FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

How soon in advance should I reserve the week?

I’d be happy to put a tentative hold on any week you are considering now. We have bookings through 2013.  We can get the initial payment set as soon as your plans are solidified.

 payment options:

Option 1:  You can mail a $200 check to us at:

UP Michigan Rentals

1736 McKinley St.

Wyandotte, MI 48192

Option 2: You can pay through the invoice I send you in an email or on our website www.upmichiganrentals.com  (lower left-hand corner)

Option 3: Call me and I can process your credit card over the phone

Option 4: You an email your credit card number, expiration date and billing address and I can process your $200 deposit from there.

I’ll then send you an initial confirmation letter. We do ask for the payment in full a month before your arrival.

LOCATION
NUMBER OF PEOPLE
HOLDING DATE
PAYMENTS
ACCESSIBILITY
CHILDREN
AIRPORTS
RETREATS
NATURE SURROUNDS
TREES
BOATS & MOTORS
FISHING
HUNTING
TRAILS
WHAT IS INSIDE THE CABINS?
BATHROOMS
BASIC SUPPLIES
PERSONAL TOILETRIES
AIR CONDITIONING
TV
INTERNET
GRILLS
FIREPLACES
PARKING
CLEANING UP
SHOPPING ACTIVITIES

LOCATION:

Republic Island: Located 2 miles West of the town of Republic, Michigan 49879, right off of MI-95
Rapid River Lodge: Located 7 miles North of the town of Rapid River, Michigan 49878, right off of US 41 – Locals know it as the “Old Dutch Mill,” the rockin’ dance hall of the 30s-70s. Where all the best polka bands performed and the locals loved to host their wedding receptions.

It is an hour and 1/2 drive between the 2 properties.

NUMBER OF PEOPLE:

You must be at least 21 years old to book our properties. Underage drinking is not allowed. Children must be supervised at all times.

Republic Island: Ideal for 1-4 people. We do allow a maximum of 6 people to stay on the Island, though it isn't recommended. Rarely does a group of 6 people enjoy themselves on the Island, as the space is cozy and an island setting is a unique experience in closeness. The phrase “even one bad apple can spoil the bunch” rings true on an Island getaway. You either are or aren’t a nature lover. It can’t be forced.

Rapid River Lodge: 2-20 people can comfortably enjoy the Lodge with the 13 beds and plenty of extra space to put down a sleeping bag or air mattress. We allow groups up to 60 people at the Lodge at any given time. More than 60 people can compromise our septic system. We do allow people who are environmentally aware/ sensitive to have members of their group camp on the property or park their RV on the property while the rest of the family stays in the Lodge.

HOLDING DATES:
Upon request, we can put a tentative hold on the properties for you, as you gather your group together. We then ask that once you decide, please let me know (either way) and we will move forward with the deposit. If I get another request for the dates you have on a tentative hold, then I will give you 24 hours to make your final decision and submit a deposit.

PAYMENTS:
Our initial deposit rates are as follows: $500 for a week at the Lodge. $200 for the Island or a weekend at the Lodge. Payable by either check or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express.) Then, I will send you an initial confirmation letter as a receipt of your payment.

Your final payment is due 1 month before your arrival. When we receive your final payment, we will then send you the rental/liability agreement, the arrival/departure information and the directions.

ACCESSIBILITY:
Island: The only access to the Island is from a boat, cruising across 300 feet of the slow flowing Michigamme River. I'm sorry to say that the Island is NOT for anyone with any physical challenges whatsoever. People especially with knee or back problems are advised to try our Lodge instead. The initial incline you have to walk down to get to the boats is at approximately 30 degrees. Then, once you cross over to the Island, you have to walk up an incline of about 20 degrees. While we try to keep the pontoon boat in the water at all times, there are times when we have to pull a boat and you may have to climb into one of our other boats to get to the Island.

Lodge: Easy, easy. We have a handicap ramp in the back deck or you can walk up the 2 steps into the front door. You can pull your car/van up directly to the ramp and roll on out. The Lodge is all on 1 level, so you aren't excluded from any activity. If you have special handicap requirements, please don't hesitate to ask and we'll see what we can do to accommodate your needs.

