Gates Au Sable Lodge - Grayling, Michigan

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Michigan's beautiful outdoors, Gates Au Sable Lodge offers an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and fishing aficionados alike. Located at 471 S Stephan Bridge Rd, Grayling, MI 49738, this charming lodge has been welcoming guests since 1946, providing a unique blend of rustic charm and modern comfort.

Main Services

• Lodging: Gates Au Sable Lodge offers a range of accommodations, including cozy cabins, rooms in the main lodge, and even a historic log cabin built in the 1800s. Each option provides a comfortable and picturesque setting for your stay.
• Fishing Services: The lodge specializes in fly fishing, offering guided trips and rental equipment. Their experienced guides provide expert instruction and local insights to help you make the most of your time on the water. The Au Sable River, known for its exceptional trout fishing, is right at your doorstep.
• Dining: The lodge's on-site restaurant serves up hearty, home-cooked meals using locally sourced ingredients. Their menu features a mix of classic American dishes and regional specialties, all designed to fuel your adventures in the great outdoors.
• Event Hosting: Gates Au Sable Lodge can accommodate weddings, corporate retreats, and other special events. Their scenic location and flexible event spaces make it an ideal setting for creating lasting memories.

Location and Access

Gates Au Sable Lodge is situated in the charming town of Grayling, Michigan, about an hour's drive from both Traverse City and Mount Pleasant. The lodge is easily accessible from US-127 and M-72, offering plenty of on-site parking for guests. Nearby attractions include Hartwick Pines State Park, the Au Sable River Canoe Marathon launch site, and several golf courses.

Featured Characteristics

• Historic Architecture: The main lodge building is a historic log structure, offering a unique glimpse into Michigan's past. Its rustic charm is complemented by modern amenities, creating a truly one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
• Riverfront Access: Guests enjoy direct access to the Au Sable River, perfect for fishing, swimming, or simply enjoying the peaceful sounds of nature.
• Natural Surroundings: The lodge is surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and abundant wildlife. Whether you're a birdwatcher, hiker, or simply seeking a peaceful getaway, Gates Au Sable Lodge offers an idyllic setting.
• Community Involvement: The lodge is actively involved in local conservation efforts and supports several area non-profits. Their commitment to sustainability and community engagement sets them apart as more than just a place to stay.

Practical Information

• Phone: 9893488462
• Website: gateslodge.com
• Check-in/Check-out: Check-in is typically at 4:00 PM, and check-out is at 11:00 AM. Early check-in or late check-out may be available upon request.
• Pets: Pets are welcome at the lodge for an additional fee. Please contact the lodge for more information about their pet policy.
• Cancellation Policy: Reservations must be canceled at least 24 hours in advance to avoid a charge. Please review the lodge's cancellation policy in full before booking.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

Gates Au Sable Lodge has earned a 4.9/5 star rating on Google My Business, with 401 reviews highlighting its many strengths. Guests consistently praise the lodge's:

• Warm and welcoming atmosphere: "The staff was incredibly friendly and made us feel right at home."
• Picturesque setting: "The views are absolutely stunning. We could have stayed for days just taking in the scenery."
• Excellent fishing opportunities: "The fishing was incredible, and our guide was extremely knowledgeable and helpful."
• Delicious food: "The meals were outstanding. We couldn't get enough of their homemade bread and hearty breakfasts."
• Attention to detail: "The lodge was immaculately clean, and the little touches, like the homemade trail mix in our room, really made our stay special."

These consistently glowing reviews speak to Gates Au Sable Lodge's commitment to providing exceptional service and creating memorable experiences for its guests.

👍 Reviews of Gates Au Sable Lodge

Dean P.

5/5

Just getting back into fly fishing. I walked into the store and was greeted with a warm welcome. Great place! the owner Josh was very helpful. He's the kind of guy that wants you to be successful in your fly fishing adventure. He found out that I only had hip boots,and insisted that I borrow a set of waders so I could have a great experience. Thanks so much! I can't say enough good about this place!

Sarah N.

5/5

I heard about this tiny restaurant hidden in a fly fishing shop just a couple of weeks ago. I was told they had Kraft food and cocktails and I knew I had to check it out! My husband and I went there for lunch. It’s evident that they have many more options available for dinner, but with reservations only and a toddler at home we have to go there for dinner another time. Our lunch experience was excellent! We both had burgers and fries, which were very filling and delicious. The service was good. The staff in the kitchen kept coming out and talking to locals, and that made the environment, very friendly and welcoming. It was like everybody knew everybody there.We loved the view of the river, all the birds that you can watch, and the small quiet setting. You need to check it out!

