At Best Bear Resort in Irons, Michigan, you can rent a Polaris side-by-side and head straight onto nearby ORV trails without hauling your own machine. The property offers direct access to a network of more than 230 miles of trails through northern Michigan.
The resort also has cabins, RV sites, a swimming pool, and a hot tub. Guests can rent a Polaris Slingshot for paved-road adventures or check out live entertainment and special events at the on-site Rhinestone Event Center.
There’s even a mechanical bull, with special promotions offering free rides to Polaris rental customers. It’s an unusual combination of off-road adventure, overnight accommodations, and entertainment, all at one Michigan resort.
A Forest Address Built for Riders
Best Bear Resort sits at 10642 N Merriville Rd in Irons, Michigan. It’s a low-key spot on forested grounds near the outskirts of the Huron-Manistee National Forest.
The resort mixes several ways to stay in one place. It has studio rooms, rustic cabins, camper rentals, and an RV park.
That variety helps when your group includes campers, cabin fans, and people who just want a real bed.
What grabs my attention is the location. The national forest covers a huge stretch of the Lower Peninsula, and it’s full of trail systems.
Staying right next to it saves a lot of driving.
The resort is also about 52 miles from Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City. That’s handy if some of your crew flies in while others drive up with trailers.
Owners Matt and Carrie run the place, and guests often mention them by name. One longtime group says they met the couple back in 2013, before the pair bought the resort.
So the setting is rural, wooded, and made for people who like dirt on their tires. Next comes the reason most riders book a stay here.
Trails That Start at Your Campsite
Hauling a trailer to a trailhead gets old fast. At Best Bear, trail access is close enough that many guests ride straight from the campground.
The resort sits between several trail routes. That central spot means you can head out in different directions over a long weekend without loading up your rig.
ORV riding is the main draw here. You’ll see four-wheelers, dirt bikes, and side-by-sides rolling through the property, and campsites sit near the riding traffic.
That setup works because the crowd is mostly riders. People here expect engines in the morning and don’t mind a machine passing by their site.
A quick tip I’d follow is to keep it slow on the resort roads. There’s a low speed limit inside the grounds, and the trails are the place to open things up.
Bring your own machine if you have one. If you don’t, the resort has a solution waiting near the office, and it’s one of the most talked-about parts of a stay.
No Machine at Home, No Problem
Plenty of people would love a trail day but don’t own a side-by-side. Best Bear rents them right on site, which removes the biggest hurdle for first-timers.
Guests have rented RZR-style side-by-sides and taken them straight onto nearby trails. One family celebrating a 50th anniversary said the grandkids liked trail riding most of all.
I can see why this matters for mixed groups. Your experienced rider friends bring their own machines, and everyone else can rent and join the convoy.
The owners have even helped late arrivals find a rental so they could ride with friends. That kind of help makes planning a group trip less stressful.
Rentals can get busy during peak weekends. I’d reserve a machine when you book your room or campsite instead of hoping one is free when you arrive.
Ask about trail maps, rules, and safety gear before you head out. Off-road riding is fun, but forest trails reward riders who know where they’re going.
And trails aren’t the only ride on the rental list.
Slingshots for the Paved Side of Michigan
Want a different kind of thrill? The resort also rents Slingshots, those low three-wheeled roadsters that look ready for a sci-fi movie.
A Slingshot is made for paved roads, not dirt trails. That gives you a fun way to explore the wider region on a day when your legs want a break from bumps.
One couple rode a resort Slingshot from Manistee up M-22 and back. M-22 follows the Lake Michigan shoreline and passes through some of the state’s best-loved scenery.
I like this option for couples or for one day of a longer trip. Spend the morning on forest trails, then cruise past lakes and small towns the next day.
Plan for weather, since you’ll be open to the sky. A light jacket and sunglasses help, especially along the windy lakeshore.
Of course, all that riding builds an appetite. Luckily, dinner doesn’t require another drive, because the resort has its own event center with food, music, and something that bucks.
Dinner, Karaoke, and a Mechanical Bull
The Rhinestone Event Center is the social heart of Best Bear. It’s an on-site spot for food, live music, karaoke, and yes, a mechanical bull.
The building has seen recent updates, and guests describe it as new and improved. It also hosts weddings, so the space can be dressed up for big occasions.
Having dinner on the property is a big plus after a day of riding. Nobody wants to change clothes and drive to town when they’re tired and covered in dust.
Karaoke nights give families and friend groups a reason to stay together after supper. Shy singers can cheer, and brave ones can grab the mic.
The mechanical bull is the wild card. It’s a playful challenge for the young at heart, and watching others try is half the fun.
I’d check what events are scheduled before your trip. A wedding or special night could change the vibe, and you may want to plan around it.
Then again, some guests skip the noise and head for the water.
Pool Time After a Hot Trail Morning
Summer trail riding can be hot, sandy work. That’s why the outdoor pool at Best Bear makes so much sense for afternoon downtime.
The pool is a fairly recent addition, along with a hot tub. Returning guests have noticed the upgrade, and families seem to plan their days around it.
A simple routine works well here. Ride in the cooler morning, swim in the afternoon, then soak in the hot tub as evening sets in.
The hot tub feels useful after long hours of bouncing over roots and ruts. Sore shoulders and stiff backs get a little relief.
It’s also a social space. People meet fellow guests there and swap trail tips, which fits the friendly feel many visitors describe.
Pack swimsuits and a quick-dry towel along with your riding gear. It’s easy to forget them when your mind is full of helmets and goggles.
After the swim, most people head back to their own space for the night. Choosing that space is where Best Bear gets surprisingly fun.
Cabins With Names Like Speedy Bear
Speedy Bear, Over Yonder, the Chalet. The cabin names alone make picking a place to sleep feel playful.
Layouts vary, so groups can match a unit to their size. Speedy Bear has worked for a large family, while smaller cabins suit couples or pairs of riders.
Some cabins come with bunk beds, which kids tend to fight over. Many guests describe their cabins as clean, quiet, and comfortable.
The Over Yonder cabin has a big screen TV, air conditioning, a kitchen, and both gas and charcoal grills. Each cabin also has its own fire pit, which is perfect for evening s’mores.
One detail matters a lot here. Not every cabin has a bathroom, and at least one small cabin lacks a toilet and sink.
I’d ask clear questions before booking. Confirm the bathroom setup, bedding, and kitchen supplies, especially if you cook a lot.
Heavy cooks may want to bring an extra pot.
Prefer to sleep in your own rig? The campground has room for that too.
Room for RVs, Campers, and Trailers
Pull-through sites are a gift to anyone towing a long rig. Best Bear’s RV park has them, and campers say the sites are roomy.
That space matters when you’re hauling a camper plus a side-by-side. You need room to unload, park, and still have a spot for chairs around the fire.
The resort also rents camper trailers. That’s a nice middle ground if you want the camping feel without owning an RV.
One couple enjoyed their camper rental so much that they extended their stay by a night. Others mention comfortable beds and clean interiors.
Despite the engines and pets, the campground stays fairly peaceful. Riders and families tend to respect each other’s space.
Storms can happen in northern Michigan. The owners have restored campground power after one, and they even loaned a guest a mobile hotspot for Wi-Fi.
Bring leveling blocks, extension cords, and some patience for weather. Then let the forest do its thing.
If you’d rather skip camping altogether, the resort has simpler rooms too.
Studios That Keep Things Simple
Sometimes you just want a door, a bed, and a kitchenette. Best Bear’s studio rooms cover those basics without fuss.
Each studio has a private entrance, so you can come and go in muddy boots without tracking through a lobby. They also include flat-screen TVs and kitchenettes.
BBQ facilities are available too. Grilling burgers outside after riding feels right at a place like this.
Free Wi-Fi and free parking are part of the deal. Air conditioning helps on muggy summer nights, and the rooms are smoke-free.
The resort is also pet-friendly and kid-friendly. That opens the door for families who don’t want to board the dog for a weekend.
Booking is simple, with reminder emails sent before arrival. The owners respond by text and email, which helps when you have last-minute questions.
I’d choose a studio if your group values comfort over rustic charm. It’s an easy landing pad between trail days.
And when trail season fades, the property changes its rhythm.
Snow Season Brings the Sleds
Winter doesn’t shut down the fun around Irons. Snowmobilers use Best Bear as a base when snow covers the forest.
The appeal is similar to summer. Trails are close, so you can spend more time riding and less time hauling machines around.
Repairs can pop up on cold trail days. One longtime guest had a snowmobile missing an A-arm nut, and the resort sent its mechanic over to fix it.
Having that kind of help nearby is a relief in a rural area. Parts stores aren’t on every corner up here.
Winter visitors should pack warm layers, spare gloves, and basic tools. Check trail conditions before heading out, since snow can change quickly.
Many guests come back year after year in every season. Some groups have returned annually since before the current owners even bought the place.
That loyalty says a lot about how the resort feels. Summer or winter, it stays a practical home base for people who love motors and trees.
Share this story
