GoHotelly

Mt. Mancelona

Discover Mt. Mancelona, a 4.4-star lodge offering sledding, snowmobiling, hiking, and cozy wood-fired hot tubs. Experience authentic family fun and wilderness retreats in Mancelona, MI.

2497 Ski Run Rd, Mancelona, MI 49659 View on map
8.8/10
Very Good Based on 44 recent guest reviews
What recent guests emphasize

Mt. Mancelona Resort Hotel Highlights

Guests value the resort’s unique wilderness setting and a variety of outdoor activities, especially during winter months. The welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere and attentive hosts contribute to a memorable stay in northern Michigan.

Guests often praise

  • The friendly and attentive hosts who enhance the overall experience.
  • Varied outdoor activities including sledding, snowmobiling, hiking, and snowboarding.
  • The peaceful and unique lodge ambiance ideal for relaxation and family time.
  • The opportunity to enjoy less crowded, mom-and-pop ski hills and trails.
  • The wood-fired hot tub and cozy ski lodge atmosphere for downtime.

Worth knowing

  • The resort caters to about 30 overnight guests, offering an intimate experience.
  • Human-powered snowboarding and skiing require some physical effort, such as hiking uphill.
  • Facilities and terrain appeal primarily to those seeking a rustic, nature-focused getaway rather than luxury amenities.

Best for

  • Families and groups looking for a cozy, off-the-beaten-path winter vacation.
  • Outdoor enthusiasts interested in snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, sledding, and hiking.
  • Travelers wanting a quiet retreat immersed in northern Michigan’s wilderness.
  • Guests seeking a welcoming atmosphere with personable hosts and a community feel.
Compare booking partners

Open this hotel on the platform you trust.

GoHotelly doesn't process bookings — we open this property on each partner so you can compare live rates, cancellation rules and loyalty perks side by side.

Some links are affiliate — if you book, GoHotelly may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read the full disclosure.

About this property

Welcome to Mt. Mancelona

Mt. Mancelona stands as a remarkable retreat nestled in the heart of northern Michigan’s wilderness at 2497 Ski Run Rd. Boasting a solid 4.4 rating, this lodge captures the true spirit of outdoor adventure coupled with heartfelt hospitality. Far beyond the typical ski resort, Mt. Mancelona offers an authentic, small-scale resort experience reminiscent of a family-run haven, where every element encourages a connection to both nature and community.

Guests like Thomas DuChane emphasize the profound goodness that permeates the place, calling it a “truly refreshing example” of kindness and positive energy. This sentiment echoes through the stories of visitors who find peace and joy in the diverse offerings. Whether it’s sledding down quiet hillsides, snowmobiling across pristine trails, cross-country skiing untouched paths, or simply cozying up by the lodge’s roaring fire, Mt. Mancelona invites you to slow down and savor the moment.

Sam and his dedicated team have crafted an environment that blends rustic charm with unique amenities—like the wood-fired hot tub—that make each stay memorable. The lodge accommodates up to 30 guests, ideal for families or groups seeking a getaway that feels both intimate and immersive. The blend of human-powered snowboarding and hiking on the former ski area terrain challenges adventure seekers to push their limits while embracing the tranquil beauty surrounding them.

Mt. Mancelona is more than just a destination; it is a sanctuary where the wilderness of northern Michigan meets thoughtful stewardship and genuine human connection. Visitors like Kip Armstrong and Peter Sherman highlight the eclectic, warm atmosphere and the sense of rejuvenation that comes with a weekend spent here. It is a place crafted with care, offering not only recreation but a deeper feeling of belonging.

In a world increasingly dominated by commercialized resorts, Mt. Mancelona draws visitors back to simplicity, kindness, and authenticity. It calls to those who cherish the outdoors and seek experiences that resonate on a human level—where the crisp air, the crunch of snow, and the welcome glow of a fire combine into something truly special. For anyone eager to explore northern Michigan’s wild beauty in a welcoming setting, Mt. Mancelona promises a soulful, adventurous escape well worth the journey.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

TD
Thomas DuChane Dec 26, 2025
10

Words cannot describe what good is being done here...what a truly refreshing example of what we can make happen if we tune into what's good and kind in life!

