Brimley Lodgings

WILLABEE'S MOTEL
(906) 248-3090
New in 1998, this 36-unit motel on two stories is on the bank of the Waisheky River near its mouth. Next door is a restaurant with lounge; between the buildings, stairs go down to a boat dock on the river and fish. Coffee and hot drinks are available in a comfortable, homey lobby decorated in antiques. Rooms are large, with queen or king beds and sometimes a pullout sofa. There's cable TV and free
Wi-Fi. Rates: $62 on weekdays, $68 on weekends. Brimley State Park is two miles to the east, Bay Mills Resort and Casino two miles west, and the Cozy Inn is just across the road, by the gas station/convenience store. On snowmobile trail.

BAY MILLS RESORT & CASINO
(888) 422-9645; (906) 248-3617
Its operators tout the resort as a "unique gaming getaway" for people who may enjoy "hearing the clanging of a paying slot machine" or the "quiet lapping of waves." There aren't many lodgings in this beautiful area. This is by far the largest (144 rooms) and the most attractive. Every room has at least an angled lake view. Rates in summer, $107 for a standard double, $129 for jacuzzi suites. Off-season rates are $20 less. The decor is terrific, and the service is friendly in a down-to-earth way. Cushy leather sofas flank a big stone fireplace in the lobby, where it's often so quiet that you'd never dream the noise and cigarette smoke of a casino are a short walk away. There's a pub with pizza, a restaurant with an all-you-can-eat café, and a quiet lounge. Now there's an RV park here, too. No-smoking rooms are available. Ask about per-person golf and gaming packages. There's a driving range and golf pro at the 18-hole Wild Bluff golf course.

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