Area Lodging & Restaurants
Where to Stay
Looking for lodging near cross country ski headquarters? Check out our recommendations below, ranked by proximity to our ski area. Be sure to mention “XC Ski & Stay” when making your lodging reservation for a special X-C skier discount!
Odder’s Den Cross Country Skiers’ Rental Home – located on XC Ski HQ trail system
A beautiful rental house right on the ski trails! Perfect for your cross country ski holiday. Minimum two-night stay. Reserve early. Call 989-745-4741 or email mccluret333@gmail.com.
North Winds Lodge – 2 minutes from XC Ski HQ
Newly remodeled rooms, flat screen TV’s, in-room coffee makers, and WiFi. Just 1/4 mile south of XC Ski HQ. 989-965-1398
Shamrock Hill – 4 minutes from XC Ski HQ
Gorgeous lakefront home with 6 bedrooms + 3 bathrooms. Watch the sunset from the four-season porch. Contact Liz @734-274-1379 or John @ 312-498-3078
Fought’s Resort – 10 minutes from XC Ski HQ
Eight very rustic cabins on the north shore of Houghton Lake. All cabins include small kitchen, and some cabins include a fireplace. 989-366-8253. XC Ski & Stay deal: 20% off regular nightly rate, and Half Off Coupons for Facilities Pass at XC Ski HQ.
Skylight Lodge – 12 minutes from XC Ski HQ rustic
Rental cabin that sleeps up to 8 people near Spikehorn Restaurant in Houghton Lake. Contact Pat at 989-366-7746 or Joe at 989-808-1613.
Sunset Resort – 13 minutes from XC Ski HQ
Featuring updated, cozy cabins with full kitchens, plus a lodge with a fireplace and communal area. Located on the northeast shore of Houghton Lake. 989-366-5512. XC Ski & Stay deal: 15% off your room rate, and Half Off Coupons for Facilities Pass at XC Ski HQ.
Springbrook Inn – 15 minutes from XC Ski HQ
A luxury bed and breakfast for a perfect couples getaway! Wonderful ambiance, clean, and an onsite tiki bar and restaurant. Located in Prudenville. 989-366-6347. XC Ski & Stay deal: Two night stay (Sunday through Thursday) for $269. Includes hot breakfast served to your room, and Half Off Coupons for Facilities Pass at XC Ski HQ.
Uncommon Ranch – 15 minutes from XC Ski HQ
Remote getaway with four modern cabins (sleeps up to 8) including full kitchen, laundry and fireplace. Private trails on property. 833-275-6369 XC Ski & Stay deal: 15% off normal rate, and Half Off Coupons for Facilities Pass at XC Ski HQ.
Grayling Super 8 Motel – 15 minutes from XC Ski HQ
A clean, affordable motel between Higgins Lake and Grayling. Convenient I-75 access. 989-348-8888. XC Ski & Stay deal: 10% off regular nightly rate, and Half Off Coupons for Facilities Pass at XC Ski HQ.
Woodland Motor Lodge – 15 minutes from XC Ski HQ
A clean, quiet family motel that has served its customers well for over fifty years. Enjoy privacy in wooded, scenic surroundings. Cabins and most motel rooms are located off the road, facing a wooded central courtyard. Grayling location with access to many restaurants and ski trails. 989-348-9094.
Houghton’s North Sky Resort – 20 minutes from XC Ski HQ
New resort located in Houghton Lake. They offer 5 cabins, two of which are lakefront. 989-302-8006. XC Ski & Stay deal: 10% off regular night rate, and Half Off Coupons for Facilities Pass at XC Ski HQ.
Beachfront Hotel – 20 minutes from XC Ski HQ
Very clean, indoor heated pool and spa, complimentary continental breakfast, fitness room, in-room coffee maker and hairdryer, game room, free wifi. Located in Houghton Lake. 989-202-4700. XC Ski & Stay deal: 10% off regular night rate, and Half Off Coupons for Facilities Pass at XC Ski HQ.
Lakeside Resort – 20 minutes from XC Ski HQ
Clean and modern hotel on Houghton Lake. On-site 9,000 sq ft indoor water park with slide, lazy river and hot tub & restaurant. 989-422-4000. XC Ski & Stay deal: 10% off regular nightly rate, and Half Off Coupons for Facilities Pass at XC Ski HQ.
Houghton Lake Super 8 Motel – 20 minutes from XC Ski HQ
Clean and affordable. Indoor pool. 989-422-3119.XC Ski & Stay deal: 15% off regular nightly rate, and Half Off Coupons for Facilities Pass at XC Ski HQ.
Borcher’s AuSable River B&B – 20 minutes from XC Ski HQ
Quaint B&B right on the beautiful AuSable River. Located in Grayling. 800-762-8756. XC Ski & Stay deal: 10% off regular nightly rate, and Half Off Coupons for Facilities Pass at XC Ski HQ.
Gate’s AuSable Lodge – 25 minutes from XC Ski HQ
Rustic and cozy lodging with views of the beautiful AuSable River. Peaceful setting, close to Mason Tract trail and about 10 minutes to downtown Grayling. On-site is also a professional fly fishing shop. 989-348-8462. XC Ski & Stay deal: 10% off regular nightly rate, and Half Off Coupons for Facilities Pass at XC Ski HQ.
