Entire home

Relaxing Sandy Beach Retreat on Lake Superior

Beachfront holiday home with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for Relaxing Sandy Beach Retreat on Lake Superior

Welcome
Living area
Living area
Aerial view
Exterior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 92066 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Beach view
  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
  • Place, Northern Michigan University
  • Place, Superior Dome
  • Place, Presque Isle Park

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 9)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Living Room

1 Queen Sofa Bed

Loft

1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Relaxing Sandy Beach Retreat on Lake Superior

The most difficult decision you might have to make during your stay is where to sit and drink your morning coffee. No matter where you settle, there’s plenty to take in as this spacious log cabin house sits on the small peninsula looking out on Lake Superior and Big Bay Harbor. The lakeshore frontage has a private sandy beach just steps from your back door with a magnificent view of Lake Superior, while the sights of the marina can be enjoyed from the front yard.

You might contemplate breakfast in Marquette, only 40 minutes away, a university town with plenty of attractions, food and pubs. We recommend checking out Donckers. How many places do you know of that are a Chocolatier downstairs and a breakfast nook upstairs?!

Mapping out the rest of your day might involve grabbing some essentials to make a sack lunch at Cram’s, just down the road in Big Bay, to afford you the flexibility to be a little adventuresome. Perhaps some hiking is in order. Thomas Rock scenic overlook and the Sugar Loaf Mountain Observation Decks are two splendid destinations for such, both within 30 minutes of the cabin. Alternatively, the water might call to you, and a kayak trip around the Pictured Rocks or some fishing is what you desire.

It’s true that dinner and evening plans create another set of decisions, but there are plenty of excellent choices: fix a meal in the spacious, well-supplied kitchen and play games in the rec room, or throw some firewood into the firepit and enjoy the evening outdoors with the sound of the waves accompanying your conversations? Feel like eating out? It’s less than five minutes to Thunder Bay Inn, where Anatomy of a Murder was filmed, for great meals and drinks. Or if you feel like connecting to the rest of the world, how about spending the evening enjoying satellite TV or fiber optic internet access with the view of the lake in the background?

When it’s time for retiring, you’ll find plenty of accommodations – will it be a comfortable bed for two in one of the downstairs bedrooms, or bunk beds in the loft that can sleep three, or the sofa in the grand room with the pull-out bed? Whatever you decide, you’ll wake rested and ready for another day of ‘what to do’.

We are certain you will love the experience, but be careful, or you might find yourself in our shoes and falling in love with the UP!
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Beach view

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 24
Check out before 10:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
House is child friendly but not child proof.
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

No pets allowed
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Please make sure all trash is outside in the cans in the trash shed.
Safe travels home.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Drive slow and follow the 10.30pm outside quiet rule of the neighborhood. Sound travels more in a secluded cove!
Be mindful of the animals and wilderness! This is the animals home too. Keep the property clean of trash. Leave no trace and take only memories.
You're in the woods, there are creatures, keep the house free of loose food and keep doors/screens closed.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number TR2670549

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

About the area

Big Bay

Located in Big Bay, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Superior and Little Presque Isle Recreation Area. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as snowmobiling.
Map
Big Bay, MI

What's nearby

  • Northern Michigan University - 49 min drive - 54.7 km
  • Superior Dome - 51 min drive - 55.8 km
  • UP Health System - Marquette - 53 min drive - 57.6 km
  • Marquette Harbor Light - 53 min drive - 57.6 km
  • Presque Isle Park - 59 min drive - 57.9 km

Getting around

  • Marquette, MI (MQT-Sawyer Intl.) - 67 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Thunder Bay Inn - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Lumberjack Tavern - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Hungry Hollow - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Relaxing Sandy Beach Retreat on Lake Superior pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Relaxing Sandy Beach Retreat on Lake Superior?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Relaxing Sandy Beach Retreat on Lake Superior?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Relaxing Sandy Beach Retreat on Lake Superior located?

This Big Bay holiday home is on the beach, 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Lake Superior, and within 25 mi (40 km) of Hidden Beach and Little Presque Isle Recreation Area. Dead River Beach and Middle Bay Beach are also within 32 miles (52 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 47 out of 48 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 48 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 48 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 48 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 48 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Diane C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Activities for all. Host provided all necessities plus more. Beautiful setting.
Sunset
Moon over Lake
Looking out from family room.
Deer by cabin
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amanda L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed our week in Big Bay! The house was clean, comfortable and well-stocked. You cannot beat the private beach and beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Anne was very prompt and easy to communicate with. Already planning our return!
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael D.

