Squaw Beach Retreat on Lake Superior--Sandy Beach and Awesome View
- Minimum stay:N/A
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:Yes
- Wheel chair accessible:No
Welcome to Big Bay (the village's namesake), a large secluded bay on Lake Superior.
Private, but not remote, is the way we describe our vacation getaway. Imagine a cozy, but roomy-enough log cabin built of 10 inch native wood logs and hardwood floors on a clean sandy beach surrounded by a pristine bay. As you look straight north from the deck towards Canada across the world's biggest fresh water lake, the bay 'arms' rise to over 60 feet of forested cliffs on either side. Big Bay (the bay, not the village) is designated as a safe harbor of refuge because a working 1897 lighthouse perches atop one of these arms on the eastern point, and a welcoming harbor with a small marina is tucked in on the western side of the bay, a short stroll from here. We are dog friendly, and when we had ours here, they absolutely loved splashing through the shallow water at lake's edge!
More about the cabin itself: we have a nice loft area upstairs with two twin beds and a futon/couch looking down to the great room. The master bedroom with the log 4-poster King is directlly off the great room downstairs. There is a a full kitchen with a pass.-through bar, a separate dining room/lounge area, a roomy bathroom, a small office/all purpose room, and an enclosed entry hall. The great room looks through sliding glass doors to the deck overlooking the water. You can watch the entire bay from inside due to the expanse of long windows on 3 sides.
Scattered family vacation getaways and a few permanent homes are nestled along the beach shaded by a variety of Northern evergreens.
Across the private lane leading to the cabin is a wooded area which backs up to a protected wetlands that stretches for more than a mile-- home to eagles, red-headed woodpeckers, and numerous other rare birds as well as an abundance of wild ducks and geese and native wildlife. There are even moose sightings in the area from time to time, and their numbers are growing, according to a recent survey and some lucky residents around 'this neck of the woods.'
The charming little village of Big Bay is on a slope about a mile and a half from here, offering most things needed in the way of restaurants (3) a grocery/general store, gas, outdoor outfitting supplies, a laundromat, a couple of unique shops featuring many local artists and Northwoodsy items, two lovely old churches, and friendliness. All of that, and not a single stop light! The uniqueness of Big Bay that made us want to have a place here is that it maintains the charm of a village at the end of a road--when you look at a map, you see the road stops here where the Huron Mountains take over! Not a drive-through community, so there are no franchises at all, just 'Mom and Pop' type of businesses that are very friendly.
The history of Big Bay is so very interesting and varied, ranging from Henry Ford's enterprises here to the exclusive Huron Mountain Club (over a century old) to movie-making to the rich tradition of the early lumberjacks of the U.P. Big Bay is also very proud of the one-of-kind and very special Big Bay Bay Health Camp.
While you may just want to get away from city life and partake of the abundance of outdoor activities or simply unwind on the deck gazing at the ever-changing moods of Lake Superior, the city of Marquette (population around 19,000) is only 25 miles through the woods to the south and offers any service or amenity that you might want or need. Marquette is considered the 'hub' of the Upper Peninsula, home to Northern Michigan University, a regional medical complex, as well as sightseeing, museums, shopping, historical sights,golfing, restaurants, and way more.
Since you will need to pass by or through Marquette to reach Big Bay, we recommend that you make a stop at the Tourist Center in Marquette or the Visitors' Welcome Center in Harvey to arm yourselves with brochures on this entire area, so you won't need to waste a moment of your time here wondering what to do next in Michigan's awesome Upper Peninsula. The only problem you might encounter? So much to do--so little time! In our 15 years here, we are still exploring and discovering.
Keywords: lake superior beachfront cottage, northwoods log cabin on lake superior, lakefront cabin, dog friendly vacation rental, beachfront rental, waterfront cabin
Property Type
- 2 story
- Cabin
- 1400 sq. ft.
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Meals
- Guests Provide Their Own Meals
Onsite Services
- Housekeeper Included
Suitability
- Non Smoking Only
- Not Suitable For Children
Bedrooms
- 2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 5, Beds for 4-5
- Bedroom 1
- 1 king
- Bedroom 2
- 2 twin/ single
- Futon couch in loft makes into bed.
Bathrooms
- 1.0 Bathrooms
- Bathroom 1
- toilet, shower
- It is roomy enough for two people to get dressed.
Kitchen & Dining
- Toaster
Amenities
- Hair Dryer
- Iron & Board
Other Amenities
Entertainment
- CD Player
Communications
Outdoor Features
Theme
- Adventure
- Away From It All
- Historic
- Sports & Activities
- Tourist Attractions
- Romantic
Location & View
Activities
- Restaurants
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Sailing
- Jet Skiing
- Water Skiing
- Tennis
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Mountain Biking
- Parasailing
- Cycling
- Fly Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
- Mountain Climbing
- Pier Fishing
- Sound/Bay Fishing
- Cross Country Skiing
- Water Tubing
- Wind-Surfing
- Basketball Court
- Churches
- Marina
- Beachcombing
- Bird Watching
- Paddle Boating
- Scenic Drives
- Walking
- Skiing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Shopping
- Boating
- ATM/Bank
- Groceries
- Laundromat
- Medical Services
- Snowmobiling
- Sight Seeing
- Rafting
Other Activities
Reviews
Write a review-
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS PLACE!!!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS PLACE!!!
