Lovells has a way of slowing time. The steady hush of the North Branch of the Au Sable River, the pine-scented air, and a sky that actually gets dark enough to show off the Milky Way—this is where Cabintimers come to swap push notifications for mayfly hatches. Lovells Riverside (formerly Bud’s) sits right in the action near Grayling, with direct access to legendary trout water and a down-to-earth basecamp vibe that makes “one more cast” feel perfectly reasonable.
Why Lovells Riverside hits different
This stretch of the Au Sable is famous for wild brook and brown trout. Wade-friendly currents, undercut banks, and classic northern Michigan scenery set you up for sunrise casts and twilight drifts. Even if you’re not fishing, that riverside soundtrack pairs well with coffee in the morning and a camp chair in the evening. Michigan DNR access points nearby—like The Sand Trap and Sheep Pasture—make it easy to hop around for a change of scenery when the hatch shifts.
For the fly-curious and the fish-obsessed
Make time for the Lovells Museum of Trout Fishing History, Michigan’s only trout fishing museum. You’ll find vintage gear, river lore, and exhibits that trace the Au Sable’s outsized impact on conservation and angling culture. It’s a small place with big stories—perfect for a mid-day break when the fish are sulking. Seasonal hours typically run during trout season, with Saturday openings and appointments available.
Beyond the river: pine cathedrals and quiet trails
Ten miles down the road, Hartwick Pines State Park lets you wander among old-growth white pines on the accessible Old Growth Forest Trail. With 21 miles of paths, a logging museum, and year-round recreation—from summer hiking to winter snowshoeing—it’s a natural reset button for the whole crew.
Nearby small-town stops for your cabin week
Grayling rounds out the trip with outfitters, cafes, and river-friendly shops. Time your visit with late-July’s AuSable Canoe Marathon if you want a shot of pure paddle energy, or keep it mellow with a hatchery visit and an ice cream cone by the river. Either way, Lovells + Grayling is a classic northern Michigan combo where days flow easy and nights cool off fast. graylingmichigan.org
Cabintimer tips
- Pack layers; northern Michigan evenings can catch you by surprise—even in July.
- Respect private land along the river and use marked state access sites. A short walk often leads to wonderfully quiet water. Michigan Department of Natural Resources
- New to fly fishing? Local guides can flatten the learning curve so you spend more time casting and less time retying.
Book direct for the best trip intel
Lovells Riverside is about location and local knowledge. When you book direct with owners or managers, you skip third-party fees and gain real insight on what’s hatching, which access to use, and where to grab a hearty breakfast before first light. That’s the Cabintimer advantage—no middleman, just people who actually know the river.
Ready to wade in? Visit the Lovells Riverside page and reach out to the owner/manager to plan your stay, ask river questions, and lock in those book-direct savings.
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