Big Trout Motel

8/10

Excellent

17 Jun 2026

Michael

Great staff, hard to find but that was great!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jun 2026

John

What a great place to stay!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jun 2026

Kristen

.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jun 2026

Cynthia

This was the best of the best. Friendly staff, beautiful restored home, lovely stories regarding the past life of the home. Property was amazing, with boats to use, games to play, a firepit, a bar and breakfast in the morning. Rooms are large and private with two to a hallway.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jun 2026

Jason

Excellent experience! The entire grounds, building, and room are all spotlessly clean. We highly recommend this amazing historic lodge, for any peaceful and quiet occasion.

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jun 2026

Marlene

Everything was great no complaints
We were on the beach .had a great pizza and salad brought to our room. LONG DAY APPRECIATED ALL THE CONVIENENCES.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jun 2026

Shelley

This hotel is a hidden gem. The surroundings are gorgeous and the hotel has a wonderful historic feel, though it’s very clean and has modern features.
The owner went above and beyond to welcome us and make sure we were comfortable.

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jun 2026

jimmie

Exceptionally clean and well maintained- peaceful setting with a above standard offering of “ Continental “ breakfast!

Family

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jun 2026

Kathleen

The Birch Lodge and Motel is a really neat place to stay. The setting is breath taking. When you book your reservation, do be aware that the lodge and the motel are separate settings. They are right next to each other but the lodge is the big white house, formerly a tuberculosis hospital, that was built in the early 1900's and has been remodeled. The owner showed us one of the guest rooms and it was lovely. The room even smelled really good but not in a fake way. The owners have incorporated a lot of history in a very chic way. The view from the room we saw was incredible, it faced Trout Lake and was stunning. We stayed in the motel which is a brick building to the side of the big white house. The motel section has many original features from the 60's but it is very clean. The room we stayed in had a mid century modern aesthetic which was done well. The carpet in that room was clean but worn. Everything felt clean and the bathroom was in very good shape. The owners allow guests to use their various kayaks and row boats though we did not use them. Once again, the setting is truly spectacular. We went to the Buckhorn for dinner. I got a pastie which was fantastic. My husband got a French dip which he said was the best he's ever had. I would definitely stay here again.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jun 2026

Eva

I traveled with my two teen boys and I am so grateful they had a chance to experience firsthand a place like this. I really feel like this is a special place that is priced very accessibly for a family.

We stayed in the motel and had a wonderful time. The grounds were great and were a lot of fun. We played croquet and cornhole on the grounds. The lake was too windy for the kayaks but it looked enticing! Simple breakfast in the morning which was very nice.

The room (double double) was well kept and had everything you would need. It’s a vintage motel refurbished in a mid-century modern style so the furniture is from that era. Super cute!!

Beds were comfy & it was so quiet. It was amazing to have such quiet.

We used this as a Mackinac Island base and that worked well. It’s was an easy drive.

The mosquitoes were insane at times. I’m from MN so, I’m not scared off by mosquitoes, but they were intense. Bug spray is a must as are layers and if you want to be outside, a net for your head are needed.

The owners are nice and helpful. I bought a sweatshirt and I’m really excited about it because it’s incredibly nice—very thick and it was $36 which I thought was really fair price. I like their logo too and they had a cute place!

It felt very nostalgic, slow, quiet, contemplative and absolutely perfect.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

31 May 2026

Rebecca

Birch Run Lodge is like stepping back in time. It’s a quintessential Michigan lake experience. The main inn building, circa 1912, is beautiful. Its long porch faces Trout Lake with plenty of rocking chairs to sit and enjoy the view. The Inn’s interior features a beautiful bar, dining room, lots of vintage furnishings and an air of comfort. The Inn’s owner/proprietors are welcoming and present. We stayed in the motel portion of the Lodge, which is classic mid-century and decorated in that era. Beds and linens were clean and comfy. (Note: if you’re light sensitive while sleeping, bring a sleep mask. The drapes are not light blocking.) The motel rooms have a big window that look out on the beautiful lake. The Inn offers a Continental Breakfast to guests staying in both the motel and main inn. The property surrounding the inn and motel are beautiful, serene and wooded. (Be sure to bring bug spray for the abundant mosquitoes and potential for ticks.) If you’re looking for a unique, classic Upper Peninsula Michigan lodging experience, Birch Run Lodge is for you.

