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Up-north wood cabin, steps from river, 1 mile to Crystal Mtn Resort, free wifi.

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Exterior
18525 Timberline Dr - Thompsonville
Interior
Private kitchen
Dining

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6800 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space

Explore the area

View in a map
Thompsonville, MI
  • Place, Crystal Mountain
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Front Street
    ‪44 min drive‬
  • Place, Traverse City Beach
    ‪51 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪49 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Family Room

1 Double Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Up-north wood cabin, steps from river, 1 mile to Crystal Mtn Resort, free wifi.

Like us on Facebook for latest news and photos!

Free WiFi Access!

You'll enjoy our classic up-north cabin home all year round! Just one mile from Crystal Mountain resort, direct access to kayaking/salmon fishing on the Betsie River and 20 min from a perfect Lake Michigan sunset!

Winter months are ideal for skiing at Crystal Mountain resort, snow shoeing around our 1.5 acre property and nearby trails, snuggling up by the toasty, gas fireplace while reading a book, playing games, assembling a puzzle or a family movie night. You'll also find multiple access points to snowmobile trails.

Spring is the best time for a girls weekend getaway to Crystal's full service spa. Guys would enjoy 36-holes of golf and local fishing. Also, hike the 1.6 mile Michigan Legacy Art Park trail, which is open year round.

Summer months are our favorite time of year to spend in Northern Michigan. Explore Lake Michigan beaches along the coast just 20 miles away and you can't beat the sunsets in Frankfort and Arcadia's Inspiration Point! Our cabin currently has three kayaks for our guests to float down the Betsie or fish right off our dock. The Crystal Coaster Alpine Slide will take your breath away cruising down 1,700 ft long curved track. Enjoy the biking, hiking and chairlift rides on their property. For the Michigander favorite pastime, book a tubing trip on the nearby Platte River!

During the fall months, the colors are breathtaking! Crystal offers panoramic views via chair lift of three counties during the peak of fall color season. September/October is the best chance to watch fish migrate upstream. Enjoy a large campfire setting from our riverbank.

Like us on Facebook @ Bestie River Getaway for current information happening in our area!

Contact us directly if you have any questions about your stay. Email: jermsroub@gmail.com or call Michelle at 763.458.9351
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
Pack n play, games and toys, booster seat.
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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

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Renters must assume the risk for any injury/damage of stairs to home, river and banks, water and bonfire activities, fireplace, and porch.
See exit obligations, failure to comply may result in an additional charge against your deposit.

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Thompsonville

Located in Thompsonville, this vacation home is near a water park and on the waterfront. Crystal Mountain and Iron Fish Distillery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Misty Acres Preserve. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Thompsonville, MI

What's nearby

  • Crystal Mountain - 2 min drive - 1.5 km
  • Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course - 28 min drive - 37.6 km
  • Little River Casino - 37 min drive - 53.1 km
  • Front Street - 44 min drive - 61.4 km
  • Traverse City Beach - 51 min drive - 67.6 km

Getting around

  • Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker) - 34 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Rosie's Country Cafe - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪The Thistle Pub & Grill @ Crystal Mountain - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Iron Fish Distillery - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪The 231 Bar & Grill - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Waffle Cabin - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Up-north wood cabin, steps from river, 1 mile to Crystal Mtn Resort, free wifi. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Up-north wood cabin, steps from river, 1 mile to Crystal Mtn Resort, free wifi. ?

As of Mar 25, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Up-north wood cabin, steps from river, 1 mile to Crystal Mtn Resort, free wifi. on Apr 29, 2026 start from $172, 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?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Up-north wood cabin, steps from river, 1 mile to Crystal Mtn Resort, free wifi. ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Up-north wood cabin, steps from river, 1 mile to Crystal Mtn Resort, free wifi. ?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Up-north wood cabin, steps from river, 1 mile to Crystal Mtn Resort, free wifi. located?

This family-friendly Thompsonville vacation home is located on the waterfront, within 3 mi (5 km) of Crystal Mountain and Michigan Legacy Art Park. Misty Acres Preserve and Iron Fish Distillery are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 39 out of 50 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 50 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 50 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 50 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 50 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sara

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Clean, comfortable stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Joan

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The cabin/home is a great location for those visiting Crystal Mountain, Michigan Legacy Art Park or floating down the Betsie River. The beds are comfortable, the kitchen is well-stocked and there are plenty of books and games for families.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erin C.

