERFRONT (Au Sable River-Holy Waters)
*FLY FISHING ONLY (DRY FLY, CATCH AND RELEASE)
*2 PETS are WELCOME
In the middle of the Holy Waters stretch of the Au Sable River rests the Club Thunderbird property. Originally built in the 1920's as a private fishing club for Detroit's industrialists, the property includes a Main Lodge and the adjacent Squall Cabin. The half-mile drive through towering pines, oaks, and birches leads to one of the biggest whole log structures on the river. It's like taking a step back in time when you open the door to this classic lodge experience- huge porches, views of the river, and just steps to the dock. After a day of incomparable fishing, kayaking(available to rent nearby), and tubing, followed by cocktail hour on the porch and dinner around the big oak table, fall asleep listening to the wind in the pines and tumbling river.
The 7 acre property is completely surrounded on both sides of the river by 250 acres of Trout Unlimited land that is yours to explore- no neighbors in sight! Both the Lodge and the Cabin are solely yours to enjoy with your family and friends during your stay.
At Thunderbird Lodge, envision yourself stepping out of the living room, facing the riverside, and stretching onto the side of the house you will find a screened in porch where summer night dreams of a forest are made. Four of the six bedrooms in the houses front the river, but in the Squall Cabin you can sleep in the summertime bed on the porch to feel enmeshed with nature- feet from the river and much better than a tent!
Club Thunderbird's serenity and beauty will surround you just take a deep breath and exhale...
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Accessibility: This is a one level (a ranch-style home). The bathrooms and hallways are not up to official handicap standards and do not come equipped with special apparatus to help those in need. Please use caution. The short walkway down to the river has steep, uneven, concrete steps.
Acreage: 7 private acres surrounded by 250 acres of Trout Unlimited land.
(NO) Air Conditioning: No, however there are fans and lots of shade surrounding the Lodge and adjacent Squall Cabin
ATV's/Snowmobiles: Approximately 13 miles to the LP9 snowmobile trail. The trail map will show you the locations of places to park your trailer. Please refer to the Crawford County snowmobile map. ATV's - PLEASE be respectful riding on the lawn and landscaping bushes and plants.
Bathroom: 3 bathrooms, 2 in Main cabin, 1 in Squall cabin
Thunderbird Lodge: 1 bathroom with toilet & claw foot tub (no sink)
1 bathroom with toilet & stand-up shower (no sink)
Sinks with mirrors are in each bedroom of main cabin.
Squall Cabin: 1 bathroom with toilet, sink & stand-up shower.
Bedroom Configuration: 4 bedrooms in main cabin, 2 in squall cabin (porch has a queen size bed)
Main Cabin: Bedrooms 1 - 3 all have 2 twin beds in each room with a sink and mirror
Bedroom 4: 1 Double bed
Squall Cabin: Bedrooms 1 & 2- 2 twin beds in each room.
Porch - 1 Queen bed.
Boats: NO (but there are places to rent canoes and Kayaks nearby)
Bugs: Yes, there are plenty of bugs in the wilderness. If doors are left open at the cabin, even for short periods of time, then bugs/flies/mosquitos love to sneak in. We do not spray outside for bugs, as with the natural landscape, along comes bugs. Depending on the level of rainfall, mosquitos can be plentiful. Bug spray is highly recommended. Still, the large screened in porch is a welcome reprieve.
Cable: Yes, there is Smart TV in the Thunderbird Lodge only. Currently, there isn't a TV or Cable in Squall Cabin.
Cell phone service: Verizon provides a solid signal (3-4 bars) for most, AT&T cell signals struggle (normally 0-1 bars).
Distances:
* Forest Dunes Golf Club- 16 mins ( 10.5 miles)
* Grayling Township- 12 mins (8 miles)
* Hartwick Pines- 18 mins (13 miles)
* Higgins Lake State Park/Beach- 28 mins (25 miles)
* Mackinac City- 70 minutes- (90 miles)
* Traverse City- 1 hour & 18 mins (62 miles)
Dock: Yes, there is a platform along the water.
Drinking Water: Mineral-rich well water from underground springs. Water filter jug provided for those who don't like the taste.
Drugs/Smoking/Fireworks: Freshwater does not permit illegal drugs of any kind on the property. Due to the location of the properties, smoking is strongly discouraged around the home and strictly prohibited in the home. Fireworks are prohibited at a Freshwater location for the safety of all persons in and around the property, even if it is legal in that city.
Fireplace: Yes, in Main Cabin (firewood provided)
Fire pit- Yes, newly constructed stone firepit. Wood is provided. Please verify that there are no fire hazards before starting fires outside in the pit. You can check on this site for restrictions.
https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/forestfire/restrictions.asp
Fishing: The Au Sable River- and Club Thunderbird area in particular is known as the birthplace of Trout Unlimited. It is considered one of the best brown trout fisheries east of the Rocky Mountains. Fly-fishing along the Au Sable is on every fisher's bucket list. This stretch of the Au Sable, The Holy Waters, is known as a prominent trout area. Fisher's bring your gear-it is catch and release, fly-fishing only. Dry flies only. Waders suggested. Patience (and maybe some skill) will reward you with one of our flashing brooks, brown, or rainbow trout. (Must purchase a fishing license.)
Grill: Please bring your own charcoal, lighter fluid provided, or you may use the electric starter-DO NOT USE BOTH!
Grocery Store: Family Fare and Save-A-Lot, both in Grayling
Internet: Yes, high speed fiber optic
Linens: Yes, we provide your linens and towels. Just like a hotel, the beds will be made for you upon arrival. If you are particular about the thread count of your sheets, just let me know, and I'll make sure we leave a bed open for your sheets. We have just the basic sheets, pillows, pillowcases, and bath towels.
Parking: Plenty of parking for all your cars/trucks, including trailers. Plenty of room to pull around your trailer, so you don't need to back up! We ask that guests do not bring campers or RV's.
Pets: 2 pets are welcome! Freshwater Vacation Rentals currently charges $75/per pet for your entire stay. Yes, we do accept dogs, yet we do ask that you please clean up after them both inside and outside the cabin. Plus, if you allow them on the furniture, we do ask that you please bring your own linens/blankets for them to sleep on. Just let us know which bed you will be using with them, and we'll make sure it is ready for your sheets when you arrive. Plus, if the pet hair starts to build, we do ask that you please run the vacuum. Generally, dogs love the water and places to explore. Pet food does tend to attract mice, so vigilance is needed.
Privacy: Plentiful, secluded
Snowmobiles: a person (resident and nonresident) that operates a snowmobile in Michigan is required to purchase a snowmobile trail permit. The trail permit enables snowmobilers to ride state-designated trails and thousands more miles of public roads and on public lands (where authorized). It is valid for one year, which begins Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30 of the following year. State-designated trails are open Dec. 1-March 31 and grooming occurs when there is enough snow on the ground. (Must have a snowmobile trail permit)
Space: Ranch style
Televisions: Small flat screen
Towels: Yes, we provide towels. Please bring your own beach towels to take to the water.
Washer and dryer: Yes, detergent provided.
Wood: Yes(provided)
Amenities at Club Thunderbird Lodge: Fresh Air, Blooming Trees, and Unforgettable Fly Fishing
Non-smoking
TV
Coffee/tea maker
Refridgerator
Kitchen
WiFi/Internet
Microwave
Dishwasher
Washing machine
Dryer
Kitchenware
Oven
Stove
Laundry services
Fireplace
Bathtub
Ironing facilities
Towels
Hairdryer
Map of Michigan
Ratings and reviews
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Sep 2025
This was exactly the getaway we were looking for. The lodge is awesome. Plenty of room for everyone in my family and tons of great activities to do together. The setting on the river is beautiful, peaceful, and secluded. A sought after fishing location right out your back door. This was a truly special place my whole family looks forward to visiting again.
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Jul 2025
What a magical spot staying in this historic lodge. Fishing, swimming In the river, enjoying coffee on the dock and on the screened in porch were special. Watching the kayakers and canoeing competitors preparing for their upcoming race was such a treat. Beds were comfy, nice big dining table, sinks in bedrooms like the olden days, wide plank flooring, bead board, huge picture windows for enjoying the river view while chatting with family, an entire wall of games, puzzles and books make this the BEST multi generational family getaway.
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Jun 2025
Charming ole fishing lodge with all of its charm and uniqueness still intact. I love the way you have tried to keep with the history of this place by keeping it as true to form with original locks, door handles, bathroom fixtures, feather pillows, ole box spring mattress ( which was the most comfy bed i think i have ever slept on), and the way you have it decorated. So beautiful. My family came up from the Ozarks to enjoy the beauty of Michigan and the area did not disappoint. Everyone was very impressed. Fishing, kayaking, motorcycling, camp fires, star gazing...we crammed a lot onto our vakay! Thank you Thunderbird Lodge. SORRY, it says add a photo however web page will not work so no picture).
5.0 / 10.0·Jul 2023
Our group of friends had an a amazing weekend at the Thunderbird Lodge. The place was amazing and full of old time charm with lots of room to spread out and explore the grounds.
The big picture windows and HUGE porch were a highlight of the trip to take in the peaceful sights and sounds of the river.
$$$$
Top rated by guests
10.0Outstanding
(10 Ratings)
"This was exactly the getaway we were looking for. The lodge is awesome. Plenty of room for everyone in my family and tons of great activities to do together. The setting on the river is beautiful, pea..."
Kevin S.Don't miss out! Price and availability may change
