Lakefront Cabin on All-Sports Manuka Lake | Dock + Fire Pit

Welcome to Knotty Pine Retreat — a lakefront cabin on all-sports Manuka Lake with a private dock, fire pit, and warm knotty pine interior. Swim, boat, waterski, paddleboard, and fish from your own dock by day, then gather around the fire as the sun goes down. In winter, the same lake turns into ice fishing grounds and the snowmobile trails pick up at the door. Minutes from downtown Gaylord, championship golf, and Treetops Resort — a true four-season Up North escape for families and lake lovers.

Knotty Pine is managed by Haze Retreats — contactless self check-in via smart lock, with our team reachable by phone throughout your stay and local in-person support when needed.

Knotty Pine Retreat sits on all-sports Manuka Lake just outside downtown Gaylord, Michigan. Tucked on a quiet private road, the setting is wooded and secluded, yet minutes from restaurants, breweries, grocery stores, and local shops.

Gaylord is known as Michigan's Alpine Village and is a true four-season destination:

• Championship golf courses throughout the area
• Treetops Resort for skiing and winter activities
• Snowmobile and ORV trail access nearby
• Boating, water skiing, jet skis, and fishing on all-sports Manuka Lake
• Stunning fall color tours
• Day trips to Traverse City, Mackinac Island, and Petoskey

Whether you're here for summer lake life or winter adventure, you'll find the perfect balance of privacy and convenience.

🚗 ACCESS

Guests have full access to the home, yard, private dock (seasonal), fire pit area, and outdoor dining space.

Parking is available on-site for multiple vehicles.

A small outdoor shed is accessible and contains water toys for guest use. The garage is not available for guest access.

❄️ WINTER ACCESS

The cabin is located down a private 2-mile road. During winter months, snow accumulation can make access difficult without AWD or 4WD. Snow tires are strongly recommended during heavy snowfall.

Self check-in instructions will be provided prior to arrival.

The Knotty Pine Retreat is a cozy 3-bedroom, 2-bath lakefront cabin designed for relaxing family getaways and Up North adventures.

🛏 Sleeping Layout

Upper Level
• King bedroom
• Queen bedroom

Please note: One upstairs bedroom is accessed by walking through the other bedroom. This layout works especially well for families with kids or groups comfortable sharing space.

Lower Level
• Bedroom with two twin beds
• Second full bathroom

The home comfortably accommodates up to 6 guests and offers a warm, inviting layout with classic knotty pine walls and peaceful lake views.

🌊 Indoor & Outdoor Living

• Open living area perfect for gathering after a day on the lake
• Fully equipped kitchen for home-cooked meals
• Private dock for swimming, fishing, and kayaking
• Fire pit for evening bonfires and s’mores
• Outdoor dining space overlooking the water

A note on the lake: water levels are higher than usual this year, which has brought more lily pads and natural lake plants along the shoreline. It's a healthy, natural all-sports lake - swimming is best off the end of the dock where the water is deeper and clearer.

❄️ Winter Access

The cabin is located down a private 2-mile road. In winter months, snow accumulation can make access challenging without 4WD or AWD. Snow tires are strongly recommended during heavy snowfall.

Professionally managed by Haze Retreats.

A personal vehicle is required; the cabin sits down a private 2-mile road, so AWD/4WD and snow tires are recommended in heavy snow. Nearest airports: Pellston Regional (PLN) ~30 min, Traverse City (TVC) ~1 hr, Detroit Metro (DTW) ~4 hrs. Free on-site parking.

A digital guest guidebook will be sent prior to your stay, including check-in/out details, driving directions, a detailed cabin manual, and local recommendations. Please note, the garage is not accessible to guests. Our smart lock system makes self-check-in a breeze— self check-in details arrive in your pre-arrival guidebook.

Lake note: water levels are higher than usual this year, which has brought more lily pads and natural plants along the shoreline - swimming is best off the end of the dock where the water is deeper and clearer.