Escape to Kingfisher Lodge, a one-of-a-kind fall retreat perched above the wild beauty of the Escanaba River. From late September through early October, the riverbank and treetops blaze in a kaleidoscope of fiery reds, golds, and oranges, right outside your door. Paired with the gentle rush of the falls, it’s a front-row seat to autumn’s masterpiece in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
The lodge is ready for everyone that walks through the door. Families find room for kids to run, play games, and make memories while parents relax and chat. Friends discover the perfect backdrop for bachelorette weekends, golf outings, or the kind of trip where stories last longer than the days. Couples fall into romance with riverside mornings, hot tub sunsets, and starlit skies. Anglers step into world-class trout waters right outside. Snowmobilers and ORV riders enjoy ample parking and central access to the UP’s best trails, with the comfort of a true retreat for those who’d rather stay behind. And for anyone seeking quiet—writers, remote workers, or simply those in need of a pause—the lodge offers inspiration in every season.
Every detail inside and out is designed for comfort, ease, and enjoyment. Airy rooms open to sweeping river views, while the well-equipped kitchen, dining area, and great room flow together so no one is ever left out—whether you’re cooking, playing a game, or curled up on the sofa. Downstairs, the mood shifts to play: a full bar, 9-foot shuffleboard, 75" Roku TV, and Xbox create the ultimate lounge.
The property easily sleeps up to 12 across three levels: a main-floor king suite and bunk room (full + twin), an airy upstairs loft with a king, three twins, and full bath, and a lower level with another king bedroom, two spare mattresses, and a full bath.
With 1,800 sq ft of furnished outdoor living, the property invites both relaxation and play. Porch swings and lounge chairs on the deck set the scene with the scent of pine and the steady rush of water. Binoculars in hand, you might spot deer or fox along the riverbank, eagles circling overhead, or otters slipping through the current. Pedal one of the bikes down a quiet country road to Rose Falls, then return to fire up the grill for a casual cookout. As night settles in, fire pits glow, the hot tub steams, and the sky opens wide — the Milky Way arching overhead, with meteors or even the northern lights on the horizon.
Property Summary:
• 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths (sleeps 12)
• 3 king beds, 3 twins, 1 bunk (full/twin)
• Expansive deck and patio, 2 fire pits, 7-person hot tub
• Fully equipped kitchen, media lounge, bar & shuffleboard
• Mtn bikes for adults and kids, trails and country roads nearby
• High-speed internet, A/C, trailer & RV parking
Nearby Attractions:
• Rose Falls (Cornell) – 3 miles
• Gladstone (marina, Terrace Bluff Golf, Days River Trail) – 12 miles
• Freshwater Tavern (Gladstone) – 12 miles
• Escanaba (dining, breweries, shopping) – 15 miles
• Upper Hand Brewery (Escanaba) – 15 miles
• Sand Point Lighthouse (Escanaba) – 15 miles
• Rapid River Falls – 20 miles
• Island Resort & Casino / Sweetgrass Golf – 25 miles
• Fayette Historic State Park (Garden Peninsula) – 45 miles
• Laughing Whitefish Falls – 45 miles
• Menominee River State Rec Area / Piers Gorge – 45 miles
• Kitch-iti-kipi (Big Spring, Manistique) – 55 miles
• Iron Mountain Iron Mine – 65 miles
• Fumee Lake Natural Area (Iron Mountain) – 65 miles
• Pine Mountain (Iron Mountain) – 65 miles
• Marquette (restaurants, Blackrocks Brewery, Presque Isle Park) – 65 miles
• Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Munising) – 90 miles
• Au Train River (float trips) – 90 miles
• Canyon Falls – 90 miles
Other Things to Note:
We require a signed rental agreement and a $500 security deposit which is fully refundable after your stay. In the rare case the lodge, property, or hot tub is left in unusually poor condition we would deduct $150 to cover an extra cleaning person.
A few important house rules to be aware of:
• No shoes on carpeted areas – helps us keep things clean and fresh for everyone
• No smoking indoors – outdoor smoking is okay, just not near open windows or doors
• No pets – due to severe allergies in our family, we’re unable to host animals
• No unauthorized parties or extra guests – please only those listed on your reservation
• Quiet hours from 10pm to 8am – to respect the peace of the area and neighbors
• Hot tub – follow water maintenance directions provided in the guest book
