About Uncommon Ranch
Uncommon Ranch sits on Chase Bridge Road about 13 miles east of downtown Grayling, at the edge of the Huron National Forest. Hosts Christian and Michelle live on the property, which runs on solar power and pairs organically farmed lavender fields with rental homes and an art studio. About 10,000 lavender plants in 15 cultivars grow here, with dahlias, allium and sunflowers in the gardens, a flock of Lavender Orpington chickens and some rows left unharvested for bees.
In 2026 the fields, café and shop were open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM until August 8, closing one Saturday for the Au Sable River canoe marathon. English lavenders were all blooming by the week of July 7 and the rows were in full color in mid-July, when the ranch held Art in Bloom on July 17 and 18. Visitors can pick their own lavender to take home. After early August the ranch turns to harvest, running its copper stills on site through late summer.
The café pours lavender lattes and lavender lemonade. The art studio shows and sells original work by about a dozen regional artists, from painting and pastel to pottery and woodwork, and the shop carries handcrafted lavender goods year-round online. Four rentals, The Black Barn, Lavender Loft, Haymarsh Creek Cabin and Blueberry Hill, are open every day of the year. Groups, order pickup, photo sessions and private visits are by appointment, and small fall and winter workshops are announced as they are scheduled.
Gates Au Sable Lodge, on the river east of Grayling, is about 20 minutes away for a scratch-made dinner.
Lavender here
- When it blooms
- early to mid-July (English lavenders first)
- Visiting
- Summer open days (2026: Wednesday–Saturday 10–4 through August 8) with pick-your-own; Art in Bloom in mid-July; lodging year-round; groups and photo sessions by appointment.
From the farm shop
- Handcrafted lavender goods
- Farm-distilled lavender
- Original artwork
- Quilted cotton tote bags
Events
- Art in Bloom, mid-July (July 17–18, 2026)
What to do
- Pick your own lavender bundle in July
- See the fields in full bloom in mid-July
- Order a lavender latte or lavender lemonade at the café
- Browse original art from regional artists in the studio
- Stay in one of four rental homes on the ranch, open year-round
- Book a private photo session or group visit by appointment
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Fields, café and shop open in summer (2026: through August 8); bloom peaks mid-July; harvest and distilling in August; lodging year-round
- Hours
- Summer 2026: Wednesday–Saturday, 10 AM–4 PM, through August 8; café and studio on select fall days; lodging open 365 days
Good to know
- Reservations
- Required for groups, photo sessions and private visits; walk-in during summer open hours
Tips for your visit
- Plan your trip for July; regular summer days ended August 8 in 2026.
- The ranch closed the Saturday of the Au Sable River canoe marathon in 2026, so check the schedule that week.
- Fall and winter workshops are small and announced on short notice on their website.
Pair it with a nearby stop
Gates Au Sable Lodge · about 20 minutes away
Spend a July afternoon in the lavender, then drive about 20 minutes to Gates Au Sable Lodge for dinner on the Au Sable River.
Getting there
Questions
When does lavender bloom at Uncommon Ranch?
English lavenders were in bloom by early July 2026, and the rows peak in mid-July.
Can I pick lavender?
Yes. Guests can pick their own lavender during summer open hours.
Can I stay overnight?
Yes. Four rental homes on the ranch are open all year.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farm of Grayling & the Au Sable River, Michigan
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
