One Stay, Four Seasons, Endless Trails
By Kim Kisner, Contributing Writer
For those who live for the thrill of Michigan trails—whether on a snowmobile during the winter months or an ORV in the other three seasons — there’s a place that offers everything you need to ride, relax, and return season after season. Tucked deep in the Manistee National Forest, just outside Cadillac, Coyote Crossing Resort has become a must-visit destination for trail lovers across the Midwest.
When Pete and Julie Finch packed up their family and left Indianapolis in 2010 to buy Coyote Crossing Resort in Cadillac, Michigan, they were taking what Pete calls a “leap of faith.” With two young children in tow and a lifetime of family vacations in the area behind them, they made the bold move to turn a beloved destination into their full-time way of life.
“We had vacationed here my whole life,” Pete says. “When the resort became available, we decided to go for it. We moved with our 8- and 10-year-old kids and never looked back.”
Originally built in 2001, the resort was primarily a snowmobiler’s haven when the Finches took over. But as winters became less predictable, Pete and Julie recognized the need to evolve. They expanded the resort’s offerings and embraced four-season recreation—fishing, hunting, skiing, canoeing, and golf. The real game-changer came three years ago when wheeled vehicles were legalized in the Manistee National Forest.
“That opened the door to a whole new audience,” Pete explains. “We worked with the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau to help create a mapped scenic ride through the forest. It’s made a big difference, especially in the shoulder seasons.”
Today, Coyote Crossing Resort is a magnet for snowmobilers, ORV riders, and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. The resort sits on 50 acres surrounded by Manistee National Forest and offers direct access to trail systems.
With 10 deluxe two-bedroom cottages, guests can settle into a home away from home. Each unit features a queen bed, double and single beds, a pullout couch, a full kitchen, satellite TV, and Wi-Fi. But what really sets the resort apart is its full-service on-site bar and restaurant.
“It’s a knotty pine, Northwoods-style bar—really comfortable,” Pete says. “We do higher-end American fare, Friday fish fry’s year-round, and popular theme nights like Mexican Wednesdays and smoked BBQ in the summer.”
Coyote Crossing has also grown into a popular summer music destination, hosting 12 to 13 paid-cover concerts each year. Thursdays are reserved for open mic nights, adding another unexpected layer to the resort’s laid-back charm. “It’s a fun surprise for a lot of our guests,” Pete notes.
Beyond snowmobiling and ORV riding, the resort offers access to some of Michigan’s best outdoor experiences. The Pine River, just five minutes away, is one of the Midwest’s top canoeing and kayaking rivers. The Manistee River, only ten minutes from the resort, draws anglers from across the country for salmon and steelhead fishing. And, within 30 to 60 minutes, guests can visit Lake Michigan beaches, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Traverse City, or downtown Manistee for shopping and dining.
The Finches’ personal touch is felt throughout the property. “We used to live on-site, and we’re still very hands-on,” Pete says. “Julie’s ability to take care of guests so personally, and our long-term staff, really give the place a family feel. We have guests coming back year after year.”
That sense of loyalty extends to snowmobiling groups, many of whom book their trips well in advance and return season after season. The resort’s proximity to the Cadillac Trail System—150 miles of groomed snowmobile trails—makes it a top destination. For ORV riders, a mapped 50-mile scenic loop through the national forest connects to other nearby trail systems in Lake County, Baldwin, Luther, and Irons.
“What I love most is meeting the people,” Pete says. “Everyone’s in a good mood, looking to relax and have fun. You can’t beat that.”
Guests come from near and far. While the bulk of visitors are from Michigan and surrounding states, Pete and Julie have welcomed anglers from Texas and California, and even hosted snowmobilers from France. “The fishing crowd especially brings in people from all over the U.S.,” he says.
While snow conditions remain a yearly wild card, Pete says the legalization of OHVs in the national forest was a welcome and unexpected boost. “It’s done wonders for the local economy and extended our season. We’ve really leaned into it.”
And while Coyote Crossing is all about fun, Pete makes a point to advocate for responsible trail use. “We always ask our guests to be aware and appreciative of the environment they’re riding through,” he says. “Tread lightly. Leave a minimal impact so future generations can enjoy it too.”
Fourteen years in, Pete and Julie have no regrets. “It’s been a rewarding adventure. Not an easy one, but a good one,” Pete says. “We created a great life here, and now our kids are grown and married—and they met their spouses up here. It’s been more than we could have hoped for.” •