St. Helen Cabins – 25 minutes from XC Ski HQ
This 3-bedroom, 1 bath family home has everything you need for your stay. Comfortably sleeps 6 people. Well-behaved dogs welcome! 734-353-6993
Au Sable Riverview Resort – 30 minutes from XC Ski HQ
A private 8-bedroom Big Cabin on the Au Sable River, plus five smaller cabins and on-site Market. All units have full kitchens, private baths, AC and wireless Internet. XC Ski & Stay deal: 20% off regular rates, and Half Off Coupons for Facilities Pass at XC Ski HQ. Ph 989-344-2164.
Copper Fox Lodge – 40 minutes from XC Ski HQ
This furnished 3 bedroom log cabin, originally constructed in 1948, is located literally on the banks of the world renowned Au Sable River. 703-964-7533. XC Ski & Stay deal: 10% off regular nightly rate, and Half Off Coupon for Facilities Pass at XC Ski HQ.
Places we like to eat:
(in order from closest to further away)
Stone Turtle Cafe – onsite at XC Ski HQ
The Stone Turtle Day Lodge, with its roaring fireplace and friendly staff, is a perfect lunch choice. Choose between delicious handmade panini’s featuring Stone House Bread from Traverse City, Michigan, classic and vegetarian chili, personal pizzas, Bosco sticks, fresh cookies, muffins made from scratch, plus weekly lunch specials including Bean Bomb nachos, barbecued pulled pork, hamburgers, grilled fish sandwiches, and more. Vegetarian and gluten free options available.
Mel’s Pine Pantry – 2 minutes south of XC Ski HQ
Great breakfast, lunch, and Friday Night Fish Fry. 3556 E Higgins Lake Dr, Roscommon. 989-821-1818
Cut River Grille – 3 minutes south of XC Ski HQ
Cut River Grille brings a different kind of dining to the lake! They offer handcrafted cocktails, craft beer, and a huge selection of different wines paired with several unique recipes, all created from scratch! 1136 E Higgins Lake Dr, Roscommon, MI 48653
The Bird & The Bear – 7 minutes from XC Ski HQ
Fresh pastries, great breakfast and lunch menu! XC SKI HQ facilities pass holders receive 10% off their entree! Downtown Roscommon.
Beechwood Cafe – 8 minutes from XC Ski HQ
Located Downtown Roscommon. They offer dishes that are not your ordinary diner food. They have fresh, farm to table and healthy choices as well as scratch made pastries. 406 North 5th Street Roscommon MI 48653
Fred’s – 10 minutes from XC Ski HQ
Full menu. Great pizza. A fun atmosphere with bowling and a bar in a remodeled rustic log building. Remodeled rustic log building, very clean. 430 N 5th St, Roscommon. 989-275-6565
The Spikehorn – 10 minutes from XC Ski HQ
Good menu and drink specials, friendly staff, and rustic, “up north” bar atmosphere. 4955 E Houghton Lake Dr, Houghton Lake. (989) 366-9698
Matt’s Lake Street Pizzeria & Grill – 10 minutes from XC Ski HQ
Full menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 312 Lake St, Roscommon. 989-281-1136
B.C. Pizza – 10 minutes from XC Ski HQ
Great pizza. 800 Lake Street, Roscommon. 989-275-1500
Paddle Hard Brewery – 15 minutes from XC Ski HQ
Lots of great beer, fun ambiance, and stone fired pizzas. 227 E Michigan Ave, Grayling. 989-745-638
Spike’s Keg o’ Nails– 15 minutes from XC Ski HQ
Fun, lively atmosphere. Great burgers. Arcade games for kids and great Friday night fish fry. 301 N James St, Grayling. 989-348-7113
Ray’s Barbeque, Brews and Blues – 15 minutes from XC Ski HQ
Great food, excellent cocktails, beautiful rustic-chic ambiance right on the AuSable River in downtown Grayling. 989-348-1515
MI Brew – 15 minutes from XC Ski HQ
Upscale artisan breakfast, brunch and lunch, espresso, plus full bar and great cocktails. Downtown Grayling. 989-348-4941
Springbrook Inn’s East Bay Grille & Tiki Bar– 20 minutes from XC Ski HQ
Casual fine dining Thursday through Saturday only. 565 W West Branch Rd, Prudenville. 989-366-6347
Lakeside Bar & Grille– 20 minutes from XC Ski HQ
Spacious dining and bar overlooking Houghton Lake. A staff favorite with a great menu – try the fish tacos! 989-422-2000
Buccilli’s Pizza – 20 minutes from XC Ski HQ
Great pizza and Italian! 2949 W Houghton Lake Dr (M-55), Prudenville. 989-366-5374
Willow Tree – 30 minutes from XC Ski HQ
Great option for traveling along I-75. Casual Fine Dining. Skier special: Present your XC Ski HQ facilities pass or store receipt and receive: 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, 1 bottle of wine to share, and 2 desserts for just $56! Or, free dessert when you present your XC Ski HQ facilities pass. Valid at West Branch, Traverse City and Saginaw locations. West Branch location: 633 Court St (M-33), West Branch. 989-345-0660
