Manistique Sands Brings New Life to Former Gray Wolf Lodge on Lake Michigan

MANISTIQUE, Mich. October 2026 — A familiar Manistique landmark is getting a fresh

start.

The former Gray Wolf Lodge, located at 6770 W. US-2 just west of downtown

Manistique, has been transformed into Manistique Sands, a newly renovated lakeside

hotel focused on bringing modern accommodations and an elevated guest experience

to visitors traveling to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

New co-owners Rick Elrod and Jarred Drown saw something special when they first

visited the property, and it wasn't difficult to identify. The beach. Sitting on approximately seven acres along Lake Michigan, Manistique Sands features a private stretch of sandy shoreline, with all 40 guest rooms offering views of the lake. The property is also within walking distance of Lakeview Park and the Manistique Boardwalk and provides convenient access to Indian Lake State Park, Kitch-iti-kipi and other popular Upper Peninsula attractions.

“We wanted to take a tired roadside motel and turn it into a place people choose on

purpose, not just a place to stop for the night,” said Elrod and Drown. “The property had

good bones, an incredible location and an amazing beach. It just needed someone

willing to invest in it.”

The transformation has included floor-to-ceiling renovations of the guest rooms, creating

a clean, modern atmosphere while maintaining the property's connection to its Lake

Michigan setting.

The renovated rooms feature new furniture and custom headboards, updated bathroom

vanities, local photography artwork, warm LED accent lighting and comfortable new

furnishings. Guests can choose from four room types, including upper-level king and

two-queen rooms, lower-level efficiency king rooms and king rooms with sleeper sofas.

The property has also been completely rebranded and now offers continental breakfast,

with additional amenities planned for the future.

Among the upcoming improvements are a beachfront sauna, Lake Michigan cold-

plunge experience and beachfront firepits.

“We want someone to walk into their room, see Lake Michigan out the window, and feel

like it's a step above what they expected,” the owners said. “Comfortable beds, quiet,

spotless, thoughtfully designed, and staff who genuinely care that you had a good stay.”

The property also continues to offer its indoor pool, giving guests another option for

relaxing after a day of exploring the area.

Elrod and Drown also own the Terrace Bay Hotel in Gladstone, and their experience

operating that property has helped shape their vision for Manistique Sands.

“Terrace Bay taught us what guests in the U.P. value and how much a real renovation

changes how people see a property and a community,” they said.

The owners are bringing many of the same operational systems and experience from

Terrace Bay to Manistique Sands, including housekeeping, maintenance, reservations

and marketing.

The result is a new lodging option designed to serve both visitors exploring the U.P. and

guests traveling to Manistique for work, family gatherings, weddings, sporting events

and other occasions.

For Elrod and Drown, the investment is about more than renovating a hotel. It is an

investment in Manistique.

“Although we weren't born and raised in the U.P., we made a conscious choice to be

here, and we believe in the small towns up here,” the owners said. “Manistique has

incredible natural assets and a lot of momentum right now, with people investing in

downtown buildings and new businesses. We wanted to be part of that.”

Victoria George, Executive Director of Schoolcraft Tourism & Commerce (STC), said the organization is excited to welcome the new owners and see the property take on a new chapter.

“We are very pleased to welcome Rick and Jarred to our community and excited to see

the transformation of this property,” said George. “Manistique Sands is a great addition

to our tourism community, and we look forward to seeing their vision continue to grow.”

The owners believe a successful hotel can have an impact well beyond its own property.

“Every guest we bring in is a guest who eats at local restaurants, shops downtown, fills

up at local stations, and visits local attractions,” they said. “We firmly believe that

investing upfront in high-quality guest experiences creates a ripple effect that drives

growth for the whole community.”

That philosophy fits with the growing investment and redevelopment taking place

throughout Manistique, as property owners and entrepreneurs continue to breathe new

life into vacant and underutilized buildings.

The owners see Manistique Sands as part of the community's hospitality infrastructure, and an important introduction to the area for visitors.

“We see ourselves as part of the front door to Manistique, and we want to send people

out to experience everything else the area has to offer,” they said.

The response from early guests has been encouraging. The hotel began its soft

opening with its first renovated rooms during the summer, and early guests have rated

their stays in the mid-9s out of 10.

The feedback has consistently highlighted the cleanliness and modern design of the

rooms, the lake views and the property's private beach.

It has also been particularly meaningful to hear from guests who remember the property

in its former days as Gray Wolf Lodge and the Breakers Motel.

“If you remember the old Gray Wolf Lodge or the old Breakers Motel days, you'll hardly

recognize the rooms,” the owners said.

The property has also undergone work to groom the beach and restore lake views by

clearing trees along the shoreline.

While much has already changed, the owners say they are only getting started.

Plans include completing the remaining rooms, adding the beachfront sauna and cold-

plunge experience, installing additional beachfront firepits and expanding the property's appeal as a year-round destination, including for snowmobile and winter travelers.

Looking farther ahead, the owners envision additional lodging and food-and-beverage

opportunities on the seven-acre Lake Michigan property.

“We’re just scratching the surface of what Manistique Sands can become,” said Elrod

and Drown. “With seven prime acres right on Lake Michigan, this property holds

incredible potential to grow into a flagship destination for Upper Peninsula hospitality.”

Celebrating a New Chapter

Schoolcraft Tourism & Commerce lead a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Manistique Sands

on October 14, 2026, celebrating the hotel's new ownership, extensive renovations and

continued investment in the Manistique community.

The event brought together community members, local leaders, STC members and

guests to congratulate Rick Elrod and Jarred Drown and learn more about their vision

for the property. It was wonderful to see so many people from the community attend and

show their support for the owners and their investment in Manistique.

Attendees had the opportunity to tour several of the remodeled guest rooms and see

firsthand the transformation that has taken place throughout the property. The

beautifully renovated rooms were a highlight of the event, showcasing the modern design, thoughtful details and welcoming atmosphere the owners have created for their

guests.

“It was a lovely event, and we were so pleased to see so many members of our

community come out to support Rick and Jarred,” said George. “The rooms are

gorgeous, and it was wonderful to have the opportunity to tour several of the remodeled

rooms and see the transformation firsthand. We are excited to welcome Manistique

Sands to our tourism community and look forward to seeing their vision continue to

grow.”

The ribbon cutting marked an exciting milestone for Manistique Sands and provided an

opportunity to celebrate the owners; investment while recognizing the positive impact that continued business development and tourism investment can have on the local

community. “If you've got family or friends coming to town, we'd love to take care of them,” they said.

Manistique Sands is located at 6770 W. US-2, Manistique, Michigan.

Reservations are available at www.manistiquesands.com or by calling 906-341-2410.