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

30 May 2026

Karen

What a lovely spot with many amenities and comfy spaces. We had a drink at the bar, a walk to the beach, and a peaceful stay in a thoughtfully outfitted room.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 May 2026

George

Rooms were very clean and the staff was friendly and knowledge about the area. It was a great quiet home base for Soo Lock tours, Picture Rocks tour, Mackinac Island, and Kitch-iti-kipi. The lodge is on beautiful Trout Lake.

Friends

8/10

Excellent

29 May 2026

maryanne

This property has two separate places to stay. They have an Inn that is totally gorgeous and a motel that is a trip back in time. Everything was very clean and the staff was fantastic. They were very friendly and willing to help with anything. The property has a lot to offer such as swimming, kayaks, and a fire pit at no extra cost. Plenty of places to sit and watch the sun rise or set over the lake. They also offer hot coffee and a few light breakfast items in the morning. My only suggestion is to bring bug spray. Overall it was a great place to stay for the price.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 May 2026

Bilal

Room was clean, bed was cozy, views were amazing, staff was really helpful and breakfast was great too.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

27 May 2026

Jeff

This historic motel was a great surprise! Great view, super friendly owners, luxury bedding and a cute eclectic antique ascetic. Bar was closed but we were welcome to enjoy BYOB on the porch while admiring the lake view. No television in our room was a PLUS.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 May 2026

Daele

We stayed in the motel section, the rooms are so cute with a 70’s vibe. The property is absolutely beautiful, staff is so friendly and the owners are just wonderful. Simple but beautiful place to stay, we will definitely be back.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 May 2026

John

Definitely enjoyed and worth every penny. Clean, beautiful property; nostalgic and historic. Personality. Owners were very nice and enjoyable to talk to in the cafe area for the continental breakfast.
Great experience!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

22 May 2026

Christopher

Lovely lakefront property. Room was quiet and comfortable. Proprietors were very friendly and helpful. Highly recommend.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 May 2026

Colby

Nice stay at Birch Lodge on Trout Lake. Comfortable room and bed.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 May 2026

Mark

Wonderful stay at historic lakeside inn. It was clean and comfortable, and hosts Jim and Carol were friendly and helpful. Definitely would stay there again!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 May 2026

Nicole

Immaculate and inspiring rooms. Beautiful beach view. Helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable staff. We cannot wait to return!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Mar 2026

Jeff

Perfect for a snowmobile stay

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

12 Mar 2026

Maddie

Cozy room and the kindest staff. Very clean!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Feb 2026

Gregory

Wonderful atmosphere, very clean and very comfortable. My new favorite hotel!

10/10

Exceptional

17 Feb 2026

Matthew

Carol and Jim truly make this place special. Their hospitality is genuine, thoughtful, and welcoming from the moment you arrive. Even during our winter stay, they made sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed after long days on the nearby trail.

They go above and beyond to create a warm, relaxed atmosphere, and it’s clear they care deeply about their guests. Thanks to Carol and Jim, the lodge feels less like a rental and more like staying with friends.

10/10

Exceptional

07 Feb 2026

Maria

Beautiful historic Inn. Staff was welcoming and kind. Room was clean. Loved it!!

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jan 2026

diane

Everything was great!

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

03 Nov 2025

Craig

The view of the lake is beautiful, with a walking trail along the beach and back through the woods. Very nice.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Oct 2025

Ashley

i go every year, and every year it is a wonderful, relaxing and amazing place to stay

Self

10/10

Exceptional

27 Oct 2025

Rashita

The staff is very friendly, it's cozy and the lake view is awesome. I hope to go back for a another visit soon.

10/10

Exceptional

23 Oct 2025

Jonathan

Very unique,stayed in the motel very cool retro themed room. Nice lodge and bar with amazing lake access my son and I were passing through and were disappointed we couldn't stay longer.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

22 Oct 2025

Larry

Loved the lake view! Unique property. It was too chilly to use the hotel provided boats but, what a nice extra!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Oct 2025

Shawn

Beautiful place to stay with accommodating hosts.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Oct 2025

Joseph

This was truly a highlight of our trip. The owner was very friendly. Lodge was extremely clean and inviting. You can have a fire pit , walk to the sandy area. We appreciated the way it was restored to keep its history. We will definitely return!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

13 Oct 2025

Kirsten

Absolutely beautiful property and all staff and guests were so nice and accommodating!