CHILDREN:
Island: If your child likes to boat, fish, explore nature during the day and can curl up with a book a book or play board games at night around a fire, then Island can be an absolutely wonderful experience. Kids love to take the 2 person paddle boat around the river. Supervision is required at all times. The Island is NOT recommended for infants-preschool aged children. The Island is not child safety-proof. Honestly, kids either love or hate the Island experience. Kids have to love nature, and enjoy entertaining themselves, or they can make it tough on everyone around them in this cozy environment. There are steep inclines, where constant supervision of little ones is required. Plus, the deck has open spaces under the rails where little ones could fall if left unsupervised. Also, the TV only has 2 channels (NBC and PBS) with a small selection of movies and games. Kids, especially teens, who need to be entertained and/or who have a lot of fears surrounding noises, animals and nature, honestly will probably not enjoy the Island experience. The closest beach swimming is 2 miles down the river, an easy drive down the street.

Lodge: Kids love to sleep in the bunk beds or in the sleeping bags in the great room, search for crawfish in the river and play in the park next door with a slide and swingset. Little ones have a large great room to explore, some games and the TV with Dish Network and a small selection of videos. The river is fun to wade or float down with a raft. The Rapid River, in front of the Lodge is only between 6 inches and 3 feet deep, depending on nature (rain and winter snowfall that has melted.) The closest beach swimming and modern play set is in Gladstone, about 14 miles southwest of the Lodge.


PETS: Yes, we do allow pets. We also don't charge extra for pets because we have had great pet-owner guests thus far. Please help us continue that trend. We do ask that you pick up after your dog, both inside and outside the cabin. If the pet hair starts to build up, we would appreciate it if you would please run the vacuum. If your pet makes a mess, please use our cleaners to clean it up. Before you leave, please make sure you take a walk around the cabin to pick up his/her messes. Also, please bring your own blankets/linens if you allow your dog on furniture or the beds. We don’t allow our dog onto the furniture or beds, though we know some pet-owners do.

Republic Island: Perfect for dogs, as they have 2 acres to run, explore, and bark their heads off without concern about bothering anyone. Still, at times they can get muddy, so we ask that you clean them up before they enter the cabin. Our dog, Max, loves to chase his little nature "friends" all over the island. Also, he likes to ride in the pontoon, though when we try to leave him on the Island to retrieve something from our car, he has been known to swim across the 100 yards, following us over to the landing.

Rapid River Lodge: Dogs are welcome at the Lodge. Nonetheless, it is not ideal for dogs, as we have a county road in front which people tend to drive too fast on. Nor do we have a fenced yard. The Delta County Rapid River Falls Park is next door. Our dog, Max, loves to take himself on walks, or visit people in the park, especially those with food. It has the potential to be a pain.


AIRPORTS:
Republic Island: Marquette-Sawyer International Airport (MQT) is the closest: About 40 minutes East of the Island. Delta County-Escanaba (ESC) is about 1 ½ hours Southeast of the Island.

Rapid River Lodge: Delta County-Escanaba (ESC) is about 25 minutes west of the Lodge. Marquette-Sawyer International Airport (MQT) is 35 minutes northwest of the Lodge.

WEDDINGS:
Republic Island: A private island is a great place for a romantic honeymoon following your wedding.

Rapid River Lodge: Maximum of 60 people. We have 10 tables and 30 chairs for your use, plus our long wooden table which seats 18. We require week-long bookings during the summer, and full weekends throughout the rest of the year. Our major concern is your happiness. Since this is a home and not a hall, the challenges are as follows:
1. We don’t have a maintenance person on-site, so there can be a delay in our ability to assist you.
2. Our parking is limited to about 20-25 cars comfortably.
3. We ask that our guests clean up after themselves. Cleaning fee of $225 if you’d like us to hire a professional company.
4. Our kitchen is only a household kitchen, so a professional catering and supplies are essential.
5. We only have a couple outside electrical outlets for your D.J. or outside lighting needs.
Please call Cara (734) 837-4976 to continue this discussion.

RETREATS:

Republic Island: Virtually a technology-free retreat from your busy life. The Island is a true way to reconnect with nature in lieu of our busy lives.

Rapid River Lodge: Perfect for your quilting or scrapbooking group! We welcome any group that brings together 10-25 people who enjoy doing their hobby together. We love our quilting and scrapbooking groups that spend their retreat time at the Lodge. Yoga and spiritual retreats have provided great experiences for guests too. Woodcarvers or fly-tying groups would enjoy time at the Lodge in the future.

We offer special rates to non-profit organizations, support groups or businesses who need the space the Lodge provides, without use of the bedrooms, for the day/evening ($50-$100, based on availability.) The Lodge supplies a wonderful space for meetings with at least 5 break-out possibilities. We even have a new 60”, mounted projection screen which is perfect for your Powerpoint Presentation.

Once a group brings their retreat to the Lodge once, they normally book their next retreat as they are departing. We offer 10 sturdy tables, 30 stackable chairs, and basic kitchen utensils – plates, cups, mugs and bowls. Many groups enjoy popping popcorn in our air popper too. We also have 3 coffee pots for your use. We have all the linens on the beds for you, plus a supply of paper towels and toilet paper.


NATURE SURROUNDS BOTH THE ISLAND AND THE LODGE:
THE RIVERS:
Republic Island: The Michigamme River is slow-flowing, with a current of about 2 miles/hour. It is between 4-20 feet deep and 300 feet wide.

Swimming: Yes, you can technically swim in the river, and we prefer to do so off of the pontoon boat. The shore around the Island is muddy/rocky. We've researched pumping in sand, and found that it would just get washed downstream. I haven’t given up hope. The closest traditional swimming beach is 2 miles East of the Island, right off of MI-95. You can access the traditional swimming area/beach by one of our boats, if the river is at the right levels- not too high so you can squeeze under the 2 bridges and not too low so that you are grounded by rocks.

Depth: The water level is directly dependent on nature, from the winter snow melting to the spring/summer rain. The part of the Michigamme River, directly in front of the Island is about 4 feet deep on the edges, and dips into 20 feet deep in the center. The area behind the Island is normally marshy- about 2-3 feet deep.

Fish: The Michigamme River has Walleye, Perch, Sunfish, Small-Mouth Bass, Catfish, Pike and the occasional Trout and Large-Mouth Bass. The bay on the East side of the Island has even provided the winning fish for the Rapid River Fishing Derby. (The fishing derby normally takes place the 2nd or 3rd weekend in July.)

Rapid River Lodge: The Rapid River is between 6 inches and 3 feet deep, and approximately 50 feet wide. It is a rapid flowing river during the spring and fall. Yes, you can canoe/kayak over the small waterfalls, down the river and into Lake Michigan in the Spring. The river is rocky (limestone) and water shoes are a must. It is fun to wade in the river or float down the river when the water is high.

Depth: Normally, in the summer the river is only between 6 inches and 2 feet.

Fish: There is a run of Steelhead in the spring and Salmon in the fall. Kids love to search for crawfish in the river during the summer. Little Bay de Noc, famous for its walleye fishing, is just 7 miles South of the Lodge. Boats can be rented in Gladstone for $15 (canoe) to $125 (pontoon) / day.

ANIMALS: Both Republic Island and the Rapid River Lodge are surrounded by true nature that we cannot control. We do our best to keep the animals at a distance for you to view and/or hear.

Republic Island Animals: moose, deer, skunks, bear, fishers, mink, muskrats, beaver, raccoons, squirrels, flying squirrels, non-poisonous snakes (there are no known poisonous snakes in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan), wolves, coyotes, and of course, deer mice, have all been spotted on or around the Island.

Republic Island Birds: An American Bald Eagle nests near the Island, hawks, owls, ducks, , grouse, whip-poor-wills and various songbirds have all been seen and/or heard on the Island.

Rapid River Lodge Animals: deer, bear, skunks, fishers, mink, muskrats, beaver, raccoons, squirrels, flying squirrels, non- poisonous snakes (there are no known poisonous snakes in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan), wolves, coyotes, and of course, deer mice, have all been spotted on or around the Lodge.

Rapid River Lodge Birds: An American Bald Eagle was spotted close to US 41, owls, hawks, turkey, grouse, whip-poor-wills and various songbirds have all been seen and/or heard in the 40 private acres surrounding the Lodge.

TREES:
Both Republic Island and the Rapid River Lodge have Ash, Maple, Birch, Pine, and Spruce trees.

BOATS – MOTORS:
Republic Island: We have 5 boats for you to captain your way across the 300 feet to the Island. While we do our best to make sure the boat motors are in working condition at all times, there is not a 100% guarantee that you will have a motor. (We run about a 99% rate of keeping the motors working in the water.) Someone in your group needs to be able-bodied enough to row the 300 feet across to the Island if need be. Life jackets are provided.
1. Simple pontoon boat with a 80lb. electric motor with an on-board charger that needs to plugged into the Island-side dock. There is a tiller steering with simple lawn chairs. The pontoon functions like a mini-barge.
2. Jon boat: 14 feet with oars.
3. Aluminum fishing boat: 14 feet with a electric tiller motor.
4. Canoe with paddles
5. Paddle boat for 2—a great leg work-out.

Rapid River Lodge: We don’t currently have any boats for your use at the Lodge. Richard’s Boat Works and Splash Rentals Boat Rental in Gladstone rents boats from canoes (approx. $15/day) to pontoon boats (approx. $125/day.) $15/day docking fees at the Gladstone Marina are additional.

FISHING :
Republic Island: The Michigamme River has Walleye, Perch, Sunfish, Small-Mouth Bass, Catfish, Pike and the occasional Trout and Large-Mouth Bashe bay on the East side of the Island has even provided the winning fish for the Rapid River Fishing Derby. (The fishing derby normally takes place the 2nd or 3rd weekend in July.)

Guided fishing is available through Uncle Ducky’s Fishing Charters or we can arrange a local guy to meet with you.

We try to keep some basic fishing gear on the Island, yet at times it gets “misplaced” so please bring your own.

Rapid River Lodge: There is a run of Steelhead in the spring and Salmon in the fall. Kids love to search for crawfish in the river during the summer. Little Bay de Noc, famous for its walleye fishing, is just 7 miles South of the Lodge. Boats can be rented in Gladstone for $15 (canoe) to $200 (pontoon) / day. Guided fishing on Little Bay de Noc can be arranged with our caretaker, Dick. Please call for details.

HUNTING:
Republic Island: Hunting is very limited on the Island. You’d have to drive or boat approximately a mile or so for any access to State or paper company land.

Rapid River Lodge: Ideal hunting—deer, turkey, bear, grouse and other small game. Hunt our private 40 acres or the State land surrounding the Lodge. We have a blind set-up on the property. Local baiting and guide services can be arranged.

TRAILS
Republic Island: There is a snowmobile trail off of the road next to the river. The county roads are perfect for biking, as Marquette County was named a top biking destination. The Heritage walking trail is in development which will someday lead you to Marquette.

Rapid River Lodge: The Hiawatha National Park Federal Cross-Country ski trails are next to the Lodge as a crow flies. These trails can be used by hikers or mountain bikers during the summer. To access the trails, you need to climb a hill across the river 100 yards, or drive to the trailhead 0.5 miles from the Lodge.

WHAT IS INSIDE THE CABINS?
BEDS
Republic Island: 3 double beds – 1 in each of the 3 bedrooms

Rapid River Lodge: 5 bedrooms
Room #1: 1 Queen – sized bed = sleeps 2
Room #2: 1 Full and twin bunk beds = sleeps 4
Room #3: 3 sets of bunk beds, 2 sets of twin bunks and 1 double on bottom, twin on top
with a child’s trundle bed underneath = sleeps 7 (possibly 8)
Room #4: 1 King-sized bed and 1 Full-sized bed = sleeps 4
Room #5: 1 Queen-sized bed = sleeps 2
We normally have 2 queen air-mattresses, plus a double pull-out couch in the great room,
and 2 couches too.

BATHROOMS
Both Republic Island and the Rapid River Lodge have running water.

Republic Island: A regular toilet, sink and shower with radiant-heat floors. Ooohh…Ahhh…..

Rapid River Lodge: 4 bathrooms
Bath #1: Normally used as the main bath behind the bar, with an extra-deep tub/shower,
toilet and vanity.
Bath #2: Between Bedrooms #1-2; Tub/shower, toilet and vanity
Bath #3: Between Bedrooms #3-4; Shower and toilet—Bedroom #3-4 each have their
own sink/vanity
Bath #4: In the Master Bedroom #5- a deep tub for 2 and a separate room for the toilet
and shower.

LINENS: Sheets and towels are provided at Republic Island and Rapid River Lodge, and are on the beds when you arrive. We do ask that you bring your own outdoor towels.

HOT TUB
Republic Island: Not yet, though hopefully someday soon….

Rapid River Lodge: We do our best to make sure the hot tub is maintained and in perfect working order at all times. Children must be supervised in the hot tub at all times. All State hot tub rules posted must be adhered to. In maintaining a hot tub to be used by various people, we are constantly working with the chemicals to ensure proper balance. You MUST shower after each use. With sensitive skin, you can break out if you don’t shower away the chemicals.

BASIC SUPPLIES
We always have toilet paper, paper towels, hand soap and garbage bags on hand.

We try to keep spices, cooking staples, coffee, aluminum foil, plastic wrap and cleaning supplies on hand, yet there is no guarantee as to what the group before you used during their stay.

Kitchen utensils, plates and glasses are provided.

PERSONAL TOILETRIES
We don’t keep an inventory of these products on hand. Please bring your own. Normally, there is some shampoo, lotion, hair spray and soap on hand, though we can’t guarantee it.

AIR CONDITIONING
Neither Republic Island nor Rapid River Lodge has air conditioning. The cool UP nights make it comfortable throughout the day.

Republic Island: A ceiling fan in the living room, and fans in each bedroom.

Rapid River Lodge: 9 ceiling fans in the Great Room/Kitchen; Each of the bedroom has a fan as well. Plus, we have 8 door walls for wonderful cross-ventilation.

TV
Republic Island: Only 2 TV channels on our 18 inch TV in the living room. We have a VCR/DVD player with a small assortment of movies/TV shows, including Gilligan’s Island.

Rapid River Lodge: We have Dish Network, a DVD/VCR. There is a 52” HDTV in the great room and an 18” TV in Bedroom #4 (with the king-sized bed.) We have a small assortment of DVDs and children’s videos.

INTERNET
I’m sorry to say that we are still working on getting Internet at both Republic Island and Rapid River Lodge. If this is a make or break-it deal for you, please call and let me know. We are researching satellite Internet options.

GRILLS

Republic Island: We have an electric outdoor grill.
Rapid River Lodge: We have a large outdoor propane grill with a warming rack. We also have a large indoor George Foreman grill too.

FIREPLACES- WOOD- FIREPITS
Republic Island: We have 2 fireplaces, one is for natural wood and the other is electric, in the larger bedroom. We have wood provided for you, next to the off-road parking space. Enough for a fire or 2 will be there when you arrive. As you need, you are welcome to get additional wood throughout your stay. Also, you are welcome to use the 2 fire-pits, one next to the cabin, and another down below, near the water. We normally have 2-4 chairs available for outdoor sitting, plus the deck.

Rapid River Lodge: We have 2 wood-burning stoves (one in the Great Room and another in Bedroom #5- the Master Bedroom.) We provide the wood for the wood-burning stoves. The 4 feet- wide fireplace has gas logs, so all you have to do is flip a switch to turn it on. The outdoor fire-pit is between the Rapid River and the Lodge. For bon-fire wood, you can gather it from the 40 acres of private property the Lodge sits upon or our care-taker, Dick, can have a face chord delivered to you for approximately $75. Call for details.

PARKING
Republic Island: We have 1 off-road parking space and a there is some pull-off space along the roadside. Still, you need to use caution when you park, as logging trucks at times pass by.

Rapid River Lodge: Approximately 25 cars can park in front of the Lodge in undesignated, gravel parking spots.

CLEANING-UP AFTER YOURSELVES
Both the Island and the Lodge are our homes, unlike a hotel or event hall, and therefore we ask that you please clean up after yourselves when you stay with us. You can leave the deep cleaning and linen changing to us, yet we would appreciate it if you would especially keep up with your dishes, wipe up spills and take care of your garbage. Daily maid service or after event cleaning can be arranged for an additional fee.

WHAT CAN YOU DO AROUND THE CABINS? (Guide books are available at each Republic Island and Rapid River Lodge)

SHOPPING
Republic Island: The closest convenience store is in the town of Republic, about 2 miles east of the Island, next closest is 7 miles north of the Island. The closest full-service grocery store is the IGA-Jubilee in Ishpeming, 14 miles Northeast of the Island. The town of Republic has a couple little stores, including an antique shop. Stop by and see John’s wonderful woodworking at Quiet Sports Outfitters, or arrange to have him take you on a wonderful canoe or kayak trip. There is even a little antique shop. You can find almost anything you need somewhere in Marquette, 40 miles from the Island.

Rapid River: The closest convenience store is in the Marathon gas station, 7 miles south of the Lodge at the corner of US 41 and US 2. The town of Rapid River has a few little shops. You can find just about anything you need in Escanaba, about 20 minutes southwest of the Lodge.

ACTIVITIES
Republic Island: Fishing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming + beach within 2 miles, biking, ultimate relaxation, cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing too.

Rapid River Lodge: Summer: Crawfish catching; casual playing in the water, exploring nature in the 40 private acres; mountain biking, beach with traditional swimming in Gladstone – 14 miles.
Winter: cross-country skiing; snow-shoeing, snowmobiling, sledding

Within an hour: Pictured Rocks in Munising, Cities of Marquette &Escanaba, winter sleigh rides (website links)

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING ELSE?
Let us know what you are looking for and we’ll see what we can do.