- Guest stormy
- Date of stay 10/09/12
- Review Submitted 04/09/13
WHERE DO I BEGIN...WE LOVE THIS PLACE! IT HAS EVERYTHING AND MORE THAT ONE COULD ASK FOR. DON'T GET ME WRONG, IF YOU ARE THE KIND OF TRAVELERS THAT LIKES EXPENSIVE, FANCY SURROUNDINGS OR IF YOU HATE SAND IN YOUR SHOES AND EVERYTHING ELSE THAT COMES WITH STAYING AT A BEACH HOUSE... THEN THIS MAY NOT BE THE PLACE FOR YOU. BUT, IF YOU APPRECIATE SIMPLICITY AT IT'S VERY BEST...THEN YOU ARE IN THE RIGHT PLACE. EVERYTHING YOU NEED IS HERE. IF YOU WANT TO PREPARE YOUR OWN MEALS TO SAVE A BUCK, YOU CAN, BUT KEEP IN MIND THAT THE THUNDER BAY INN HAS OUTSTANDING FOOD AND DRINKS FOR A VERY REASONABLE PRICE. WE COULD EASILY EAT ALL OF OUR MEALS THERE AND NEVER FEEL THAT WE MISSED OUT ON OTHER DINING EXPERIENCES. THE OWNERS OF THE INN USUALLY STOP BY YOUR TABLE FOR A QUICK CHAT AND THE LOCALS ARE EQUALLY AS FRIENDLY. MY HUSBAND AND I LIKE TO VACATION WITH OUR DOGS SO THIS PLACE COULD NOT BE MORE PERFECT FOR US. WHEN WE ARE NOT OUT EXPLORING THE UPPER PENINSULA AND ALL OF IT'S SPLENDOR AND CHARM, WE CAN BE FOUND BACK AT THE HOUSE ON THE BEAUTIFUL SHORES OF LAKE SUPERIOR PLAYING HAPPILY WITH OUR DOGS AND WATCHING THE RESIDENT EAGLE THAT FLYS OVERHEAD SEVERAL TIMES A DAY. SO COOL!!! WE VERY MUCH APPRECIATE THE FACT THAT CAROL AND HER HUSBAND UNDERSTAND THAT PEOPLE LOVE THEIR PETS AND THAT THEY SO GENEROUSLY ALLOW THEIR RENTERS TO BRING THEM ALONG. SO MANY RENTAL PROPERTIES DO NOT, AND IF THEY DO, THEY USUALLY HAVE VERY STRICT RULES LIKE LEAVING THE PET IN THE GARAGE ETC. THAT'S A DEAL BREAKER FOR US. WE TAKE EXTRA CARE TO INSURE THAT THE PROPERTY IS NOT DAMAGED OR DIRTIED IN ANY WAY BECAUSE OF OUR PETS. THAT IS THE VERY LEAST WE CAN DO IN RETURN FOR THE KINDNESS SHOWN TO US. WE HAVE STAYED AT SEVERAL VRBO PROPERTIES IN THE PAST AND THIS IS BY FAR ONE OF OUR MOST FAVORITE. IF YOUR LUCKY, YOU WILL GET TO EXPERIENCE A THUNDER STORM WHILE YOUR THERE. IT IS ERIE AND AWSOME TO WATCH IT COME ACROSS THE LAKE BUT THERE IS NOTHING TO FEAR BECAUSE THE HOUSE IS SO STURDY AND STRONG. OH...AND THE RAINBOWS...AND THE SUNSETS...YOU JUST GOTTA SEE THEM FOR YOURSELF. WE ARE SO HAPPY TO HAVE FOUND THIS PLACE AND MISS IT EVEN BEFORE WE LEAVE. AS FOR CAROL, I DON'T THINK THERE IS A NICER LADY ON THE PLANET!Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.
Owner response: Gayle, we are so thrilled that you'all feel about this place as we do, and how eloquently you expressed it--I wanted to cry! Guests like you make it all worthwhile. What else can I say? Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience in detail. Hoping that your next visit will be as rewarding to you as the previous ones, even more so. Sincerely, Carol
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Retired Travelers
Retired Travelers
- Guest Richard
- Date of stay 09/17/12
- Review Submitted 11/10/12
We have rented many VRBO properties over the years and this place is special. The cabin is rustic and just as the listing and pictures show. Carol is great, even called to make sure we had heat on the first cool night. We'll do it again.Recommended for: Age 55+, sightseeing, romantic getaway.
Owner response: Hello Again Richard, We shut the cabin down for the winter not long after your visit, and I didn't see your comments until we started making preparations for the 2013 season. We are very pleased that you had a memorable experience here, and thank you so much for taking the time to tell us so. We appreciate that, and hope you'all will plan a return visit to the area sometime! Sincerely, Carol and Ron
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2
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Great place to relax and chill out.
Great place to relax and chill out.
