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Twin Birch Resort - The Brown Bear Cabin: Lake Access with Rowboat and Kayak!

Photo gallery for Twin Birch Resort - The Brown Bear Cabin: Lake Access with Rowboat and Kayak!

OVERALL: The front of the cabin, highlighting the screened-in front porch
OVERALL: The traditional, beautiful, and cozy living room
OVERALL: The dining area and looking into the kitchen.
OVERALL: The fun and family-friendly private dock on Little Platte Lake
OVERALL: Another view of the private lakefront, highlighting the rowboats and kayaks that are available for guests to use free of charge.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 41000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Outdoor Space
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View in a map
Honor, MI
  • Place, Platte Lake
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Place, Front Street
    ‪41 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪46 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Twin Birch Resort - The Brown Bear Cabin: Lake Access with Rowboat and Kayak!

The Brown Bear Cabin is PURE NORTHERN MICHIGAN! It has a charming and traditional rustic style, but is also very comfortable. The cabin has been updated with modern amenities including high-speed Wi-Fi and streaming television with Roku. The cabin is part of Twin Birch Resort and it includes use of your own private kayak and rowboat for exploring the lake, which is great for both kayaking and fishing! It also includes use of the resort's dock and community fire pit.


NEIGHBORHOOD:

The property is in a quiet neighborhood of lakefront homes and resorts, with Big Platte Lake on one side of the road and Little Platte Lake on the other side of the road. Boating, kayaking, and fishing are very popular on both lakes. Peterson Beach on Lake Michigan is also only 4.6 miles from the resort!

Outside of the immediate area, the property is close to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Lake Michigan, Crystal Lake, Traverse City, and a lot of cute little beach towns in the area like Beulah, Frankfort, Empire, and Glen Arbor. There are all kinds of hiking trails in the area and outdoor activities of all kinds are very popular. The area truly provides for a great vacation getaway!

Note that the cabin is open year-round and it's warm and cozy in the winter! There are also a lot of activities in the area during the winter. Cross-country and downhill skiing are popular in the area and the cabin is just 16 miles from Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville, which has both downhill and cross-country skiing as well as ice skating. Both cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are available at nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Sleeping Bear Dunes is also great for winter hiking.

Ice fishing is popular in the area as well and Little Platte Lake, Big Platte Lake, and nearby Crystal Lake are all good spots for ice fishing. Snowmobiling is also popular and there are snowmobiling trails nearby in the Thompsonville area. Several communities in the area also have Christmas festivities and winter carnivals and/or parades.


TRANSIT:

It is highly recommended that guests have their own vehicle.


PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

(1) Due to seasonal weather constraints, all outdoor amenities (including the firepit, dock, boats, etc.) are only guaranteed in terms of availability from June 1 through Sept. 30.
(2) Cable-equivalent television stations are provided via Spectrum's streaming app.
(3) Guests are welcome to bring their own motors or rent one for use with the row boats. Crystal Lake Marina in Honor and Beulah rent boat motors. Motors should be 10 Horsepower or less and must be short shaft because Little Platte Lake is VERY shallow.
(4) Fans are provided, but the cabin does NOT have air conditioning.
(5) Peterson Beach on Lake Michigan is only 4.6 miles from the resort!
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor Space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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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

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

About the neighborhood

Honor

Honor is home to this cabin. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Elizabeth Lane Oliver Center for the Arts and Burnett Park are also worth visiting.
View more Cabin Rentals in HonorOpens in a new window
Map
Honor, MI

What's nearby

  • Platte Lake - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Crystal Lake Golf Club - 8 min drive - 10.5 km
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 9 min drive - 11.2 km
  • Crystal Mountain - 24 min drive - 31.3 km
  • Front Street - 41 min drive - 55.5 km

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 37 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪A Papano's Pizza BEULAH - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Cherry Hut - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Papa J's Pizzeria & Diner - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Platte River Inn - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Twin Birch Resort - The Brown Bear Cabin: Lake Access with Rowboat and Kayak! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Twin Birch Resort - The Brown Bear Cabin: Lake Access with Rowboat and Kayak!?

As of Mar 27, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Twin Birch Resort - The Brown Bear Cabin: Lake Access with Rowboat and Kayak! on Jun 18, 2026 start from $245, 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 Twin Birch Resort - The Brown Bear Cabin: Lake Access with Rowboat and Kayak!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Twin Birch Resort - The Brown Bear Cabin: Lake Access with Rowboat and Kayak!?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Twin Birch Resort - The Brown Bear Cabin: Lake Access with Rowboat and Kayak! located?

Situated in Honor, this cabin is steps from Platte Lake, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Lake Michigan and Champion Hill Golf Course. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Crystal Lake Golf Club are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Reviews

9.8

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. 13 out of 15 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 15 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 15 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 15 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 15 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tim T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Would stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

phil m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
great location clean
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jamie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was nice and clean. We were mostly on the go and didn’t stay at the cabin much.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kenneth K.

