Lodging in Houghton

[Fastcat]

I am looking for a list or suggestion of a motel to stay at the night before we get on the Ranger III the next morning. Thanks !

[Fastcat]

Ok, so 40+ views and nobody has any helpful info?

[Midwest Ed]

There are a few choices within a 5 to 15 minute walk of the Ranger dock, Super 8, Quality Inn, Magnuson (a local chain). All of these will be in the $100 to $150 price range unless there is a big event happening. They are all nice enough (I've stayed at the 1st 2 on the list). They are what you'd expect for a 2 star accommodation. Other similar choices are also in the area but further away, either in Hancock or up the hill going south on M26. They'll be be a few dollars more expensive. There is also the Downtowner Motel in Houghton at the southern foot of the Lift bridge (next to the Ambassador Restaurant). I've never stayed there but it was recently (1 year ago?) renovated and I suspect it will be less expensive. I believe they do not have a website. The last couple of years I have been using Julie's Motor Inn, about 2 miles south of Houghton on US41, just south of the Pilgrim River. Old fashion motor Inn but clean, friendly and less expensive.

[Fastcat]

Thanks for the info Midwest Ed ! =)

[dcclark]

We aren't all online all the time, Fastcat.

Midwest Ed is right on. I've stayed in every hotel in downtown Houghton. The Franklin Square Inn (which is a Magnuson) is the nicest, but not that great. Super 8 can be downright wretched depending on who else is staying there. Across the bridge, the Ramada is similar to the Franklin Square. The Copper Crown is just down the street in Hancock and is, again, OK. (It's another Magnuson -- which you can read as "used to be a Best Western" in the case of all of these)

There are a number of cheaper mom-and-pop hotels south of Houghton on US-41, such as Julie's Motor Inn. It's cheaper than the rest, pretty basic, and likely to fill up fast.

Besides those options, you could tent camp at Hancock Campground, which will be pretty cheap. It might fill up at this time of year, however.

[Base654]

I stayed at this place earlier this year:

https://vicscabins.com/

$60 ish per night. about 15 mins from the dock. clean, no frills. just north of Hancock.

[Midwest Ed]

I stayed at this place earlier this year: https://vicscabins.com/
$60 ish per night. about 15 mins from the dock. clean, no frills. just north of Hancock.

Great resource Base654
Vic's is the first cabin or rental I've seen in the area that doesn't require a 2 or 3 night minimum. I keep a periodic eye on VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner). Even the "rustic" cabin on the Gratiot River with no indoor plumbing and no electricity goes for $70+ AND a 2 night minimum. Vics does not advertise on VRBO, maybe their rules prohibit it. I did just stumble onto a new VRBO listing in downtown Calumet for an apartment that sleeps 4 for $75 and NO minimum stay. Looks quite spacious.

[ChicagoMoose]

Isle Royale Seaplanes also has an inexpensive cabin in Hancock. Info on their website https://isleroyaleseaplanes.com/links/

[Fastcat]

Thanks for all the replys everyone, it was very helpful !

[Base654]

I'm partial to Vic's Cabins. I work as a nurse in Ann Arbor and her (co owner's) daughter I found is an x-ray tech that comes to my unit. It's a small world sometimes.