Northern Michigan River Life and Business

Live the River Life: Owning Carlisle Canoe Livery in Grayling, Michigan

For those who dream of blending business ownership, outdoor adventure, and a true Northern Michigan lifestyle, few opportunities compare to owning Carlisle Canoe Livery. Located in the heart of Grayling, directly on the iconic Au Sable River, this is more than a seasonal business—it’s a way of life.

A Riverfront Home and Business in One

Imagine waking up each morning in a classic, fully updated home, coffee in hand, overlooking the Au Sable River as paddlers quietly drift by. This property allows you to live directly on the river in downtown Grayling, steps from shops, dining, and everyday conveniences, while operating a respected and established canoe livery right outside your door. Few businesses offer this kind of seamless integration between work, home, and recreation.

A Seasonal Business That Respects Your Time

Carlisle Canoe Livery operates primarily 4–5 months per year, offering a healthy seasonal income while preserving the rest of the year for personal pursuits. Whether you want to travel, hunt, fish, snowmobile, or simply enjoy Northern Michigan’s quieter seasons, this schedule provides exceptional lifestyle flexibility that year-round businesses rarely allow.

Easier to Run Than Most Liveries

Not all liveries are created equal—and this is where Carlisle truly shines. Compared to many operations that juggle massive fleets, complex logistics, and constant staffing demands, Carlisle is notably simple and efficient:

• Multiple-day bookings create higher income per trip
• A strong car-spotting model reduces operational complexity
• Minimal vehicle inventory: just a few buses, vans, and trailers
• Straightforward daily setup—set out canoes and kayaks on your own riverfront boardwalk, retrieve as needed
• Ample on-site parking, reducing traffic and logistical headaches

This streamlined operation makes Carlisle ideal for an owner-operator, couple, or family seeking a business that is manageable, proven, and enjoyable to run.

The Au Sable Advantage

The Au Sable River is one of Michigan’s most famous and beloved paddling rivers, drawing visitors from across the Midwest and beyond. Owning a livery here means tapping into consistent demand, repeat customers, and a strong tourism brand that already exists—no need to reinvent the wheel.

A Lifestyle Few Get to Claim

This is the kind of opportunity that appeals to those who value time, place, and quality of life as much as financial return. You’re not commuting to an office or managing a high-stress operation—you’re living riverside, working outdoors, and building equity in both a business and a home.

For the right buyer, Carlisle Canoe Livery offers something rare:
A respected seasonal business, a riverfront home, and an authentic Northern Michigan lifestyle—all in one.

If you’ve ever pictured yourself living on the river, working with people who are there to enjoy life, and owning a business that fits the rhythm of Northern Michigan, this may be exactly what you’ve been waiting for.

Contact Ken Weaver at 231-357-0821 or TraverseNorth@gmail.com for details. Ken Weaver is the cabin resort, livery and campground expert for Northern Michigan