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

Family Up North trip

The bed was very comfortable. Nice selection of movies. It was a rainy night so we enjoyed one. The river was great. Our son caught a rainbow trout. He was very excited.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Theresa

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Very cute place. Close to lots of things and perfect size for the 3 of us.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie V.

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

Perfect Location/ Comfy Rental

We had a wonderful stay. We’d highly recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah A.

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

Great little cabin for up north getaway

Clean overall and lots of accommodations to have a comfortable stay. Owners very responsive. Family and i enjoyed our stay and would come again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joe F.

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

Weekend trip

Perfect one night stop before my triathalon the next morning.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristina N.

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

The perfect little spot

Super cute cabin in the woods, so quiet in the morning to enjoy coffee on the back porch, huge fire pit out back to enjoy in the evenings, beds were super comfy, we absolutely loved it!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Cozy and Clean

We enjoyed our stay! It was clean and cozy with very comfortable beds and well stocked with everything we needed. It was a short drive to skiing at Crystal Mountain.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Malyssa J.

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

Winter wonderful

We stayed for a short weekend and didnt need a thing. The shower was nice and big with great hot water. We cooked both nights and had all we needed in the kitchen. Bedding, towels and all accommodations were great! Enjoyed how close to the resort. We plan to return in the summer/fall and play in the river
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jess K.

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

River cabin

This was perfect for our girls overnighter to the area. The outdoor amenities available made me want to stay longer, and test them out. I am guessing this would be a fun place to hang out during warmer weather too.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jean

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
A very cozy, clean and comfortable cottage. Fit our needs perfectly! Saw numerous salmon on the Betsie River steps away from the cottage.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christopher N.

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

Very Cute Place!

My wife and I enjoyed our stay here very much! Parking in the garage was a nice bonus. The cabin is Very nice, and different than most others. I appreciate the unique architecture. Clean, bed was very comfortable, and the shower was very cool. Sunk-in floor. Kitchen is well equipped, and the cabin is extremely homey and comfortable. We highly recommend this place for a nice get-away!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michelle B.

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

First time in Thompsonville

This was our first time visiting the Thompsonville area and the cabin was in the perfect location to visit different spots. Many activities were close by including lakes, crystal mountain and beach towns. We enjoyed coming back to the cabin after a busy day and having the peace and quiet of the cabin's surroundings. Michelle, one of the owners, was very easy to communicate with and responded quickly to questions.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Aaron L.

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

Good base camo

Perfect place for a base camp to explore the surrounding areas. We didn’t spend much time in cabin, but when we did no complaints. Our kids liked fishing in river and enjoyed the fire pit. Close to neighbors on either side, so don’t expect total seclusion. Other than that, great little spot.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lynette B.

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

The perfect northern getaway!

This property was well-appointed, very clean, and the process from booking-check out was fantastic! Our party was in the area for a 4-day kayaking weekend and we could not have picked a more perfect location! The property is right on the Betsie River and near the other waterways we explored just a short drive away, including Traverse City, Sleeping Bear, the Crystal River, and the Platte River. The bedding/beds were comfortable and clean, as was the bathroom, and living spaces. It was incredibly convenient to have a washer and dryer on property as well! Everything you could possibly need with regard to supplies was there on site. The neighborhood was very quiet and I enjoyed our stay immensely!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Brenda B.

Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication

July family vacation

Overall place is cozy but could of been cleaned better. Found drink in coozie in the closet. Things did not feel clean like the dinning table and counter to eat on still were dirty and the pull out bed is not clean!!! So when you list it for 6 people -minus 2 for the pull out bed.... Big ole stain of some sort not quite sure what......blood; drink; not sure but overall we had a wonderful time. House is very cozy and great location for site seeing!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa A.

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

Homey cabin close to river and excellent beaches

We stayed in this homey cabin because of its proximity to the Interlochen Arts Academy. It was about a 20-minute drive. The hard surfaces in the cabin were clean and we felt comfortable immediately. The beds were comfortable. For ventilation in the winter, I suppose, the walls do not extend to the ceiling in the bedrooms, so do not expect total privacy. There were several dusty areas in the cabin...under beds, around air purifiers and some cobwebs by the clearstory windows, but none of that was a deal-breaker. The cabin was equipped with all the necessary items for a pleasant stay. And the equipment available in the garage was a dream to have for the day at the lovely beach a short drive from the cabin.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Debra N.

