Vacation Rentals by Owner

Overview of Northwest Vacation Rentals

Northwest Michigan is a Great Family Destination

Summertime in northwest Michigan invites lots of outdoor explorations. It's a great destination for families and those that enjoy nature and the outdoors. The lakes are a major attraction. Boating, sailing and fishing make for great family fun times. You can find large rental homes at affordable prices and have the flexibility and convenience of enjoying your vacation on your own time. If looking for somewhere to go for just the two of you, the lakes hold an air of romance. With the fall foliage, northwest Michigan is a wonderful destination to celebrate anniversaries or just enjoy a romantic weekend away.

Enjoy Outdoor Explorations in Northwest Michigan

Northwest Michigan lake houses located on the lake shore have the convenience of being close to many recreation facilities. If you don't have your own boat, there are many rental companies that you can hire one from. Kayaks are also available and a great way to explore the lake shores. Fishing tackle shops can be found in abundance and in season, you could even enter a fishing competition and see if you can land the "big one." There are many hiking trails, mountain biking trails and horse riding trails that can be explored independently or with a guide. Trails through the state forests provide an opportunity to watch birds and wildlife along the way. There are picnic sites and special nature reserves that are interesting to visit. The Loda Lake Wildflower Sanctuary, for example, consists of a small lake and wooded area with marked trails. As you walk along, you can see more than 150 different plant and tree species.

Winter Snow at Northwest Michigan Vacation Rentals

In the winter months, much of the area is blanketed with snow. Many of the trails that you hiked and cycled in the summertime become cross country ski routes through the forests. There are literally miles of trails through various preserves ranging in difficulty from beginner to more advanced. Many areas also have trails for snowshoeing and routes for snowmobiling. One of the most impressive trails is the 88-mile route between Cadillac and Belmont. The majority of the trail runs through the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park over varying terrain and is a challenging run. The town of Gaylord is well-known for its Olympic quality ski runs. Dog sledding is another popular pastime and commercial tours can be booked through local resorts.

Farm Delights at Northwest Michigan Lodging

There are large agricultural communities in Northwest Michigan. Orchards, berry farms, mills and tree farms dot the landscape and invite visitors to get a glimpse of what farm life is all about. Many farms have fruit-picking available in season and others have guided tours. Fresh produce markets are a regular occasion in most towns and there are a number of festivals and events throughout the year. The area is also home to a great number of quaint antique shops. Whether you're collecting or just browsing, searching out the artifacts is fun.

Getting to and Around Northwest Michigan

The main airport in Northwest Michigan is in Traverse City and national flights generally route via Chicago or Detroit. Pellston Regional Airport provides access to the far northern parts of Michigan. Public transport systems operate with buses and there is fairly extensive network of routes connecting the various towns and resort areas. As an alternative, you can hire a car and explore the region at your own pace. There are many scenic byways and back roads if you want to meander along at a leisurely pace.