- Guest Lynn
- Date of stay 07/27/12
- Review Submitted 08/04/12
great place to relax and rejuvenate. The lake "kicked up" while we were there and the sounds in the evening were wonderful. We had friends with us, so the daily drive back to "town" were a bit long. Wish we had more time to just chill out and enjoy the quiet. The only problem we had was that the sliding glass door did not have a screen - would have been really nice. It is "rustic" which is typical of the area. We loved it!Recommended for: Age 55+, girls getaway, families with young children.
Owner response: We appreciated your kind words, Lynn. As of the summer season of 2013 we plan to have a new sliding door in place with a screen, which we agree will be nice to catch more of the lake breezes. Thanks again, and we hope you include Big Bay in one of your future getaway vacations. Sincerely, Carol and Ron
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3
Rates
Nightly:$170.00 summer season 3-night minimum $40 cleaning fee all taxes incl. Weekly: $1100.00 summer season Sat.to Sat. $40.00 cleaning fee all taxes incl. These rates are for 1-5 persons. A charge of $20 per night for each extra person. A 50% deposit(check) needed within 7 days to hold dates. Balance due on arrival. Fall rates: $1000 per week/$160/night (September 8-Oct.10) Late Fall: $900 per week/$140/night (October 10 - Nov. 1) Cancellation policy: full refund:21 days notice or if we rebook cabin
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Before paying contact the owner to confirm payment details.
Call the owner directly to confirm reservation details and pay with an approved method (credit card, check, or bank transfer), to protect your payment up to $1,000.
Location
- Nearest Airport: Marquette Airport at 55 Miles
- Nearest Motorway: County Road 550 at 2.2 Miles
- Nearest Barpub: Lumberjack Tavern at 2 Miles
- Nearest Ski: Marquette Mountain at 30 Miles
- Nearest Golf: Marquette Golf Club at 31 Miles
- Nearest Restaurant: Thunder Bay Inn, Hungry Hollow Cafe & the tavern at 1.5 Miles
Owner info
Year Purchased: 1997
About the owner: We are a semi-retired couple who divide our time between this place and a farm. We grew up in a metropolitan area, so this place has been a refreshing change from the busy, urban life we knew This log cabin on Lake Superior is our vacation home which we have loved for several years, and in 2011 we decided to open it up for guests to enjoy during the summer months when we are tending our garden south of here.
Why the Owner Chose Big Bay:
We were drawn to this location initially by the unspoiled natural beauty that abounds in every part of the U.P. Then, we kept finding other benefits that made traveling here an awe-inspiring experience. There are outdoor recreational opportunities to be enjoyed in every season, yet Big Bay doesn't have that 'touristy' feel. If you want to venture out, Marquette is only a short drive away (25 miles) with its many points of interest and amenities, but within minutes of here or there, you can be exploring a wilderness area and not encounter another soul-- the only sounds being those of birds and wind whispering through the woods.
The Unique Benefits at this Cabin:
Where do I begin to describe the special things that we enjoy while staying here on Squaw Beach? We like the fact that it is never crowded, except for the night of the annual summer fireworks display when there are parties and bonfires all up and down the beach. But it is usual that on many mornings you can walk out on the beach and get that fantasy feeling that all of this natural beauty is just for you! Speaking of fireworks displays, there have been a few times that we have witnessed the Northern Lights over Lake Superior. True, it is not often, but it does happen and when it does--pure magic! .
Another thing I love about staying here is that we are able to take a nature walk in any direction (except due north, of course). On the quiet, unpaved, but well-maintained lane going past the cabin, I like to walk listening to the protected wetlands between here and town that stretch for over a mile. You can view them in all of their glory if you walk the beach side down to where the family cottages end, and past there climb a gentle slope overlooking a paradise for water birds and all the local wildlife. I also love walking on down the lane or along the beach to the little harbor and marina that often has little fishing boats, large and small sailing boats, along with fancy cabin boats--whoever happens along and ties up. This is an official harbor of refuge, so we have had some very interesting boats coming in when the lake is living up to her reputation for being unpredicatable at times! Last year a gigantic iron ore freighter anchored in our bay for a couple of days to wait out one of those infamous November storms. In the summer and fall months, however, the waters are mostly delightful for recreation and soul inspiration.
Contact us
- Primary: 906-250-4774
- Secondary: 906-250-8552
- Click Here to see All My Rental Listings
Photos
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Driveup entry. Double sliding glass door in back opens to deck, beach, and lake.
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Greatroom from stairway. Master bedroom to left. Sliding glass doors go to deck.
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A stroll on the beach toward the Big Bay Lighthouse on the eastern arm of bay.
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A shady walk down Squaw Beach road either way.
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A short drive to the many trails leading to this gem--Little Presque Isle.
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Path from the cabin down a small slope to the beach.
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The loft bedroom above the great room. Couch/futon & armoire is behind me.
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Cozy winter day in dining room. More inside pictures to come soon.
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Cliffs on western arm of the bay (up to 50 ft. high) to explore by kayak, canoe.
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This rock-strewn beach is a 15 minute walk from the cabin.
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Fall day on the beach--view tfrom deck to the marina entrance breakwall.
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Date last modified - Thursday, May 23, 2013
906-250-4774