KO
kamena outdoor Dec 10, 2025
10

Mom and Pop ski hills are leading the charge for a more rounded, better family snow experience with Sam and his team leading the charge in Michigan. Sled, snowmobile, hike, cross country, or just sit by the fire in the ski lodge while you ponder getting into the wood fired hot tub. I highly recommend giving this experience a shot before everyone else does!

PS
Peter Sherman Nov 28, 2025
10

Incredible place to spend time away wether it's in the snow or just a weekend getaway! Let yourself be at peace in northern Michigans most unique lodge!

KA
Kip Armstrong Nov 01, 2025
10

Awesome, unique, eclectic place to hang out with the family, go sledding or snowmobile and bask in some of the greatest wilderness northern michigan has to offer. Sam and his crew of companions were great hosts. We all had a great time together !! thanks again

VSS
Vantage Security Systems Oct 11, 2025
10

Awesome place for outdoor activities. Amenities for up to 30 overnight guests. Great place to get away for the weekend!

DZ
David Zemens Sep 23, 2025
10

Great human-powered snowboarding (or skiing) on the former ski area terrain. Get your cardio by hiking up the old cat track and take your pick of fresh lines down the front of the hill. Rad place that I hope can succeed financially.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Mt. Mancelona

People also viewed

Similar Resort Hotels in Michigan

Hand-picked alternatives with a comparable feel, size and price band.

3333 8 Mile Rd, Warren, MI 48091, United States

Suez Motel

Discover Suez Motel at 3333 8 Mile Rd, Warren, MI. Enjoy clean, airconditioned rooms, free parking, and reliable WiFi. Perfect f...

3.4 (551) View
26 Lowrie Ave, Gladstone, MI 49837, United States

Lakeside Motor Inn

Experience affordable comfort at Lakeside Motor Inn, a 3.8rated hotel in Gladstone, MI. Enjoy clean rooms with free WiFi, petfr...

3.8 (248) View
22440 Plymouth Rd, Detroit, MI 48239, United States

Royal Budget Inn

Royal Budget Inn offers affordable, tidy rooms with friendly service in Detroit, MI. Enjoy free WiFi and parking near top sightse...

3.9 (161) View
5570 Lapeer Rd, Smiths Creek, MI 48074, United States

Blue Water Motel

Blue Water Motel offers a welcoming, homey atmosphere with friendly management and kidfriendly amenities in Smiths Creek, MI. Enj...

3.1 (42) View
4240 Airline Hwy, Norton Shores, MI 49444, United States

Belaire Motel

Discover Belaire Motel in Norton Shores, MI, a familyrun, budgetfriendly motel with clean rooms, free WiFi, and a relaxing pati...

3.6 (123) View
1306 N Clare Ave, Harrison, MI 48625, United States

Acorn Motel

Acorn Motel offers clean, quiet rooms with friendly service in Harrison, MI. Enjoy easy access to local sights, familyfriendly am...

3.6 (23) View
9087 Birch Run Rd, Birch Run, MI 48415, United States

Birch Run/Frankenmuth Hotel

Birch Run/Frankenmuth Hotel offers cozy king suites with spa tubs, a friendly staff, and convenient access to Birch Run Premium Ou...

3.7 (1,496) View
51704 M 51 N, Dowagiac, MI 49047, United States

Peck Motel

Discover Peck Motel in Dowagiac, Michigan, offering budgetfriendly stays with essential amenities like free WiFi and parking. Id...

2.4 (38) View
105 N Rose St, Ishpeming, MI 49849

Triangle Motel

Triangle Motel offers clean, petfriendly, and airconditioned rooms in a quiet Ishpeming neighborhood. Enjoy friendly service, bu...

4 (85) View
465 US-31, Holland, MI 49423, United States

Wooden Shoe Motel

Wooden Shoe Motel offers a classic 70’s vibe with updated, petfriendly rooms, free WiFi, and parking. Enjoy attentive service, a...

2.5 (119) View
Share your stay

Stayed at Mt. Mancelona? Help the next traveler decide.

Short, honest notes are more useful than long ones. A few sentences about what worked, what surprised you, and who the hotel is best for will go a long way.

Your email is only used to verify the review — it won't be shown publicly.