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

Brown Bear

Great property. Had everything wr needed. My wife absolutely loved how cute it was.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

William B.

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

Very very nice

I thought it was excellent
Stayed 21 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dustin O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was easy. Great location. Maybe consider a portable air conditioner. The humidity is rising even in Northern Michigan.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte T.

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

Very comfortable family cabin!

This cabin is so nice! It has thoughtful cabin decor touches as well as a contemporary bathroom and kitchen that makes it really comfortable and relaxing. We had such a fun family time! Lots to do both on the property and in the surrounding area- Lake Michigan, Sleeping bear, Platte river etc.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pam P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Went with my 2 sisters and mom and we loved the place. Only downside to it was the lack of AC. The weekend we were there was a hot one and while the place provides ceiling and portable fans, only one of the portable fans worked. Luckily we had brought 2 portable fans as well so we were able to cool it off the best we could. Otherwise the place is perfect for a getaway.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
From a partner site

8/10 Good

Cathy E.

The Brown Bear at Twin Birch Resort

The Brown Bear is a nice 2 bedroom cabin. Beds are comfortable. Kitchen has everything you need - including a dishwasher. The resort is only a 10 minute drive to the Lake Michigan beach at the end of the Platte River - which I highly recommend (part of Sleeping Bear Dunes NP). We used the (provided) kayak & rowboat on Little Platte lake which is a lovely lake.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Beth H.

Another great week at the Brown Bear!

We love coming every year to the Brown Bear! It is always comfortable and relaxing for us. I will say that it was much warmer this year. we brought two fans just in case and even with all the fans and ceiling fans on it was still warm . The only thing I would like to draw your attention to is that the largest fan, behind the front door, did not work when plugged in. Also, the recycling was full both times we tried to empty our bin, sorry for leaving it full.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen F.

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

Perfect for relaxing and enjoying the area.

Brown Bear has clearly been well taken care of over the years. Very clean, comfortable, and well appointed with everything you may need for a break from the hectic life. Prompt response to a minor issue. Loved that I could walk from the cabin to the main property to have morning coffee on the dock and kayak the on the lake in the evening. Very close to one of my favorite places, Sleeping Bear Natl Lakeshore. Would recommend and hope to be able to stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jill M.

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

Great location

The cabin was very clean and had everything we needed and more. It was cozy and spacious. The location was perfect, just a short drive to many great places. Lake access was a short walk away and it was nice to sit on the dock and stargaze at night. The front porch swing was the perfect spot to enjoy a morning coffee. The back bedroom had plenty of room for air mattresses, if needed. There was a musty odor when we first arrived, but it cleared out when opening windows and running the ceiling fans. Host is very quick to respond, if needed.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
From a partner site

8/10 Good

DavidH

Great Cabin, awesome trip

My family and I had a great time staying at this cabin. Brown Bear is just a 2 minute walk through the woods to get to the lake, though it was helpful that my buddies staying in the Red and Green Laker that were right on Lake Little Platte. only issue was that quite a few ants appeared on day 3-4, Kelly had said the cabins had been treated before, and left perimeter spray and traps for me to use. Other than that the cabins were comfortable, and had everything we needed, like kitchen equipment. Even had a blender! Will likely book here again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Craw Z.

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

Great Cabin in Great Location!

Very cute cabin, close to town so we were able to go to grocery and pharmacy no problem. We did not use the available amenities but the lake and such were very close. I like the fact that this cabin was set by itself. No issues from neighbors and road was not busy at all. For us, my husband, myself and our daughter who is 2 along with my mother, we had plenty of room. Saw deer in the morning while enjoying coffee on the back patio. Also loved the photos of the original owners and property. Visiting family from out of state and this really gave us our fix for "up north" MI that we have been missing!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

CarlF

Relaxation at the Brown Bear

We stayed at the Red Laker last summer. We wanted to try the Brown Bear this year because we wanted a little more space. Cabin was the perfect size and was very private. Enjoyed having a charcoal grill. Used it several times. I missed not being directly on the lake, but it is not too far of a walk to get there. I enjoyed using the rowboat and using my SUP on the lake. The only negative was that my mother was allergic to the sheets and towels that were provided. She has allergies. She had to wash the sheets and towels, which seemed to help. I think it was the fabric softener that had been used to wash them. Will keep that in mind if/when we come back.

About the host

Hosted by Agape Vacation Rentals

Host profile image
Twin Birch Resort is a wonderful and traditional northern Michigan resort with a rich heritage. It was started in 1947 and has been owned by the same family since the 1980's. The key feature of the resort is Little Platte Lake and the property leverages all of the lake with a great dock and the provision of both a rowboat and kayak to all guests! There is also a community fire pit on the property. The resort provides for a great getaway for a family, extended family group (renting multiple cabins), couple, or an individual just looking for a little relaxation.

Note that the property is managed for the owners by Agape Vacation Rentals, which is based in nearby Beulah, Michigan.

Languages:

English, Spanish

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