Lodge Rental

This historic lodge was recently restored to its original character - with the modern amenities of a new conference center. The lodge can hold about 30 people comfortably, but can accommodate up to 50 people if needed. The size of the main lodge is 32 feet by 24 feet. The size of the small room (potential staging area) is 24 feet by 10 feet. The lodge contains two handicap accessible, unisex bathrooms.

The lodge is equipped with tables and chairs. Smoking in the lodge is strictly prohibited.

For more information about the lodge or to make a reservation, please contact the Newaygo Community Recreation Authority at: 231-652-9298,ext.11.

John Graves Lodge
4684 Evergreen Drive
Newaygo, MI 49337

For more information about the rules and regulations of the lodge please download the Rental Policy .The Rental Agreement Application can be downloaded here.

For more pictures of the Lodge Renovation, go to the projects page of this website

Lodge History

Probably once best known for its twin cement toboggan runs and sledding hill, the John Graves Lodge and surrounding park grounds have been a center for winter activities in Newaygo County for several decades.

After reviewing and discussing the future of the lodge and park for over a year, the Recreation Authority reasoned that, in the short term, the cost of repairing and/or replacing the toboggan run was too high and that recent warm weather trends would leave the potential operation of such equipment open for only a short period of time.

Therefore, the Recreation Authority determined that the lodge and park would make an ideal location for a trailhead - linking to the North Country Trail and the 16 miles of future trails detailed in the Authority's Recreation Plan. Therefore, over the past two years, the Recreation Authority has made a number of improvements to get the lodge clean, safe and operational, including: a new roof, a series of structural improvements (that match the original log structure), electric and septic upgrades, new windows and ceiling fans, new floors, two new bathrooms and painting. In addition, the Recreation Authority has worked to construct a new parking lot, plant new landscaping and clear a view of adjacent Little Lake Placid.

Funding for lodge and parks upgrades was provided by a generous grant from the Fremont Area Community Foundation. Additional funding support (including in-kind services and a lot of sweat equity) was provided by Newaygo County, the City of Newaygo the Newaygo Community Recreation Authority and citizens of the greater Newaygo Community.

The upgrades spearheaded by the Recreation Authority coincide with recent renovations to the "front building" by Newaygo County - establishing a welcome center for the county and new offices for the Newaygo County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Newaygo County Economic Development and the Newaygo County Parks Department.