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1936 Lakefront Log Cabin - Historic Big Glen Lake Family Retreat Dunes Lakeshore

Photo gallery for 1936 Lakefront Log Cabin - Historic Big Glen Lake Family Retreat Dunes Lakeshore

Historic log cabin lakeside view with Deck & Screen Porch
View of private raft from deck
Living Room
Living Room - view on lake
Reading Alcove

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
7 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Outdoor barbecue
  • Balcony
  • Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

View in a map
Glen Arbor, MI
  • Place, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Glen Lake
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Little Glen Lake
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪42 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

7 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bunk room #1

2 Double Beds

Bunk room #2

1 Queen Bed

Bunk room #3

2 Double Beds

Child's Single

1 Single Bed

Grandma's Queen

1 Queen Bed

Pop's First Floor

1 Queen Bed

Wing Queen

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2nd floor

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet

Outdoor

Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area

About this property

1936 Lakefront Log Cabin - Historic Big Glen Lake Family Retreat Dunes Lakeshore

RECENT AVAILABILITY! Arrive on a Monday for 7 days at our family summer retreat to display open weeks. COME for a week beginning August 21th or September 1st.

Sparkling WATERFRONT Big Glen Lake - Our waterfront log cabin nestles in a sunny spot in the woods on the south shore of Big Glen Lake. A memorable family gathering place with views over Caribbean blue water, a private dock and shared fixed or floating raft for water-based activities. Dates available for Mon/Mon weekly rent are released in early January after family members have secured their dates. The log cabin is known as "Shack Tamarack" after the Tamarack trees which were felled for logs, gathered and peeled in nearby Cedar. It was designed by eminent Chicago Architect Harry Weese, while in architecture school, for his parents & has been used by family every summer since. A special place at the end of a private drive, a short distance from the Narrows Bridge & Ideally located adjacent to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Relax, enjoy your vacation at our memorable log cabin which contains much of the original furniture made of logs. A local field stone fireplace anchors one end of the large living area which looks to the water. To one side, a dining area with long benches & pine table of two wide planks.

Kitchen & Amenities: The KITCHEN is well suited for those who like to cook, contains modern amenities and easily partakes of the activity. The adjacent screen porch with swing is a quiet retreat for sunrise, sunset or mid-day break. Just outside is an ample deck with lounge chairs and picnic table. A hammock and grill are nearby. All areas overlook the crystal clear, spring fed lake.

Log Cabin Retreat & Waterfront: Enjoy the peace of water lapping at the shore or the breeze passing the birches while reading in the hammock or rocking in a chair on the porch. A crackling fire will welcome you after an early morning or evening dip in the lake. Whatever your inclination, a variety of activities abound and you will have a memorable vacation at our family summer home. The cottage has a private dock and shares a fixed or floating raft with our adjacent cottage. The water is shallow at the shore with minimal beach. There is ample sandy shallow water swimming between the dock and raft. Kayaks, canoes & windsurfers can be easily accommodated, however we have no facilities for launching or mooring larger or motorized watercraft and the driveway cannot accommodate trailers. Public launch ramps are nearby. Kayaks & bikes may be rented in town.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 35
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Wonderful for well behaved, supervised children.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
We maintain smoke-free premises
There is no firepit on the premises and there are to be absolutely no fires, except in the fireplace when attended.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Glen Arbor

Located in Glen Arbor, this cabin is on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Lake Michigan. Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum and Burnett Park are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and waterskiing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding and cycling.
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Map
Glen Arbor, MI

What's nearby

  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Glen Lake - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Little Glen Lake - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum - 12 min drive - 12.3 km
  • Traverse City Beach - 40 min drive - 54.3 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cherry Republic - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪The Mill - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Art's Tavern - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪The Foothills Cafe - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪La Becasse - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is 1936 Lakefront Log Cabin - Historic Big Glen Lake Family Retreat Dunes Lakeshore pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at 1936 Lakefront Log Cabin - Historic Big Glen Lake Family Retreat Dunes Lakeshore?

As of 4 May, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at 1936 Lakefront Log Cabin - Historic Big Glen Lake Family Retreat Dunes Lakeshore on 22 Dec, 2025 start from S$858, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at 1936 Lakefront Log Cabin - Historic Big Glen Lake Family Retreat Dunes Lakeshore?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at 1936 Lakefront Log Cabin - Historic Big Glen Lake Family Retreat Dunes Lakeshore?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at 1936 Lakefront Log Cabin - Historic Big Glen Lake Family Retreat Dunes Lakeshore?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is 1936 Lakefront Log Cabin - Historic Big Glen Lake Family Retreat Dunes Lakeshore located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is steps from Glen Lake and 1.3 mi (2.1 km) from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Little Glen Lake and Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 11 out of 11 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 11 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 11 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 11 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 11 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

phillip c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice

This is a solid place in a great location. Nice kitchen if you are eating in. It is 17 steps to your private dock on a lake that is considered one of the best in the state. It is like you are “glamping” but instead of a tent you have a historic Glen Lake cottage. Owner’s have resisted shoehorning another cottage onto their property so there is lots of room between dwellings.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Nell T.

Memorable retreat on a gorgeous lake. Lovely!

Well maintained log cabin, sympathetically updated, stands proudly on the shore of a pristine blue lake with the best swimming around. It was a pleasure to be able to share an available week between the use of 3rd & 4th generation family members. A place to come to get away from it all, relax, reflect & enjoy. Thank you for sharing & your sensitive stewardship. Hope to return.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary G.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Shack Tamarack June 2022

Tucked away on a bluff overlooking picturesque Glen Lake, our stay at this historic, architecturally significant cabin shipped us back to a slower moving, more genteel era. We had a sense of the many happy family & friend gatherings accrued over time that likely happened there. Comfortable beds, generous hot water and new quality cookware added to our comfort. Antique furnishings plus warm fires in the fireplace amplified the coziness. Thanks for hosting us!
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2022
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Malcolm M.

