100' Prime Lakefront w/sandy lake bottom - updated cottage w/dock/boats/bikes
Enjoy one of Michigan's finest all-sports lakes in a secluded setting, with undeveloped lots on all sides (effectively 300' of private lake frontage only about 30' away from our cottage). Our older rustic/retro cottage has a kitchen, bathroom and separate powder room (1.5 bathrooms) that are all updated (see pictures). Included at no extra charge is the use of our 14' aluminum fishing boat w/outboard motor & plenty of gas, canoe, standup paddleboards, kayaks, bicycles, and plenty of firewood for our indoor fireplace and outdoor firepit. (Dock and fishing boat are available around May 1 - November 1, but are removed during the other colder months.) We also have both a gas grill and a charcoal grill for your use.
Note: this is just 1 of about 5-10 "Bear Lake"s in the state of Michigan. Ours is the largest one, located in Manistee County, Bear Lake/Pleasanton Townships, south of Traverse City and north of Manistee, on U.S. 31.
Note: Our cottage has 4 beds total (2 queen beds and 2 twin bunk beds) in 2 separate bedrooms. So it can sleep up to 6 people. We have 2 bathrooms (1 full bath and 1 half bath).
Note: Our cottage comes with dishes, pots & pans, soaps, paper products, towels and linens so you don't have to bring those.
Note: To keep your cost as low as possible, we allow our renters to clean the cottage themselves before checkout, or you can pay our cleaning staff to do it for you. Our staff charges $30/hr. up to a maximum of $90 for 3 hours, depending on how clean you leave the cottage. Any cleaning costs simply will be charged by Vrbo to your booking deposit.
Note: We provide a 10% "returning guest discount" in the future to those who have left our cottage in good condition and want to come back.
Note: At your convenience before checking in, we definitely need to talk with you by phone so we can give you more information about our property and answer any questions you might think of. This allows us to be totally prepared before your arrival. We want you to be 100% satisfied with your choice of vacation accommodations!
Note: We are available by phone 24/7 (similar to a hotel front desk) to answer your questions and ensure all your needs are met. We offer this to make you feel secure in knowing you aren't alone once you've booked our cottage.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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(adults responsible for children behavior/damages)
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Events
No events allowed
(normal gatherings, just no wild parties)
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Pets
No pets allowed
(because some of our guests have pet allergies)
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
No smoking indoors; outside is fine of course.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 716306
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
Note from host: (normal gatherings, just no wild parties)
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 there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadbolt lock
About the neighborhood
Bear Lake
Located in Bear Lake, this cottage is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Misty Acres Preserve, while Arcadia Area Historical Museum and Michigan Legacy Art Park are cultural highlights. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and snorkeling nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and cycling.
Chestnut Hills Golf Course - 11 min drive - 10.1 km
Glovers Lake - 14 min drive - 15.1 km
Inspiration Point - 16 min drive - 17.6 km
Pierport Beach - 18 min drive - 13.3 km
Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course - 18 min drive - 12.3 km
Getting around
Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker) - 27 min drive
Restaurants
Chestnut Hills Golf Course - 11 min drive
Grille 44 - 9 min drive
Amigos Mexican Restaurant - 20 min drive
MT Plate Diner - 15 min drive
Miller's Northwood Market - 16 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is 100' Prime Lakefront w/sandy lake bottom - updated cottage w/dock/boats/bikes pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at 100' Prime Lakefront w/sandy lake bottom - updated cottage w/dock/boats/bikes?
As of May 31, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at 100' Prime Lakefront w/sandy lake bottom - updated cottage w/dock/boats/bikes on Sep 15, 2026 start from $144, 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 100' Prime Lakefront w/sandy lake bottom - updated cottage w/dock/boats/bikes?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at 100' Prime Lakefront w/sandy lake bottom - updated cottage w/dock/boats/bikes?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Where is 100' Prime Lakefront w/sandy lake bottom - updated cottage w/dock/boats/bikes located?
Located on the waterfront, this family-friendly cottage is within 9 mi (15 km) of Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course, Pierport Beach, and Lake Michigan. Glovers Lake and Grebe Park are also within 9 mi (15 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Great cottage on a beautiful lake! Fishing was pretty good and the lake has clear water and a sandy bottom so it’s great for kids. We loved that a fishing boat was available as well as kayaks and paddle boards. The cottage was cozy and the beds were comfortable.
Quiet little cozy house on a beautiful clear lake. The house was perfect for our family of 5. Only 10-15 minutes away from beautiful Lake Michigan beaches and dunes. Plenty of water toys for the kids and great views of sunrise and sunset every day. The host was very nice and helpful. We enjoyed every second we were there and would definitely stay again.
