Borchers Canoe & Kayak Livery and Inn for Sale | Grayling, Michigan
Established Au Sable River Canoe Livery, Waterfront Bed & Breakfast, and Northern Michigan Tourism Business
An exceptional opportunity to own an established canoe and kayak livery, riverfront bed and breakfast, and recreational tourism business on Michigan’s famous Au Sable River in downtown Grayling.
Borchers Canoe & Kayak Livery and Inn offers a unique combination of business ownership, waterfront real estate, hospitality income, and Northern Michigan lifestyle. Located directly on the Au Sable River in Grayling, Michigan, this established operation combines canoe and kayak rentals, river transportation services, a four-room bed and breakfast, car spotting services, and comfortable owner’s living quarters.
For buyers seeking a Northern Michigan resort property, canoe livery for sale, riverfront lodging business, or an owner-operated recreational business, Borchers represents an opportunity to acquire an established enterprise in one of Michigan’s premier outdoor recreation destinations.
Unlike many seasonal tourism businesses, Borchers provides several complementary sources of revenue, an attractive waterfront setting, and the ability for an owner to live on the property while operating the business.
Established Canoe and Kayak Livery on the Au Sable River
The Au Sable River is one of Michigan’s most recognized recreational waterways, attracting paddlers, anglers, outdoor enthusiasts, and vacationers from throughout Michigan and the Midwest.
Borchers Canoe & Kayak Livery has an established presence in this popular recreational market, providing canoe and kayak rentals along with transportation services for visitors exploring the river.
The business benefits from its downtown Grayling location, direct river frontage, existing facilities, and reputation among visitors to the Au Sable River region.
Grayling is widely recognized as a center of Michigan canoeing and river recreation. The community is home to the internationally recognized AuSable River Canoe Marathon, an annual event that attracts competitive paddlers, spectators, and visitors from across North America.
The river’s scenic surroundings, extensive paddling opportunities, and reputation as a premier recreational destination create continuing demand for canoe rentals, kayak rentals, river transportation, and related visitor services.
For an owner-operator, the established livery provides a foundation for operating a recreational business in an area with a longstanding tradition of outdoor tourism.
Four-Room Riverfront Bed and Breakfast
An important component of this property is its established four-room bed and breakfast, providing overnight accommodations for guests visiting Grayling and the surrounding Au Sable River region.
The inn enjoys an attractive setting along the river, offering guests convenient access to canoeing, kayaking, fishing, biking, hiking, and other Northern Michigan recreational activities.
The bed and breakfast complements the canoe livery operation by creating opportunities to serve guests seeking both lodging and outdoor recreation.
Visitors can enjoy a Northern Michigan getaway that includes comfortable accommodations, river activities, local dining, and access to the area’s extensive outdoor recreation opportunities.
Opportunities for Lodging Revenue Growth
The current lodging operation offers potential for an incoming owner to evaluate opportunities for additional revenue.
Historically, room rates have generally been approximately $120 to $125 per night at the upper end of the property’s pricing structure.
These rates suggest an opportunity to review the inn’s positioning within the regional lodging market and evaluate potential increases based on seasonal demand, competing accommodations, guest amenities, and local events.
Potential strategies include:
- Reviewing room rates relative to comparable Northern Michigan bed and breakfast accommodations.
- Introducing dynamic pricing for weekends, holidays, and high-demand periods.
- Expanding online marketing and direct reservations.
- Developing lodging and canoe or kayak rental packages.
- Promoting accommodations to anglers, cyclists, hikers, and outdoor recreation groups.
- Evaluating an extended operating season to capture additional lodging demand.
The inn’s location on the Au Sable River provides a distinctive feature that may help differentiate it from conventional hotels and motels.
These opportunities have not been included as guaranteed future income but represent potential areas for evaluation by a new owner.
Established Car Spotting and River Transportation Business
Another valuable component of Borchers Canoe & Kayak Livery and Inn is its car spotting and river transportation operation.
The Au Sable River attracts paddlers who bring their own canoes and kayaks and require assistance with vehicle transportation between launch and takeout locations.
Car spotting services address this need and provide an additional revenue opportunity beyond traditional canoe and kayak rentals.
This business segment also provides an opportunity to establish relationships with independent paddlers who may not otherwise require rental equipment.
The combination of equipment rentals, transportation, and car spotting creates several ways to serve the region’s established paddling market.
Attractive Commercial Facilities and Owner’s Living Quarters
Borchers includes an established office and retail facility serving the canoe livery and hospitality operations.
The commercial facilities provide an operating base for customer service, reservations, guest interactions, and the coordination of river transportation activities.
The property also includes owner’s living quarters, providing the opportunity to reside on-site while managing the business.
This arrangement can be particularly attractive to buyers seeking a lifestyle-oriented business that combines income generation with living in Northern Michigan.
Rather than purchasing a separate residence and business location, an incoming owner has the opportunity to operate the business while enjoying the property’s riverfront setting.
The combination of commercial operations, lodging accommodations, and residential space distinguishes Borchers from a traditional standalone canoe rental business.
Multiple Revenue Streams in One Established Business
One of the most attractive aspects of Borchers Canoe & Kayak Livery and Inn is the diversity of its business operations.
The property combines four complementary business components:
1. Canoe and Kayak Rentals
An established rental operation serving visitors to the Au Sable River, including vacationers, recreational paddlers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
2. River Transportation Services
Transportation associated with canoe and kayak outings, supporting customers traveling between designated river access locations.
3. Riverfront Bed and Breakfast
Four guest rooms providing overnight lodging for visitors seeking accommodations in the Grayling area.
4. Car Spotting Services
Vehicle transportation services for paddlers using their own equipment along the Au Sable River.
Together, these operations provide several sources of revenue within one established recreational tourism business.
The different services also offer opportunities for cross-marketing, with lodging guests potentially becoming rental customers and paddlers potentially becoming overnight guests.
A Seasonal Business Offering a Northern Michigan Lifestyle
For many prospective buyers, the appeal of Borchers extends beyond its financial performance.
This is an opportunity to own and operate an established recreational business while living along one of Michigan’s most beautiful and recognized rivers.
The canoe and kayak business is naturally concentrated around the warmer recreational season, providing an operating schedule that may appeal to buyers seeking a seasonal lifestyle business.
The existing lodging operation also has a limited operating season, offering an incoming owner the opportunity to evaluate whether expanding availability during selected spring, fall, or winter periods would be beneficial.
For owners who enjoy outdoor recreation, the Grayling area offers exceptional opportunities for mountain biking, fishing, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and exploring Northern Michigan.
The property’s owner’s quarters provide the convenience of living where the business operates, potentially reducing the need for separate housing.
Borchers may appeal to an individual owner-operator, a couple seeking a lifestyle change, an experienced hospitality operator, or an entrepreneur interested in expanding an existing outdoor recreation business.
Grayling, Michigan – A Premier Northern Michigan Recreation Destination
Grayling is located in Crawford County in the heart of Northern Michigan, with convenient access to Interstate 75 and major recreational destinations throughout the northern Lower Peninsula.
The community has developed a strong reputation for outdoor recreation, particularly canoeing, kayaking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and winter sports.
Its location provides convenient access to numerous lakes, rivers, state forests, and recreational trail systems.
Au Sable River Canoeing, Kayaking, and Fishing
The Au Sable River is internationally recognized for its recreational opportunities and natural beauty.
The river is particularly well known for canoeing, kayaking, and trout fishing, attracting visitors throughout the recreational season.
The annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon is one of the area’s signature events, highlighting the region’s longstanding connection to paddling and outdoor recreation.
For Borchers, the river is both a defining feature of the real estate and the foundation of its principal business operations.
Mountain Biking and the Hanson Hills Recreation Area
Grayling has become an increasingly popular destination for mountain biking and outdoor endurance recreation.
Nearby Hanson Hills Recreation Area offers mountain biking trails, hiking, cross-country skiing, and seasonal outdoor activities.
The area’s trail systems attract recreational cyclists and competitive riders, providing another potential customer market for local lodging operators.
The growing popularity of outdoor recreation creates opportunities for businesses that serve visitors seeking active vacations.
Winter Recreation and Cross-Country Skiing
Although the primary canoe and kayak season occurs during warmer months, the Grayling region offers recreational opportunities throughout the year.
Hanson Hills is a well-known cross-country skiing destination, and the surrounding region provides opportunities for snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and other winter activities.
These attractions may create opportunities for expanded lodging marketing during selected winter periods.
Downtown Grayling Dining, Breweries, and Shopping
Downtown Grayling offers restaurants, casual dining, local shops, and breweries that contribute to the area’s appeal as a vacation destination.
Guests can enjoy a day on the river, explore nearby recreational trails, and return to town for dining and entertainment.
The community’s outdoor recreation identity, small-town atmosphere, and convenient access to Northern Michigan attractions make it an appealing destination for both short visits and extended vacations.
Convenient Access to Northern Michigan Destinations
Grayling is conveniently situated along the I-75 corridor, providing access to several important Northern Michigan communities and destinations.
Gaylord, located to the north, offers additional shopping, restaurants, golf courses, and commercial services.
Traverse City, located to the west, is a major regional tourism destination offering wineries, restaurants, beaches, shopping, and Cherry Capital Airport.
The surrounding region also provides access to numerous inland lakes, state forests, golf courses, and recreational attractions.
