top: photo by Dave Karczynski; bottom: photo by Dave Weidner
GRAYLING More than 75 percent of Crawford County is state or federal land, so there’s plenty of playground to enjoy with snowmobile trails, ORV trails, hunting acreage and more. Anglers from all over the country fly fish the Manistee and AuSable rivers. But the busiest weekend of the year is the AuSable River Canoe Marathon, held the last full weekend of July. Starting in downtown Grayling, 100 two-person teams enter the water for a 120-mile canoe race through the night to Oscoda—in a carbon fiber racing canoe about as heavy and skinny as a toothpick and 18 feet long. It’s an all-town spectator sport!
Out your door: Hanson Hills Recreation Area prettttttty much has it all: a ski hill, sledding, fat-bike trails, hiking/running trails, groomed cross-country ski trails, a baseball diamond and two disc golf courses. Opened in 1929, it was the first downhill ski area in all of Michigan. Rent a canoe at Shel-Haven on the Manistee or Penrod’s on the AuSable River, or invest in equipment and make a trek that works for you. (Try the section of the South Branch of the AuSable known as the Mason Tract. This stretch of water is about a 10-mile float, and the majority of it has no house on either side of the river— just you and nature.)
AuSable Artisan Village
In your garage: Northbound Outfitters and Skip’s Sport Shop are your go-to spots for gear. Northbound focuses on outdoor recreation, including a huge selection of proper clothing, while Skip’s has all you need for hunting and fishing. Be sure to take time to get to know the owners of these stores—they’re local, work in the store every day and can offer tips to find local gems.
In the neighborhood: Grayling created a special social district where patrons can purchase drinks from one establishment and walk to another establishment to visit. Paddle Hard Brewing, Rolling Oak Brewing Co., Michigan Brew and Spike’s Keg O Nails each have their own personalities. Try Paddle Hard’s “River Water” cocktail or Rolling Oak’s “Call Your Mother” IPA.
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