boothman2016

Gates Ausable Lodge has been a mainstay for trout fishing in Michigan and indeed, given the huge role its founder, Rusty Gates had in trout fishing and river protection, nationally as well. Trout Unlimited was formed on this river and fly fishers who have never been to Michigan know of this place located on what is called the Holy Waters. Rusty and others formed Anglers of the Ausable into a powerful advocate and protector of this beautiful river. When Rusty passed away 15 years ago, the Lodge was thankfully saved by longtime Gates employee, Josh Greenberg and his wife, Katy. Under Josh and Katy's ownership, the Lodge thrives while they methodically evolve, expand and refine this unpretentious place while growing everything that makes it special. ||It is a motor lodge style place with simple clean rooms overlooking a beautiful and wadeable stretch of the Ausable. The rooms are modest, comfortable and clean. As a sport (religion?) fly fishing can be pretentious and intimidating - Gates Lodge mirrors instead Josh and Katy's warmth and welcoming personalities and the Lodge is anything but intimidating. The fly shop staff (Josh included) think nothing of taking a visitor out to the yard for some impromptu casting lessons for instance, or offering advice on fly selection, equipment, appropriate access points to the river and its branches, north and south and Holy Waters, etc. ||The fly shop is stocked with anything you need and often stuff you can't readily find elsewhere, especially if you're a fly tier. And the Lodge maintains a terrific group of fishing guides anxious to float any of the river's branches in a classic Ausable riverboat. ||Gates is not only a destination for fly fishing though. Josh and Katy have expanded into all four seasons. The Lodge is typically very busy during Michigan's Fall color season, for instance. It's situated well for road and mountain bike riders, hiking the Ausable's fabulous foot paths or watching the Ausable Canoe Marathon in late July.||The restaurant has been upgraded from the Mom and Pop spot under Rusty to a solid place to find classic and creative breakfasts, fantastic lunches that the staff happily will prepare for picnics or a stop while fishing and upscale dinners with entrees ranging from a simple burger to nicely prepared whitefish, salmon, steaks, etc. ||It's been a long time since I reviewed this wonderful place run by wonderful people and I'm happy to report that it's only better and better each time I come back.

Tobias R.

5/5

Had a great time at Gates last week. Josh and the staff were welcoming and accommodating. Matt was a great guide and got me on the fish through out our trip. A very peaceful and beautiful setting. Highly recommend!

T C.

5/5

Josh and his crew do a great job. Best fly shop on the Au Sable. The restaurant is top notch, make reservations!!!!

Maria G.

5/5

We pulled off the river here for lunch on day 2 of our camping trip on our way to White Pine. A cold beer and a warm meal were super-welcome after we got caught in a deluge in the morning! We were delighted to be able to sit outside and enjoy the break in the weather (and bail out our canoes!!)

Tim J.

5/5

Gates is the best fly shop around! I’ve been fishing with them for a few years now and everyone in that shop is helpful, attentive, and genuinely wants to see you have a great day on the river. None of the macho, I’m better than you vibes I’ve ran into with staff at other fly shops.

Jeff M.

5/5

If you know your parachute adams from a woolly bugger then you need to know about gates Au Sabe Lodge. It is a fishing lodge, so the rooms may seem a little worn but the location and the restaurant and the fly shop and the people that run in the place make it worth a visit

J189VLsusanp

Highly recommended. What began as a planned father- son weekend turned into a surprise husband- wife get away, due to a son’s covid. The Lodge, staff and guide were so flexible and accommodating in helping us pivot from the planned weekend to the “real” weekend. From the moment we arrived with our laid back, friendly Labrador Retriever (no time to find a kennel or pet sitter) we ( including Lucy), were welcomed like family. The guided fishing was top notch, especially the day long float on the Au Sable in a classic flat boat—peaceful, scenic l, productive and expertly led. The Lodge appreciated our predicament with Lucy (the dog, not the wife) and even walked her and gave her some love mid-day so we could fully enjoy the river without worrying about her comfort or being alone in the room for long periods. What a thoughtful and most appreciated extra mile that was! The food? Delicious and homemade with details that elevated classic dishes. Every thing felt personal and genuine. With the help of the Lodge and staff we made a “lemonade” weekend out of lemons. The rescheduled father-son weekend will be looked forward to.

Diane Z.

5/5

With a cabin in the area, we enjoy Gate's small, intimate restaurant - It is excellent. A great, varied menu. And right on the Au Sable river - a beautiful walk after dinner. We try to make a reservation here every time we come up north. Hope to have family members enjoy the #1 fly-fishing at Gates in the future - My husband loves the fly shop.

Sarah N.

5/5

I heard about this tiny restaurant hidden in a fly fishing shop just a couple of weeks ago. I was told they had Kraft food and cocktails and I knew I had to check it out! My husband and I went there for lunch. It’s evident that they have many more options available for dinner, but with reservations only and a toddler at home we have to go there for dinner another time. Our lunch experience was excellent! We both had burgers and fries, which were very filling and delicious. The service was good. The staff in the kitchen kept coming out and talking to locals, and that made the environment, very friendly and welcoming. It was like everybody knew everybody there.We loved the view of the river, all the birds that you can watch, and the small quiet setting. You need to check it out!

Dean P.

5/5

Just getting back into fly fishing. I walked into the store and was greeted with a warm welcome. Great place! the owner Josh was very helpful. He's the kind of guy that wants you to be successful in your fly fishing adventure. He found out that I only had hip boots,and insisted that I borrow a set of waders so I could have a great experience. Thanks so much! I can't say enough good about this place!

Geoff H.

5/5

I've been coming here for several years. The rooms are dated, but the food is really good. The fly shop has everything you need to get on the water. It is one of my favorite places to go.