
The Kingfisher Lodge
Plan Your Stay at The Kingfisher Lodge

The river is waiting. Here are a few things to help you plan, pack a little lighter, and know what’s waiting for you when you arrive.
GETTING READY FOR YOUR STAY
GETTING HERE
The Kingfisher Lodge
11147 N. River Lane
Cornell, MI 49818
River Lane turns to dirt near the end. Stay on it for about 300 yards and look for The Kingfisher Lodge sign on the left. There’s plenty of parking next to the house and garage, including room for RVs, campers, and ORV trailers. Please keep vehicles on the gravel and off the grass.
GOOGLE MAPS
https://maps.app.goo.gl/wEwb1fktPbq1f1fm7
We recommend using Google Maps and downloading the area for offline use before your trip. Cell service can be very limited around the property and while exploring the U.P., so having the map saved ahead of time makes the last part of the drive easier.
CHECK IN AND CHECKOUT
Check-in is at 4:00 PM ET. Your keyless door code and final arrival details will be sent by message on the day of check-in.
Checkout is at 10:00 AM ET. Checkout instructions will be messaged to you the night before you leave — nothing complicated.
WI-FI & CELL PHONES
The lodge has fast Wi-Fi that can comfortably handle streaming and video calls for larger groups.
Cell service can be very limited around the property depending on your carrier, with AT&T generally working better than Verizon. Once you’re connected to Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi calling usually works well.
PACK LESS — WE’VE GOT A LOT HERE
BATH & LAUNDRY
Towels
Soap and lotion
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Toilet paper
Washer and dryer
Detergent
KITCHEN
Cookware, dishes, and glasses
Pots and pans
Griddle
Blender
Toaster
Microwave
Rice cooker
Crock pot
Baking basics
Utensils
Spices and cooking oil
Salt and pepper
Paper towels
Foil and food storage containers
Dish soap
Dishwasher pods
COFFEE
Coffee pods
Keurig
Drip coffee maker
Bean grinder
Filters
Bring your favorite beans if you want something specific.
KID STUFF
We have a few things here so you don’t have to pack them:
Folding high chair
Baby wash tub
Pack ’n play
Mattress and sheets
Changing station
Diaper pail
Bed rails for the twin beds
Air mattresses
OTHER
Bug spray
Bite wipes
First-aid basics
Grilling tools
Lighters
S’mores skewers
FOOD, FIRES & OUTDOOR TIME
GROCERIES
If you’re planning to cook at the lodge, it’s a good idea to stock up before heading out to Cornell. Escanaba is your best bet for a full grocery run.
Walmart Supercenter — best bet for a full grocery run
Frapps Meat Market — excellent steaks and meats
Flat Rock Grocery — handy for quick stops
For restaurant recommendations and local favorites, check the House Manual.
COOKING & GRILLING
The lodge has a full kitchen, a large gas grill on the deck, a gas fire pit, and a wood fire pit in the backyard. Grilling tools, lighters, and s’mores skewers are already here.
FIREWOOD
We try to keep some firewood available, but supply can vary depending on previous guests. If we’re running low, any local gas station should have bundles available.
HOT TUB
The hot tub will be ready for you when you arrive, and we provide towels, so just bring your swimsuits. We’ll send a few simple hot tub care instructions after you arrive so everyone knows how to use it properly and keep it in great shape during your stay.
FISHING
Bring your fishing gear if you want to fish the Escanaba River right from the lodge. Anglers age 17 and older need a Michigan fishing license.
You can purchase one online before your stay through the Michigan DNR:
https://www.michigan.gov/dnrlicenses
FUN AT THE LODGE
AT THE LODGE
There’s plenty to do without leaving the property:
3 adult bikes
2 youth bikes
Helmets and bike pump
Cornhole
Around 15 indoor games
Roku TV
Xbox
Hot tub
Gas and wood fire pits
River access and fishing
BUGS & OUTDOOR CONDITIONS
The beautiful U.P. summer comes with bugs. Mosquitoes are usually most active around dusk, in the evening, and during overcast weather. Ticks can also be active in May and June. We keep bug spray, bite wipes, first-aid basics, and a Thermacell at the lodge, so you don’t need to bring much unless you have a favorite repellent.
WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING
Groceries and drinks
Swimsuits
Favorite coffee beans
Outdoor shoes or water shoes
Fishing gear
Michigan fishing license if required
Rain jacket and seasonal layers
Firewood if you definitely want a wood fire
Any specialty baby gear you prefer
A FEW THINGS THAT MATTER HERE
CARPET CARE — the lodge has areas of very light-colored carpet, and you'll be in and out enjoying nature. We ask all guests to help us leave nature outside by removing shoes and using the provided entry mats to wipe wet, muddy, sandy, or dirty feet.
NO PETS — we are a pet-free property due to severe allergies.
NO PARTIES OR UNAUTHORIZED OVERNIGHT GUESTS.
NO SMOKING, VAPING OR E-CIGARETTES.
NO ADHESIVES OR STICK-ON DECORATIONS.
For everything you need once you arrive, see the House Manual:
https://www.thekingfisherlodge.com/blog/the-kingfisher-lodge-house-manual
STAY CONNECTED
FOLLOW US
For the insider view — what’s running, what’s blooming, local happenings, and the occasional peek behind the scenes at the lodge:
https://www.facebook.com/kingfishermi
NEED HELP
Not sure where to eat, fish, hike, explore, or spend a day? Just message us. We know the area well and are happy to help you plan your stay.