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

13 Oct 2025

Darcy

This place is the definition of a northern getaway. Quiet, no tv in the lodge room, wonderful character, beautiful views on the property and so much to see nearby, jukebox and a wood stove in the living room/dining room, I wanted to stay longer.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

12 Oct 2025

Dawn

Property was beautiful. Staff was very friendly and accommodating.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Oct 2025

Shelley

It was so peaceful! The lake was so beautiful especially in the morning when there was fog on it. Everyone was friendly, it was very clean and comfortable. I also loved the location, it is close to many beautiful places. My husband and I will definitely be back!!!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

08 Oct 2025

James

Beautiful location.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Oct 2025

Jennifer

We would highly recommend Birch Lodge to other travelers looking for a comfortable place to stay with unique UP flavor. The comfort of the rooms, the coziness of the nightly community fire pit, and historic presence of the lodge is welcoming and suits both those looking for the feel of the UP with the hospitality of a professional, yet homey facility.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

05 Oct 2025

catherine

Charming! I chose it for an overnight to break up our drive to the Porcupine Mountains. After we arrived, I realized that Birch Lodge IS the destination! Our downstairs bedroom, parlor and bathroom were very spacious. The porch reminded me of the Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island! Bring food as the eateries in the village are lame. I was hoping for whitefish at McGowan's but it was closed and looks like its for sale.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Oct 2025

Marie

The lodge was so beautiful & then amenities were great! The lake was a added bonus of a beautiful view

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Oct 2025

Christy

This property was very quaint.

10/10

Exceptional

02 Oct 2025

Keith

Historic, unique rooms, staff

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Oct 2025

Kelli

Amazing sunsets over the lake. The rooms are cozy and comfortable. The staff was friendly and attentive.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

29 Sep 2025

Troy

Very unique place, it felt like we were staying in a museum. Beautiful decor and great staff. Will definitely be back!!!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Sep 2025

Jeannine

This historic charming hotel/house and motel was beautifully renovated and displayed photos and information regarding it's history everywhere you looked. It has a stunning view of Trout lake with a gorgeous front porch, private beach and boats for fishing. It felt like we went back in time. Our hosts were warm and wonderful and full of helpful information. With drives to Whitefish Point and Tahquamenon Falls only 30ish minutes away, it's a perfect home base to relax and explore the UP, or stay on the property and chill. We fell in love with this hotel and will be back again. J & R

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Sep 2025

Barry

Amazing place with beautiful lakefront views. Great historical lodge that exceeded our expectations. Definitely coming back

10/10

Exceptional

23 Sep 2025

Annelise

Quiet Getaway

We had the corner King room in the lodge and it was beautiful. We did not have view of lake but we enjoyed sitting out on the large porch in rockers with our wine enjoying sunset over the lake. Use of kayaks a plus and the fire pit was perfect on a chilly night. You should know there is no elevator in the lodge but you will always get assistance with the bags if you need it. Also there is no TV in the lodge rooms but we did not miss it.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Sep 2025

Jennifer

The property is relaxing, beautiful, and historical. Every guest I talked to remarked how it was stress free environment and a place to rejuvenate ourself. My party felt like it was camping without a tent. (We grew up camping, but do to our age we prefer beds). You can day trip or relax on the property. Staff is friendly and helpful.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

20 Sep 2025

Jennie

the lakes

10/10

Exceptional

19 Sep 2025

William

Cool on the lake nice 70’s look to my room. Will go back if I have the chance. Give a pat to Jack

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

19 Sep 2025

Lee

LG & SG

Very serene experience! Guest & staff make you feel like family. Very clean with a beautiful view.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Sep 2025

Jeffrey

Incredible

It’s been a long time since I was escorted upstairs to my room upon arrival. if we didn’t have to travel the next morning, we definitely would’ve stayed another night. Relaxing, extremely comfortable, picturesque – many more adjectives would work for this place. Thanks, Jim. You made Brie‘s birthday something to remember for sure! Will be back!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Sep 2025

James J

Great location overlooking Trout Lake. Wonderful breakfast. Modern, yet 60-styled room.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Sep 2025

Melissa

Super clean, friendly staff, super comfortable bed!! We plan to return and have recommended to family already!!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Sep 2025

Bruce

Wonderful find, close to Tahquamenon Falls … We’ll definitely visit again.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

07 Sep 2025

jill

Clean. Friendly staff. Beautiful view.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 Aug 2025

bonnie

Loved the view and the retro feel

10/10

Exceptional

23 Aug 2025

Julia

Property is on a lovely lake. Not much to do in town.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

21 Aug 2025

Tim

Cozy and Pristine

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Beautiful view of Trout Lake with wonderful sunsets. The host was very friendly and welcoming. We would definitely stay there again.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Aug 2025

Lee

Beautiful property, relaxing and quiet.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Aug 2025

Janice

A pleasant step back in time. Peaceful, comfortable and centrally located.

