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Lake Michigan Sandy Beach is a short walk! Home in Downtown Empire, Grill

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A spacious kitchen with wooden flooring, large windows, and a high ceiling with skylights.
A spacious living area with a wooden dining table, sofas, and a TV.
A hallway with wooden flooring, a bench, a lamp, a mirror, and a painting on the wall.
A white house with a covered patio area, featuring a dining table and chairs, and a large arched window above the entrance.
A kitchen with wooden cabinets, a wooden table, a refrigerator, a microwave, a stove, and a fish decoration on the wall.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Sledding nearby
    A rare find — snowy slopes for sledding are just minutes away.
  • Explore, experience, enjoy
    Guests like the location for activities and attractions nearby.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Walk to Lake Michigan

Popular amenities

  • Patio
  • Barbecue grill
  • Refrigerator
  • Internet
  • Washer
  • Onsite parking available

Explore the area

View in a map
Empire, MI
  • Place, beach near Village Park
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Philip A. Hart Visitor Center
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪41 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed and 1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

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About the neighborhood

Empire

Located near the beach, this vacation home is in Downtown Empire, a neighborhood in Empire. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum and Burnett Park are also worth visiting. Jet skiing and windsurfing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and ecotours nearby.
View more Vacation Homes in EmpireOpens in a new window
Map
Empire, MI

What's nearby

  • beach near Village Park - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Philip A. Hart Visitor Center - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • beach near Downtown Mmpire - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Empire Bluff Trail - 4 min drive - 2.2 km

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Trattoria Funistrada - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Shipwreck Cafe - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Joes Friendly Tavern - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Empire Village Pizza & Spirits - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Food For Thought - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Lake Michigan Sandy Beach is a short walk! Home in Downtown Empire, Grill pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Lake Michigan Sandy Beach is a short walk! Home in Downtown Empire, Grill?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Lake Michigan Sandy Beach is a short walk! Home in Downtown Empire, Grill?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Lake Michigan Sandy Beach is a short walk! Home in Downtown Empire, Grill located?

Located in Downtown Empire, this vacation home is within a 10-minute walk of Philip A. Hart Visitor Center and Lake Michigan. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and South Bar Lake are also within 15 minutes.

Reviews

9.6

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. 11 out of 14 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 14 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 14 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 14 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 14 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clean house close to the beach and other up north destinations. Plenty of room to relax and kids loved the loft with its own full bath
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 15, 2026
So glad this was a good fit for the whole family! Thank you for staying with us.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice house. Excellent location to the beach and hiking. Would definitely do it again.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2026
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Perfect Location

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: The perfect location for both beach and inland activities. Exactly what you need and nothing more.
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 18, 2026
So glad you enjoyed this home. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful house in an amazing location. We would absolutely stay again.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 5, 2025
Thank you! We look forward to your return.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Good times!

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We really enjoyed our stay at "art house"...we appreciated the clean setting and no pets allowed due to allergies
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 12, 2025
Thank you so glad you had "good times" at this home.
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Great Place!

Clean. Two full baths. Close to small town. Felt very comfortable staying there. Mattress in 1st floor bedroom dips in center. Would stay again. Beautiful beach a short walk away.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 1, 2023
Thank you! We appreciate your comment and look forward to your return.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Great family home, Great location

Rating Details: The property manager was more than helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: A couple blocks from the beach, this house is perfect for a family weekend getaway in Empire.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 13, 2023
So glad you enjoyed!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Labor Day Weekend visit

Property was exactly as described, close to beach and Empire--all VERY SHORT walks which was delightful. Had great time and house was perfect for the 7 of us. Only minor issue was could not get shower to work in the main floor bathroom.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

REVIEW FOR RENTAL Art Haus

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Art Haus turned out to be perfect for our group: two grandparents, who took the upstairs bedroom, our daughter, her husband and two kids, who took two bedroom across the hall from each other on the main floor. Open and airy floor plan perfect for young kids to run around. Wood floors were easy to keep clean. The location was also ideal. Right in the heart of Empire with short, easy walks to the beach, downtown (as it is) and main drag (M22). Short drive to Glem Arbor when we were in the mood for crowds and more variety. The beach has a great playground which the grandkids liked almost as much as the beach. Neighbors were friendly and welcoming.
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 13, 2025
Thank you for taking the time to review this home. We are glad to know that this home was a perfect fit for your family! Thank you for staying for Visit Up North!
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Communication, location, listing accuracy

Up North Friends Week

Perfect location for accessing bike trails, Lake Michigan and Platte Lake. We had 8 adults staying and it was great except for 2 couples having to share the upstairs (which we knew in advance). Property was nice but could have been cleaned a little better. There were crumbs under the microwave and sand on the floor throughout. We arrived promptly at 4 and the cleaning lady was still there. Couldn't get in until 4:45 but she did let us start unloading our things. With VRBO later check-ins and early check-outs I figure you should be able to get in on time. You get charged extra for staying late. Would definitely stay again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Comfortable & Convenient

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We enjoyed this stay with grandparents, parents and kids. We chose this for the location, as Empire gives great access to the beach, especially by bicycle- it made the trips back and forth a breeze & the scenery is divine. Also going by bike helped us avoid the full parking lot issue over labor day. The house has wonderful natural light, it’s bright and open. Our kids loved the upstairs, we loved the safety of it not being a loft! There is a window unit upstairs that’s not on the listing, but even with warmest day of 72 we didn’t need it. I loved that almost every window opened and had screens, only one screen was missing, we had a wonderful breeze. The furniture in the living and dining room is comfortable, giving us all a place to lounge. The kitchen & bathroom downstairs are updated nicely. We loved the super long bench in the entry way for jackets, helmets and bags. And the island in the kitchen the same, great for things you need to grab and go. We loved the loungers in the back yard and bought them as soon as we got home! Water pressure in house is good, the hot cold is reversed in downstairs shower, just be advised. We could have used a swifter for pesky sand, so bring one with you! We always need more hooks for towels and hoodies and such too. Kitchen drawers & laundry closet could do with a reorganize and reset for next season. We loved the home, the neighbors and the location and would be honored to rent it again next time. Thank you for providing this gem of a home! It has been our all time favorite!
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 5, 2025
Wonderful! Thank you for taking time to share your experience with future guests. We appreciate your observations and suggestions and look forward to your return.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great quiet spot to enjoy all there is along this stretch of MI coast. Super close to the beach and can walk (uphill) to dune overlook hike and NPS visitor center. Nice drive to other sites in the area.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 9, 2026
So glad you enjoyed this great, quiet spot and had a chance to take in some of the best views in Northern Michigan!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 14, 2026
Thank you for your 5-Star review of this home.
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2024
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