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.