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

Great location for a family gathering

The house was perfect for a family gathering. Right on Lake Superior with a beautiful beach. It had everything you needed to enjoy your stay. We had a great time.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Erin P., Pleasant Dale

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

Wonderful property and hosts!!

Our family agreed that this was one of the best properties that we ever stayed at! There was everything in the house that we could possibly need with an amazing view to top it off. The hosts are amazing to work with and always quick to respond. Would love to make a return trip!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Scot D.

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

Great place and great location

The location is perfect right on Lake superior. Nice sandy beach, easy to use fire pit. The house is very good but the best part was how well stocked it was from a well equipped kitchen, to bath towels, to kayaks to great grill utensils to good marshmallow skewers. The views were spectacular, it’s private, and the access to Lake superior is just incredible.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

B Z.

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

Wonderful

Another great stay in Big Bay! The cottage is well maintained, owners are a text message away and the bay is big, beautiful and warmer than you would expect. Quiet and peaceful and easy walk to Crams, the Lumberjack and Thunder Bay Inn. Great berry picking along the roadside and nearby trails. Waterfalls and lookouts are plentiful in the area. Thank you!
Stayed 15 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael T.

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

Being right on the lake was awesome!

We came to the Big Bay Area for fall colors. The location on the beach was so nice. With temperatures in the 60s and 70s we could sit on the front deck and enjoy the breeze and sound of the waves. Sun with some clouds on the horizon made the view of the lake outstanding. The "cabin" (gorgeous home) was great for our group of 2 couples. Very clean and comfortable and the kitchen had everything we needed to cook. Communications couldn't have been better. This was a super home base for day trips to Sugarloaf, Big Bay hiking trails and Marquette.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christopher D.

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

This place has everything you will need for a relaxing vacation

We couldn’t have picked a better week to come to the U.P. for color and this house was perfect for our stay. The home was stocked with everything that we needed and you could tell that these owners really cared about us as guests. The view was amazing and we took full advantage of the beautiful beach, evening fires and stargazing, and even took a dip in Lake Superior. The neighbors were very friendly and the neighborhood is very quiet and peaceful. Thank you for an amazing week with many memories made!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott G., Farmington Hills, Michigan

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

Quintessential U.P.

If you are looking for peace and quiet, for a chance to get away from life to simply enjoy living, look no further. This amazing home has nothing to hide and makes no promises it can’t keep. It was, quite literally, the perfect place to call home for a week. But beyond the property and beautiful location, it’s managed by some amazing people who clearly care and want you to enjoy your stay. Thank you again, Anne! It was a wonderful week.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

John L.

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

Big Bay's Best

This was our family's 2nd trip to Big Bay, but our first time in the Mills' home. The house was well equipped and very comfortable for a great vacation. You will not find a better host than Anne to work with in planning a stay. She is the best! We watched the Northern Lights, the surrounding wildlife (eagles, chipmunks, deer and squirrels), and experienced the many moods of the greatest of the Great Lakes - Lake Superior. When we did manage to pull ourselves away from "home", we enjoyed shopping/dining in Marquette and exploring nearby nature areas and trails. Anne & Joe - thank you so much for your kindness and for sharing your home with us. We made many great memories and hope to visit again some day soon!
Stayed 11 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

John L.

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

Another wonderful stay!

Last year's stay was so good we came back in 2023! We can't say enough good things about the Mills and their wonderful home. We don't think that you will find a better location or a more comfortable and well-equipped home in Big Bay (or the Marquette area, for that matter) than this one. The home makes a great base for exploring Big Big, Marquette, and other great areas of the UP. It also is a great spot to stay and enjoy Lake Superior - inside or outside - with a wonderful deck and sandy beach. Most certainly, you will not find more kind, professional and friendly hosts than Anne & Joe Mills. They strive to make your stay hassle-free and do everything that they can to make their guests feel at home. Thank you, Anne & Joe, for sharing your home with us (again). We hope to visit again some day soon!
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jessica A.

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

That View Though!!!

Thank you Joe and Anne for hosting our family for our 2023 MI vacation! We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Michigan has always been one of our favorite vacation spots, but this was our first trip to Big Bay. Your house is beautiful and I still can't get over that view. The sunrises on Lake Superior were amazing!!! Thank you for the recommendations of places to visit while we were there! The Thomas Rock Scenic Overlook was beautiful as was the view from the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. We also enjoyed the Black Rocks at Lil Presque Isle. While on your property we had a daily visit from a chipmonk, a one time visit from a least weasel, a one time visit from an eagle, multiple visits from 2 duck families, and saw a couple deer just down the road. The kiddos enjoyed swimming, kayaking, building sand castles, and drawing in the sand on the beach. They also enjoyed the games in the game room. We were lucky enough to even do a campfire on the beach one night. Lots of memories were made!!! My youngest didn't want to leave and has since asked if we could go back to vacation! Thank you!!! You truly thought of anything and everything that could have made our trip easier and more special. We felt right at home!!!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Frank C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our family had an amazing time and the hosts were great, attentive and communicative. Beautiful property and location.
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

SSB

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hosts were very responsive and caring. The house was wonderful - even though we had cold/windy/rainy weather 2 out of 4 days, you could still just sit in the living room and see/hear the waves. Crystal clear water, sandy beach, nice fire ring/firewood provided. Stayed up late enough to see all the stars our first night. Quiet and pretty private area. We would definately stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Charles W.

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

Family Vacation

We wanted a place for our two kids, their spouses, and our three grandkids to enjoy the U.P. and this place was amazing! Ann and Joe were great hosts, easy to communicate with, and gave us great ideas for things to do in the area. The sandy beach was perfect for the grandkids to play and swim. Calm and shallow. Also great for kayaking. Plenty of trails nearby for offroading. Great kitchen and dining area for family meals and playing cards. The grandkids especially enjoyed the dart game and video arcade. Very well stocked for everything we needed.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

JASON A.

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

Great time

Amazing host the cabin was perfect had everything one could need had deer in the back yard Had a wonderful time Lake Superior is cold
Evening view from dinner table
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mara S.

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

Beautiful

The cabin was beautiful and very clean and well stocked. We had an amazing time!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joe L.

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

Great home - Great owners

This is a beautiful home on a great beach on Lake Superior. All the details were covered! Well appointed kitchen, outside toys, everything was great. Thank you we will be back!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julie E.

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

Our Squaw Beach Summer Place

This is pir second time staying and it's never long enough. I feel like Anne is a dear friend. The cabin is so cozy and perfect for our family. We love the space and the location. We look forward to many more years of staying
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angie O.

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

Breathtaking

You wont find more responsive or welcoming hosts. What a breathtaking cabin and views of the lake. Had the most wonderful stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sherri B.

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

A peace of heaven

Third stay at property and always a delight to work with Anne. The views of sunrises and sunsets are amazing. The property is equipped with anything you need for cooking and lots of special touches we have not seen or gotten in other rentals properties. We look forward to next time.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jessica G.

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

Amazing

This stay was fabulous!!!! The house was the most fully stocked house I have been to. It was beautiful inside and out!! I could not ask for more!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christopher M.

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

Great Cabin / Great Location

Wonderful cabin that is fully stocked with everything you might need. Would be a great house for Family with Kids. The beach is nice, no rocks or vegetation in the water. The water is only about 3ft in depth for about 50yrds. Great outdoor play area with the beach and the shallow water. Marquette was an easy drive for food. There are some restaurants near the cabin but if you want something a little less local dive bar, then I’d head into Marquette
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kierstin S.

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

Great stay

We enjoyed our stay here! The house had all the things we needed, including some baby items. We enjoyed all the outside toys, kayaks, chairs, and fire pit. The host was very responsive to inquiries we had. While this place is definitely way out there on location, shopping and anything we needed was only 30 minutes away. The kitchen was well stocked with everything we needed. Great hikes of all levels are very close with some great views. Check in was easy and check out was even easier. A fantastic stay!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sherri B., Hartford, WI

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

Spectacular views

Host is very prompt in responding to questions. We enjoyed the beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Located in a peaceful quiet area. Many thoughtful touches provided, games for the entire family, a high chair for little ones. We can’t wait to return.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2023

About the host

Hosted by Anne & Joe Mills

Host profile image
We honeymooned at Big Bay Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast over 35 years ago and decided this area where we wanted to retire. Found this magical location, which we want to share with others until we finally land at the home permanently.

Why they chose this property

Quiet, private, secluded road in the woods - that has a view of Lake Superior that will melt away the anxieties of the 'real' world.

What makes this property unique

This property has a trio of advantages: it's tucked away in the wilderness, has 200 feet of soft beachfront and a house that while rustic also has high speed fiber optics!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests