The Village of Alanson is serenely nestled on the bank of the Crooked River,
a major link in the Inland Waterway of Northern Michigan, making it easily accessible
by either boat or automobile. We are conveniently located 10 miles north of Petoskey on
U.S. 31 and M-68. The Village was first settled in 1875 and incorporated in 1905 during the
great Michigan lumber boom. Our Village retains the character of that bygone era
even though visitors will find the sawmills are long gone.
The Downtown area is contained in several short blocks that place many
shops and services within easy walking distance.
Shoppers can browse for antiques, flowers, fresh baked goodies or visit the hairdresser,
bank and post office. There are restaurants galore, a first class hotel, and a hardware
store that is a historical landmark.
For tranquility, walk the boardwalk along the river, sit on the Island for a
fresh breeze off the water,
or sit among the fragrant flowers on the Hillside Gardens.
You will find Alanson is “a Place to Enjoy… a Place to Remember”.
Inland Water Route Historical Society 
Do you know the name of the motel & restaurant that used to be on M68? It and our white house are a parking lot for a Ski-do place now. Hank and Esther Goden owned it in 1960 when we live next door east. I was 5 years old. My mother helped clean the rooms. Ray Hunt lived 1 property east of us. We were renters, our names are Boxell. Across the road and west towards town was a nice home with a widow with stables and horses. It became El Rancho…something.
I was also hoping to find an image or postcard of the motel. There were maybe 8 units. The restaurant was west of the motel. It had glass widows on the front with a central door
Thank you for any help
Tom Boxell
I do not really remember much about that location. Especially names.
I do remember the small restaurant.
I will ask around.
Ironically I summer in El Rancho. LOL.
I have asked about the motel. I do not have an answer. Sorry.
Thank you! I see you have a Fairbairn on your board. My dad, Bob Boxell sang in the Petoskey Presbyterian church, Gertrude F. was the organist. I was in Kindergarten with Tommy F. I was Tommy B. I am 71 now. I still get to Alanson now and then. The town looks very nice. Dad kept a boat at Ryde’s Marina in Ponshewang. We once travelled from Pickerel Lake as far as Indian River and back. We also watched the races a couple of times. Good memories.
Thanks, Great memories