Your Basecamp for Northern Michigan Adventure
Nestled in the heart of Indian River, MI, Waterway Inn offers comfortable, affordable lodging steps from Northern Michigan's best trails, lakes, and outdoor recreation. Owner-operated. Dog-friendly. Trail-adjacent.
Why Choose Waterway Inn
Your basecamp for Northern Michigan's best trails, waterways, and outdoor adventures.
Step Out and Hit the Trail
We're right next to the North Central State Trail — walk, bike, or snowmobile directly from your door. No loading up, no driving. 60+ miles of groomed trail from Gaylord to Mackinaw City.
Bring Your Dog. Keep Your Budget.
Select rooms and mobile homes welcome up to two dogs. With rates lower than Gaylord, Petoskey, or Mackinaw City, you get more trip for less money. Off-season and weekly discounts available.
Trails by Day, Bonfires by Night
Hit ORV and snowmobile trails right from your door, then wind down at the picnic area — fire up the grill, shoot hoops, toss horseshoes, or gather around the bonfire pit. We supply the firewood!
What Our Guests Say
Real reviews from real guests at Waterway Inn.
We had a really great stay at Waterway! After staying a few nights in a tiny room in the UP it was SO nice to have this roomy room. Dog bed and treats were also a special touch. Rooms are remodeled and beautiful, bathrooms and shower were big. Sheets were amazing! We will be back and make Indian River THE destination instead of an overnight.
My friends and I needed a place to stay that was close to the North Central Trail while on our bike trip to Mackinaw City. Waterway Inn was perfect! Large, clean room! We really enjoyed our stay and would definitely recommend to anyone that is visiting the Indian River area.
This is our second time staying at the Waterway Inn and we look forward to staying again next year! Staff is very nice, rooms are clean and come with mini fridge, microwave and coffee pot.
Our family has stayed at this motel many times, and it's always a fantastic experience! The location is perfect—right off the highway and conveniently next to fast food restaurants and two gas stations. The parking lot and all walking areas are well-lit, and we have always felt very safe staying here.
Clean, quiet, convenient, great staff. Take dogs. Would definitely recommend this motel. Will stay again in the future.
I've had done extensive traveling for work (retired now) and they typically put me up in the big name hotels. This sweet little motel is THE best place I've ever stayed. The owner and staff were so friendly and accommodating. Our room was spotless and smelled so fresh and super clean. It was very nice and tidy. So impressed. If I could, I'd give it a 10 star rating. Very comfortable and felt very safe.
Find Your Way Around
Use this map to orient yourself at Waterway Inn. Our rooms and mobile homes are just steps from the trail, picnic area, and outdoor recreation. We're centrally located near I-75 Exit 310 — just 20 miles from ski resorts, 21 miles east of Petoskey, 28 miles north of Gaylord, and 30 miles south of Mackinaw City.
- 6100 M68 Hwy, Indian River, MI 49749
- 231-238-9370
- waterwayinnir@gmail.com
- Contactless keypad check-in — arrive on your schedule
