Two Rivers Motel & Cabins

Flash back to the summer of ’99: my wife and I are on a camping vacation around the western UP. She’d recently lost her job and I was a graduate student at the time, so saying money was tight is an understatement. Rain was chasing us throughout our trip, and when we got to Kenton we thought we were about to drown setting up our tent. My wife informed me that she couldn’t stand another night in the rain. I remembered seeing a little motel on the outskirts of Kenton with a sign advertising rooms for $ 20 a night. Couldn’t quite believe my eyes at the time, and although I was a little concerned about what kind of room we’d get for that price, we headed there. At the front desk I asked if the rooms were really only $ 20, and the clerk replied «I’m sorry sir, but for two people it’s $ 25.»
Well.
We got our key and as soon as we opened the door, we were fans. Knotty pine paneling on all walls, solid wood furniture, clean as could be, and a stove, sink and fridge. A little small, but it was dry and cozy and at that point in our vacation it felt like heaven.
We’ve been back there six times in the years since. The area is wonderful for outdoor pursuits, but I think we come back to Kenton because of the Two Rivers as much for the trails, rivers, and views. A lot of others seem to feel the same way. If you plan to visit during the prime fishing, hunting, or snowmobile seasons, get your reservations at least a couple months in advance.
Even though it sits along the main highway, the Two Rivers is always quiet and peaceful (it helps that M-​28 has minimal traffic much of the time). Other guests have been friendly and up to chatting about the fishing or the weather. The management is quick to supply more towells, sheets, etc., or give good info on local events and activities. The kitchenette is especially welcome since the only dining option in the area is burgers at the local bars.
Though it has been kept up very well, the motel does show its age (and I don’t know exactly what that is, but it has to be 60 if it’s a day). The pine walls are a little sticky, and the stoves in the rooms are a little bit rusty, not to mention worn by decades of scrubbing. Three prong outlets are scarce, if you need to run a laptop (and yes, the TR has wi-​fi, although the signal cuts out from time to time). And as I mentioned, it is a little small. Ceilings are low and it’s very easy to bump your head on the ceiling fans. The bathroom is a bit cramped, and the showerheads in the shower cubicles are too low (unless maybe you’re 5’6″ or under).
Pretty small drawbacks, though, when you consider the whole package. The rate has gone up a bit, but it’s still much less than you’d pay in most places. And I’ve had worse rooms that cost way more than one at the TR. This is a very special part of Michigan (obviously in my case, an addictive one), and I don’t know if there’s a better base for exploring it than the Two Rivers motel. It’s currently for sale, and I hope whoever takes it over continues everything that made us love the place.

We were on our way to Canada and needed a place to stay for one night. Found this motel on the internet. Sounded good so we decided to stay there and I glad we did. Turns out it’s just a small one room but, it was as clean a place as we’ve ever stayed. Had everything we needed as well. Frig, microwave, stove, sink, utensils, TV, and free Wi-​FI. There is also a multi-​family cabin there as well. There are some nice hiking trails around also. It’s in the middle of nowhere but, it is a very nice place to stay. The owner is a very nice lady and will offer information if you need. She rents mostly to fisherman and hunters during the seasons. We will go back.