10/10

Exceptional

14 Aug 2025

Wendy

Very unique lake front property. Historic lodge interior restoration was very tastefully done. The motel, where we stayed, is a step back in time. Motel rooms, done in their original midcentury modern decor, were spacious, comfortable and clean. Some of the outdoor amenities includes kayaks, fire pit, corn hole game, private beach area and nature trail. We appreciated the host’s call on the day of check in, giving us check in info and dining options. We enjoyed our stay and would stay again!

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

10 Aug 2025

Charles

Stay here!!!!!

My boyfriend and I stayed at this hotel for 5 nights and absolutely loved it. The hardwood floors, history, friendly people, and views were incredible and felt homey. We’re from Ann Arbor area and couldn’t recommend enough!!!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Aug 2025

Tanya

What a hidden gem! From the gracious host upon our arrival, learning about the history of the lodge, the comforts of our room, the wonderful amenities and the serene setting in the Upper Peninsula. We enjoyed everything about our stay!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 Aug 2025

Katherine

Loved the views and relaxed atmosphere

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jul 2025

Casey

This place is amazing! A definite return visit. Very relaxing atmosphere. Historical and very clean. Owner and staff were very nice and accommodating.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

26 Jul 2025

Danielle

We stayed in the motel portion of the property. It was remodeled to mid century style. Very cool! A bit musty smelling with age, but otherwise comfy. The view was lovely on trout lake and it was a great location to stay when heading to Tahquamenon falls after a few days on Mackinaw island. We loved the light breakfast provided too.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

22 Jul 2025

Tony

Bait and switch

Thought we were staying in historic hotel but ended up in motel adjacent to hotel. Breakfast is sparse.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jul 2025

Brian

Great accommodations you had a beach you had rowboats you could take out on the lake and very quiet property but if you want anything outside of the property the town doesn't have anything to do. If you want peace and quiet and solitude it's exactly what you want

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jul 2025

Jackie

Beautiful view on a peaceful lake. Room was clean and everything worked properly. We enjoyed walking around the property and taking in the views.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jul 2025

Bob

Started with a thoughtful call from Jim who runs the place, during the late afternoon explaining our food options locally. Very considerate based on the dining options around here being limited after 7pm. The place is amazing. Rooms are incredible. We took the row boat and kayak out on the lake and then made a fire in the pit. Jim brought out some premade s’mores packs with sticks. Just an amazing and outstanding place. Would highly recommend staying here.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jun 2025

Karen

Everything about Birch Lodge was wonderful. Such a relaxing stay. Ability to fish from the dock was a treat.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

30 Jun 2025

Cynthia

This is a nicely unique hotel that steps you back in time. Its very peaceful and a great place to reset from a busy life.
The caretakers we nice but seemed overworked. Jim was very friendly and accomodating but his wife seemed frazzled.
I would have liked to see a few more ammenities offered. Their breakfast was extremely basic. Some afternoon cookies or evening popcorn to bring a social aspect to the guests would have added a bit of charm.

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jun 2025

Mercedes

Beautiful restful lake view property, less than 90minutes drive to Pictured Rocks and Tahquamenon Falls. Small town center had convenient, market restaurants, and a gas station with delicious ice cream. The owner and staff were gracious and accommodating. The continental breakfast with yogurt option was good; however, if you need more protein or something more substantial, bring in or go out to eat. Free canoe and kayak rentals, a walking path, and a fire pit make for a lovely lake life experience. Thank you,

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jun 2025

Donald

Highly recommend the Birch Lodge. Property is exactly as advertised in a quiet and peaceful location. Rooms were very clean as is the main lodge where they serve a continental breakfast including freshly baked muffins. We had a retro room with 2 comfortable beds and a picture window looking out on Trout Lake. A nice change from the more commercial hotels.