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

River awesome, lots of neighbors

We loved the Betsie River! Having kayaks was great, too, although it takes some strength to get them down the dock and back up. The interior wood in the house is beautiful. Many items were tired & could use updating - the lock box broke while we were there but owner had quick response. It's not private. Neighbors are within feet, and there's barking dogs and even dogs wandering onto the property. Unfortunately, bulldozers were clearing a new homesite while we were there - very loud. We want to give a shout out to the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy - their numerous hiking and conservation sites provided a wonderful experience in the area! (And Geno's had great beer & pizza!)
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

6/10 Okay

Michelle W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy

No Wifi or complete walls

The place was clean and nice and in a fantastic location but the listing was inaccurate. They listed Free Wifi in the list of amenities but when we arrived there was no internet. I understand that high speed internet is probably not available in that location but then don't put it in your listing. Cell service is decent but not adequate for remote work. Also the bedroom walls don't go all the way to the ceiling so there is no privacy. This is especially difficult traveling with small children who go to bed early as you can't talk, watch TV or do anything else in the cabin without them hearing.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

4/10 Poor

Darana L.

Liked: Check-in, communication
Disliked: Location, listing accuracy

Unhappy Stay

Steps into cabin accident waiting to happen! Need railing! Bedrooms- need new mattresses BADLY. Neither of us had one good nights sleep. Living room sofa smells badly and feel as sinking to floor on it. Shower in bathroom another accident waiting to happen. Need bar to hold onto to get in and out. Outdoors couldn’t use nice deck due bees and mosquitoes. Could have had citronella candles or something there to help. River couldn’t even get to it. Rickety steep stairs. Very disappointed wanted to fish. Sorry folks but you have some upkeep to do both inside and out. Cabin could be very nice but too steep an embankment to call it on River. It is but can’t enjoy it. Swing out by River is rotted and needs replacement. Couldn’t even set there.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

DANIEL S.

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

Great spot near crystal mtn

Enjoyed a cute hi ome on the betsy river! Perfect for my project at crystal mtn.
Stayed 11 nights in Dec 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dr. Daniel M.

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

No Problems!

Hosts were a dream! Any snags, they were on it, no problem!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jackie M.

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

graduation getaway

Wonderful property - has everything you need! We were pretty busy running back and forth to Interlochen all week, but it was a wonderful place to come back to and rest!!!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Great ski location!

Awesome experience! Great location and cute little cabin had everything we needed for our weekend get away! Owners very responsive. Will rent again. Thank you !
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022

About the host

Hosted by Joel and Michelle Roub

Host profile image
Owners, Joel and Michelle, grew up in the Midwest and moved to Grand Rapids in 2015. We have three children who all love the adventures of the outdoors. Purchasing a cabin in 2020, during a pandemic was not planned, but it offered everything we needed for us to enjoy Northern Michigan, we couldn't pass it up!

Michelle finds great pleasure catching a Lake Michigan sunset and relaxing by a campfire while Joel enjoys skiing, golfing, kayaking and craft beers.

Why they chose this property

Our family loves to ski, hike, kayak, bike and explore nature, so being one mile from Crystal Mountain Resort was a must! The two-bedroom cabin is perfect for our family. The 1.5 acre property gives us a space to unplug from the chaos of day to day life. We immediately fell in love with the all-wood interior, vaulted and beamed ceilings with gorgeous views of the trees and all of nature's beauty. The Betsie River Getaway is a perfect destination and can provide plenty of fun and relaxation all year round.

What makes this property unique

BRG rests on the bank of the picturesque 54-mile Betsie River. "The Betsie" runs through Grand Traverse, Benzie and Manistee counties. Starting from Green Lake near the village of Interlochen and flows West to Lake Michigan near Elberta and Frankfort.

The cabin is 800 square feet and a detached 800 sq ft 3-stall garage. It offers everything a renter needs and more!
++BONUS: Central air in the Summer months++

Languages:

English

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