Grayling’s central location allows visitors to enjoy the Au Sable River while exploring much of Northern Michigan.
Opportunities for Business Expansion and Increased Revenue
Borchers Canoe & Kayak Livery and Inn is an established business with existing revenue streams and facilities.
For a motivated incoming owner, several opportunities may warrant further investigation.
Expanded Digital Marketing
A comprehensive digital marketing program targeting canoe rentals, kayak rentals, Au Sable River lodging, Grayling bed and breakfast accommodations, and outdoor recreation vacations could help attract additional customers.
Potential marketing channels include Google Business Profile, search engine optimization, online lodging platforms, social media, video marketing, and direct reservations.
Lodging Rate Optimization
The property’s historical lodging rates suggest an opportunity to evaluate pricing relative to comparable accommodations.
A modern revenue management approach could include seasonal pricing, weekend premiums, event-based rates, and adjustments based on occupancy and demand.
Lodging and Recreation Packages
The combination of overnight accommodations and recreational services creates opportunities to market packages to couples, families, and small groups.
Packages could combine lodging with canoe rentals, kayak outings, and other regional recreational experiences.
Expanded Shoulder-Season Lodging
The Grayling region attracts visitors for fishing, biking, hiking, fall colors, and winter recreation.
An incoming owner could evaluate the potential benefits and costs of extending lodging operations beyond the traditional summer season.
Additional Car Spotting and Transportation Marketing
Car spotting provides a service to paddlers who own their equipment.
Additional outreach to paddling groups, canoe clubs, fishing enthusiasts, and recreational organizations may offer opportunities to expand awareness of this service.
All expansion opportunities should be independently evaluated by prospective purchasers, including staffing, equipment, licensing, operating costs, market demand, and applicable regulations.
Who Should Consider Purchasing Borchers Canoe & Kayak Livery and Inn?
This property may be particularly attractive to buyers seeking:
- An established canoe and kayak livery for sale in Michigan.
- A Northern Michigan recreational tourism business.
- A waterfront bed and breakfast with owner’s quarters.
- An owner-operated hospitality and outdoor recreation business.
- A seasonal business with multiple revenue sources.
- A commercial waterfront property on the Au Sable River.
- A lifestyle business offering the opportunity to live and work in Northern Michigan.
- An existing business with opportunities to evaluate expanded marketing, lodging rates, and seasonal operations.
The combination of riverfront real estate, established business operations, lodging accommodations, and owner’s living quarters creates a distinctive investment and lifestyle opportunity.
Northern Michigan Resort and Recreational Business Real Estate
Properties combining waterfront real estate, established recreational operations, and lodging accommodations represent a specialized segment of the Northern Michigan commercial real estate market.
Borchers Canoe & Kayak Livery and Inn offers prospective buyers the opportunity to evaluate an established business rather than starting a new operation from the ground up.
The existing combination of canoe and kayak rentals, river transportation, car spotting, and lodging provides an operating foundation that could be attractive to buyers seeking entry into the outdoor recreation and hospitality industries.
The property’s direct frontage on the Au Sable River and downtown Grayling location are important characteristics of this offering.
Borchers Canoe & Kayak Livery and Inn – Business and Real Estate for Sale
Location: Grayling, Crawford County, Michigan
Waterfront: Direct frontage on the Au Sable River
Business Type: Canoe and kayak livery, bed and breakfast, river transportation, and car spotting services
Lodging: Four-room bed and breakfast
Residential Accommodations: On-site owner’s living quarters
Commercial Facilities: Established office and customer service facilities
Market: Northern Michigan outdoor recreation, tourism, and hospitality
Primary Attractions: Au Sable River, downtown Grayling, Hanson Hills, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and regional recreational tourism
Business Opportunity: Established operations with multiple revenue sources and opportunities to evaluate future growth
Contact Ken Weaver or Marissa Spencer of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Michigan Real Estate anytime
Borchers Canoe & Kayak Livery and Inn is offered through Ken Weaver of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Michian, specializing in the sale of campgrounds, cabin resorts, canoe liveries, waterfront lodging properties, and recreational hospitality businesses throughout Michigan.
With extensive experience in Northern Michigan commercial and recreational real estate, Traverse North Realty provides specialized marketing and brokerage services for buyers and sellers of unique hospitality properties.
Qualified buyers interested in acquiring Borchers Canoe & Kayak Livery and Inn in Grayling, Michigan, are invited to request additional information regarding the real estate, business operations, historical financial performance, and acquisition opportunity.
Northern Michigan Resort, Hospitality, and Recreational Business Real Estate
Financial information, operating history, and potential business opportunities are provided for informational purposes. Buyers should conduct their own due diligence regarding business operations, financial performance, property condition, licenses, and future operating potential.