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jun 2025

Todd

Jim was a wonderful host. We recommend staying here.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jun 2025

ROSE

Love the history, love the people running this place. The location is great for seeing nature and taking a beautiful laid back location. Beds are comfortable.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jun 2025

William

Unique lodging

Excellent stay; quaint, quiet, serene, and clean!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jun 2025

Shelley

Beautiful property. Love the decor in the room. Friendly staff. Gave a great suggestions for supper.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jun 2025

Ben

Great place, would stay again!

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

28 May 2025

Linda

Loved the tranquility of the property. Great place to relax after sightseeing every day.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 May 2025

Maduhasi

We had a wonderful time. Would recommend to anyone.

10/10

Exceptional

12 May 2025

Alfred

Beautiful area

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

05 May 2025

Dan

Easy check-in. Lovely evening out at the lake-front.

10/10

Exceptional

06 Mar 2025

Georgiana

Great accommodations! Beautiful views! Very clean! Owners were incredibly nice and helpful! I loved the old lodge looks. Great in winter too ride sleds up to your door in the motel.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

13 Feb 2025

Jon

Great place to snowmobile from

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jan 2025

Jeff

Love this lodge

8/10

Excellent

29 Oct 2024

Deborah

The motel was perfect! Quiet, beautiful view of the lake and comfortable beds. The man who checked us in on our first night was warm and welcoming. The next morning, however, a woman rudely reprimanded me for accidentally and unknowingly dropping some crumbs in the main lodge. My apology was met with further rudeness. 5-stars otherwise.

10/10

Exceptional

25 Oct 2024

ruth

Great place great atmosphere. Beautiful view of trout lake

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 Oct 2024

Deborah

Beautiful relaxing stay on Lake Trout. We were in the motel and it had beautiful views and hostess very friendly. Loved kayaking, private beach, and campfire. Hope to visit again!!!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 Oct 2024

Brian

Beautiful location excellent price and included breakfast. Definitely recommend

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

21 Oct 2024

Robert

The property was amazing and the owners were awesome!

Leisure Partner

2/10

Poor

18 Oct 2024

Janell

I DO NOT RECOMMEND this hotel/motel. Beautiful location on the lake with very dated motel. My problem is that the room shower/tub combo had no water pressure. The very slight shower flow wasn’t enough to sustain a shower and I ended up using a 6oz cup to catch the drizzle from the tub spout, many times just to get the shampoo out of my hair, and to pour cups of water over me to bathe. I could use only a drizzle of hot water because if I turned on the cold to increase water pressure the hot water was non existent and left just freezing cold water. The heater in the bath didn’t work so I was soapy, slightly wet and freezing with a head full of shampoo. No phone in the room to call the front desk. When I told the desk staff ( owner?) in the morning there was only a “ sorry, we didn’t know” with no offer to make it right ( refund/discount/credit). Someone had to know - unless they don’t clean the tub. The hot/cold knobs were loose and it was hard to get the water on in the first place. Then it took a while to figure out how to get the water from the spout to the shower head, which I was not too bothered by. But when the slow drop of shower stopped and left only a trickle from the actual spout, I was very upset. Worst experience in a hotel/ lodge ever. Yet no offer to make the awful experience right.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

17 Oct 2024

Anoob

The lodge was so quaint and beautiful! The owners were kind and accommodating, and the lodge had a very homey and welcoming atmosphere (in addition to the historical draw of the property).

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Oct 2024

John

Very peaceful and tranquil. The end keeper Jim is a good guy who has done a beautiful job with a restoration. He goes out of his way to make sure his guests are taking care of.

Leisure

6/10

Pleasant

09 Oct 2024

?????

This place is great for spending 1-2 days in nature. Very clean rooms. It was surprisingly clean. You can take a boat and sail on the lake, there is a private beach and a fire pit. But it is an old house and old furniture. For me it was inconvenient, I do not like old furniture in the room. Although this hotel is unique because of all these antiques. There is no normal table and chairs in the room to drink coffee or eat. The owner is a very nice person who will help to solve any problems. But his assistant is rude and not welcoming. She should learn manners or not talk to people at all.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

09 Oct 2024

Nanette

I love staying at places that have character and some history. I am also very tired of the cookie cutter large chain hotels & prefer to give my travel dollars to small business owners so the Historic Birch Lodge fit the bill. Our room was a bit small but the Hotel itself and the surrounding area was beautiful. My husband and I had a wonderful stay here and would definitely recommend.

Leisure Partner