Loved our visit, Genuine log cabin of character

We wanted a low-key getaway somewhat out of the ordinary to relax, swim, read and enjoy family. This log cabin filled the bill. It takes one back with the stone fireplace and chimney at one end surrounded by vintage, well-maintained seating in which to relax in the firelight. We cooked and ate at the old pine table, sitting on the long pine benches at either side. WiFi is good but using it is a distraction which detracts from the ambiance. New for 2014 was a nice large shower instead of the old tub as well as an outdoor shower area with hot as well as cold water. This more than makes up for the 1 1/2 baths in the cabin. There was also a new leather lounge chair and footstool. Not everything is new, nor does it need to be. It is obvious the family maintains the comfortable, easy character of the cabin replacing as necessary and repairing the old. Read the bedroom description, it is accurate. Don't try to pack in 10-12. There were 8 of us treading lightly and appreciative that the 3rd generation owners are willing to share with others this wonderful piece of history on this gorgeous lake. Come and enjoy if you wish peace and serenity. Pass it by if you want bells, whistles & modern electronic amenities because wifi is it. We will be back and hope to stay for 2 weeks. Thank you for your hospitality.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Phillip K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Experiencing Shack Tamarack

This property is a combination of a unique historical log home carefully placed the shores of stunning Glen Lake. The home is very well laid out and is equipped to house and feed large groups. The kitchen is efficient, easy and well provisioned. From the shore to the swimming platform (large and excellent) is perhaps 100 yards of knee to waist deep crystal clear water. There are many special places in this house to explore and we tried to use each room. The reading nook and screen porch are inviting and we found the exterior (under the pines) shower refreshing. In short, this is a well preserved log home that defines the northern Michigan lake experience. Perfect.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charlene K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Return to Glen Arbor

Absolute paradise! The perfect escape from Chicago urban bustle. By the end of the trip our 2 year old Audrey was referring to it as “her home.” We would highly recommend the log cabin to other families looking for peaceful retreat!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Jim J.

Wonderful log cabin with historic character on Glen Lake

We loved our week at Shack Tamarack. It’s a great old log cabin loaded with character, in an excellent private location on Glen Lake. Although we really liked the feel of the main room with its giant stone fireplace, we spent a lot of time on the screen porch, looking at the lake and enjoying the breeze. Although the cottage is 80+ years old, it has what one needs for an up-north vacation. The beds are comfortable, and the bathroom shower appears to be recently re-done and is quite nice. The kitchen is roomy and well-equipped, (although we chose to enjoy the many local restaurants). We have rented numerous cottages in the Glen Lake area over the years, but I have to say that Shack Tamarack is truly my favorite.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2017
Archival

10/10 Excellent

lisa w.

Peaceful lake retreat

This is a little piece of heaven. Close to town, yet away from the hustle and bustle. Quiet cabin on Big Glen, perfect for a family or two. Its a great place to get away from it all, relax on the hammock, enjoy a book by the fire, or swim in the beautiful lake.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Ben W.

Wonderful escape! Just what a log cabin should be

I was invited to join some friends for a part of their vacation last year. They said a 4 generation family log cabin in the woods at the edge of a lake. I took them up on their offer to visit an area I knew little about not really knowing what to expect. LAKE! It is a gorgeous , clear turquoise spring fed lake. Loved the cabin with the funky bunkrooms which are entered off an outdoor covered balcony and have partitions which are about 10 feet high. I slept in the double between the 2 with the kids and could hear them telling stories until they dozed off...The more private queen rooms having been commandeered by my hosts. This place is special. I enjoyed my too short stay and am prompted to write this review as I look forward to returning this year.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Nat C.

A place of Memories!

We are so lucky to have had the opportunity to stay in this wonderful log cabin which is now shared most of the season by the 3rd & 4th generations. When we arrived, it was what I had hoped for of a historic log cabin on a lake. Glen Lake is crystal blue and the private dock and raft led to many swims in the crystal water. We enjoyed early evenings on the screen porch, retreating to read in the living room around the big stone fireplace. Lounging on the deck and just talking was also a great pastime as some wandered in from the bike trails, one of numerous park hikes (fabulously situated to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore), perusing the shops & galleries or playing on the water. The family obviously takes pride in sharing this special place and does a good job of preserving its historic character and mementos while keeping the essential comforts up-to-date. Don't come here for any technical bells, whistles or TV (there isn't one), but for peace and rejuvenation. If you need to be connected the WiFi provided was reliable. We would love to visit again, our memories are fond and our hosts gracious. Thank you
Archival

10/10 Excellent

1936 Lakefront Log Cabin

Excellent Property! Wonderful log cabin, beautiful area. Property was very clean and well maintained. I would highly recommend to my friends. It has all of the amenities one would need for a great getaway vacation.

About the host

Hosted by Ann - Member since 2000

Host profile image
We are some of the grandchildren (in our youth) who own, manage and vacation at this wonderful log cabin built by our grandparents.

Why they chose this property

Our grandparents visited this area to fish in the 1910's and made the great decision to build this log cabin and make it their home for a large part of the year. Our parents, we, our children & theirs have made a seasonal sojourn ever since because there is so much the area has to offer.

What makes this property unique

Our historic, architecturally unique log cabin is a haven of peace offering comforts and amenities. Great wifi but consciously absent media bells & whistles.

Languages:

English
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