This little place was absolutely wonderful. The house is in a quite wooded area, very cozy and well equipped. The host was very friendly and helpful, even guided me through how to use the boat. It’s a great place to stay and I can’t wait to come back!
Kevin is an awesome host! This is a beautiful area. The cottage is retro and awesome. It’s not fancy, but is a great location and has everything that you need. It was quiet and relaxing. We will definitely stay again!
Highly recommend this cabin. Owner is great. Cabin is well stocked. Enjoyed the new fire pit. Would definitely stay here again. You won't regret booking this cabin. Thanks again Kevin
bradley s.
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 23, 2020
Thanks for the kind comments, Brad. You definitely will be welcome back again. It is our goal to make our guests want to return, so we do our best to provide what they need to make them happy!
Rented juniper cottage on Bear Lake,
Kevin was our host he was great he walked Us thru everything & available for any problems or questions we had.
Cottage was wonderful beautiful fireplace, updated kitchen & Bath . S
My family had an incredible stay at Kevin's cottage on Bear Lake. It was so much fun to use the generously provided kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, canoe, and little motor boat. We made amazing memories together and Kevin's property was the perfect setting for our annual Northern Michigan family trip while visiting my hometown and exploring the region. It is the ideal place for relaxing OR finding something fun to do while connecting with family and nature. Kevin is a kind and accomodating host who communicated with every step of the way ensuring we were informed and comfortable. Thank you, Kevin! You really made our annual time Up North one of our best week's yet!
Stayed two weekends in a row. Kevin was helpful thru out the process. The cabin and everything listed is accurate. No problems at all. Will be back next year!
My family and I couldn't be more pleased with our experience at Bear Lake. Even though we managed to get cold, windy, rainy weather, we had a cozy cabin on a gorgeous lake. The cabin has modern amenities, yet a retro vibe that evokes nostalgia. On the nights it was dry, we enjoyed the grill and firepit. Kevin made sure we had everything we needed and was great to work with. Definitely plan to return during the warm season!
Loved the comfy, old-fashioned furniture, the rustic cabin, yet with up-to-date kitchen and bath. Came for the cooler weather and changing leaves. Perfect timing! Two weeks of nothing but sitting on the dock with our coffee or wine. Mornings with the propane heater to take the chill off, and (most) evenings with the wood stove. Reading the guest book - "our 5th", "10th", "12th" "vacation here". No wonder people keep coming back! Thank you for sharing this beautiful piece of heaven with your guests!
Nice rustic cottage.Plenty of room & good working heaters. No beach to speak of , some difficulty getting in/out of lake,no stairs or handrails..just large rocks....not great for seniors.Prior renters left sand & dog hair on floor & blankets in one bedroom,& shredded food stuff in kitchen cupboard..we did not clean up their mess!...the usual problems with multiple renters.Kevin was helpful & available,very knowledgeable regarding Bear Lake area.
judy j.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2018
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 23, 2020
Thanks for your constructive comments, and for booking your return trip next year despite those problems. We will be installing a set of steps with railings off our dock to help seniors getting in and out of the lake. We also will be enforcing our "no pets" rule, and stepping up our cleaning standards.
Very relaxing, secluded quiet family getaway. The location is settled on a dead end gravel road with minimal traffic. The cottage itself is surrounded and covered by trees so, plenty of shade. The lake front was very shallow and clear which allowed us and the kids to wade and swim without concern. Also, Lake Michigan with clear water beaches is only 13 minutes away.
The only reason for the 4/5 star “accuracy of listing” is because the listing stated an A/C was in the master bedroom and there was not. Other than that, the listing and photos are pretty spot on. Kevin the owner was absolutely fantastic and friendly. We will definitely be back and look forward to working with him again.
Ashley R.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
About the host
Hosted by Kevin Mallison
My ancestors were some of the early settlers in the Bear Lake area, and my grandparents had a summer lakefront cottage rental business here for many years until they retired. If there's anything I can do to make your visit here more enjoyable, just ask! I tell my guests they should treat me like their "front desk", and am available 24/7 by phone for questions or problems.
Why they chose this property
One of the best features of this secluded lakefront property is the lengthy, shallow, sandy shoreline. This makes swimming and splashing around in the lake so much more fun than some lakes with weedy/mucky bottoms, or those that are too deep near shore to wade out and have fun with floaty toys and inflatables. Ideal for families with younger children, but fun for adults too. Also, Bear Lake water temps are so much warmer than Lake Michigan! Warm enough in June to get into the water, and sometimes as warm as bathtub water by Labor Day! October is popular when the leaves start to turn; the area is beautiful when the fall colors arrive!
What makes this property unique
Our prime season guests enjoy the boats, kayaks and bikes we provide at no extra charge. Our spring/fall guests come for a quiet scenic getaway, and appreciate our low rates those times of year.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests