10/10 Excellent
Celi P.
29 Sept 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Celi P.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Entire home
Lake Michigan views! Complimentary housekeeping with monthly stays Mar-Apr.
Lakefront holiday home with kitchen and patio
Photo gallery for Lake Michigan views! Complimentary housekeeping with monthly stays Mar-Apr.
Reviews
9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 141704 sq ft
Popular amenities
Explore the area
- Place, Mariners Trail & Rawley Point Bike Trails
- Place, Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve
- Place, S.S. Badger Lake Michigan Carferry
Rooms & beds
4 bedrooms (sleeps 14)
Bedroom 1
1 King Bed
Bedroom 2
2 Double Beds
Bedroom 3
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 4
1 Queen Bed
Living Room/Area
1 Double Futon
2 bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 2
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Lake Michigan views! Complimentary housekeeping with monthly stays Mar-Apr.
Being by the lake produces a feeling of relaxation and you can sense it pretty easily in this easy going place called Two Rivers, and especially right here at the Smiling Bear Cabin. There are many nearby hiking and XCSki/Showshoeing trails including ice age trail segments, and wonderful beach and picnicking spots. Staying at the Smiling Bear puts you at the heart of everything available in the area and gives you a nice place to call home and make great family memories.
Our place sits on 1/3 acre, across the road from Lake Michigan and the Mariner's Trail, which runs along the coastline. The way our home is angled, you can see the lake from much of the yard and just about every room of the house. We have Swings, Volleyball, Croquet, Badminton, & Sidewalk Chalk! We have a Fire-Pit and a Wood Shed [which may or may not have firewood at any given time]. To round out the outdoor fun, we have a huge Wrap Around Deck w/Gas Grill [Propane Provided], Picnic Table, Patio Table w/Umbrella, and extra chairs.
Inside home layout is ideal w/Open Concept KT/Dining/LR so everyone can enjoy one anothers company during family cooking and cleanup time in our well stocked kitchen. Access Deck from Patio Doors or back kitchen door making a convenient round robin layout perfect for entertaining. Main floor laundry for guest use.
Our fully equipped KT includes Gas Stove, Refrigerator w/Water & Ice Dispenser, Dishwasher, Microwave, Wine Cooler, Coffeemaker, Crockpots, blender, beaters, pots & pans, utensils, glassware, bakeware et al. We have some specialties like a melon baller, garlic press, lemon zester, etc to add pizazz to your cooking experience.
Secured High Speed WiFi, and Dish TV including A&E and Discovery Channel [w/upgrade for sports channels available upon request]. We have books, games, and binoculars! Enjoy watching the SS Badger Carferry or other boats coast along the horizon. Play board games at the large dining table. Wonderful place for family together time.
For Sleeping Arrangements, there is a Main Floor Bedroom w/King Size Bed, and 3 more Bedrooms Upstairs. 2 of the upper Bedrooms have 1 Queen Size Bed per room. The 3rd upstairs BR has 2 Double Beds. There is a Hotel Grade Sofa Sleeper in LR.
There is a full bath on both Floors. Main Floor Bath has a Shower Stall. Upstairs Bath has a Shower over Tub.
Our place sits on 1/3 acre, across the road from Lake Michigan and the Mariner's Trail, which runs along the coastline. The way our home is angled, you can see the lake from much of the yard and just about every room of the house. We have Swings, Volleyball, Croquet, Badminton, & Sidewalk Chalk! We have a Fire-Pit and a Wood Shed [which may or may not have firewood at any given time]. To round out the outdoor fun, we have a huge Wrap Around Deck w/Gas Grill [Propane Provided], Picnic Table, Patio Table w/Umbrella, and extra chairs.
Inside home layout is ideal w/Open Concept KT/Dining/LR so everyone can enjoy one anothers company during family cooking and cleanup time in our well stocked kitchen. Access Deck from Patio Doors or back kitchen door making a convenient round robin layout perfect for entertaining. Main floor laundry for guest use.
Our fully equipped KT includes Gas Stove, Refrigerator w/Water & Ice Dispenser, Dishwasher, Microwave, Wine Cooler, Coffeemaker, Crockpots, blender, beaters, pots & pans, utensils, glassware, bakeware et al. We have some specialties like a melon baller, garlic press, lemon zester, etc to add pizazz to your cooking experience.
Secured High Speed WiFi, and Dish TV including A&E and Discovery Channel [w/upgrade for sports channels available upon request]. We have books, games, and binoculars! Enjoy watching the SS Badger Carferry or other boats coast along the horizon. Play board games at the large dining table. Wonderful place for family together time.
For Sleeping Arrangements, there is a Main Floor Bedroom w/King Size Bed, and 3 more Bedrooms Upstairs. 2 of the upper Bedrooms have 1 Queen Size Bed per room. The 3rd upstairs BR has 2 Double Beds. There is a Hotel Grade Sofa Sleeper in LR.
There is a full bath on both Floors. Main Floor Bath has a Shower Stall. Upstairs Bath has a Shower over Tub.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Lake view
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Two Rivers ‘Thiede House’ - Walk to Lake Michigan!
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- Kitchen
- Washer
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10.0 out of 10, (32 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Games/Toys/Books/Outdoor Swings/Sidewalk Chalk
Events
Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
Residential Zoning Rules. Family Events/Parties OK
Pets
No pets allowed, service animals permitted
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Outdoor Smoking Only
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 20
Note from host: Residential Zoning Rules. Family Events/Parties OK
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
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.
We should mention
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
About the area
Two Rivers
Located in Two Rivers, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Historic Washington House and Rogers Street Fishing Village are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at S.S. Badger Lake Michigan Carferry and Fox Hills Country Club. Travelling with kids? Consider West of the Lake Gardens and Lincoln Park Zoo. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Two Rivers, WI
What's nearby
- Mariners Trail & Rawley Point Bike Trails - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
- West of the Lake Gardens - 4 min drive - 4.0 km
- Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve - 4 min drive - 3.9 km
- S.S. Badger Lake Michigan Carferry - 8 min drive - 8.6 km
- Wisconsin Maritime Museum - 8 min drive - 8.6 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- McDonald's - 4 min drive
- Dairy Queen - 3 min drive
- Cool City Brewing Company - 4 min drive
- Waverly Inn Pub & Pizzeria - 4 min drive
- Fatzo's Sub & Pizza Shop - 4 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window9.8/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
9.6/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
C K.
2 Sept 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
C K.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Linda K.
26 Jun 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Spacious Warmth
Linda K.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Sara B.
31 May 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Matriarch with her sister and daughters
Sara B.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Kelley N.
4 May 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Girlfriend Getaway
Kelley N.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jacy O.
16 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A great getaway
Jacy O.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Candy W.
13 Oct 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Candy W.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Kimberly H.
18 May 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lake Michigan Stay
Kimberly H.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Penney F.
3 Jan 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place
Penney F.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
10/10 Excellent
Duane R.
6 Feb 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Girls weekend
Duane R.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
10/10 Excellent
Marta K., Schaumburg IL
18 Sept 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Two Rivers Girls Trip
Marta K.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Kimberly K.
28 Dec 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great week stay
Kimberly K.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024
8/10 Good
Gregory R.
13 Aug 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Pleasant time in Two Rivers
Gregory R.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2021
10/10 Excellent
Mary K.
21 Jan 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Christmas minication
Mary K.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
10/10 Excellent
Paul H.
17 Jul 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
DFC fishing trip
Paul H.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021
10/10 Excellent
Kelli H.
21 Jun 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Vacation family
Kelli H.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021
10/10 Excellent
pamela t.
30 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family trip
pamela t.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Dona S.
17 Jan 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Christmas Get Away
Dona S.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023
10/10 Excellent
HWolsdorf
13 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great house by the beach!
HWolsdorf
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Dawn S.
19 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nicely appointed and equipped house
Dawn S.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Katrina H.
27 Jul 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Katrina H.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Sherri M.
24 Apr 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Father / daughter weekend
Sherri M.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
10/10 Excellent
Phillip J.
20 Nov 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect location
Phillip J.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
10/10 Excellent
Paul J.
9 Nov 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place on a great lake.
Paul J.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022
10/10 Excellent
Lisa S., Bayside, Wisconsin USA
24 Jan 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing Stay in Two Rivers!!
Lisa S.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023
About the host
Hosted by Rosalee Bleser
The Tall One in the photo bought the home when, let’s just say, it wasn’t pretty. The Short One is me, -- I run BeachTown Properties, with Smiling Bear Cabin being the first outlet for my vacation rental idea.
Although I didn't know Paul when he first bought this property, as a real estate agent I had shown it to some prospective buyers back when it was for sale. It was in such a bad state that I remember weeping, and praying with my whole heart, wishing the whole broken mess of a home could be made new, clean, and right.
Given that honest prayer, it was a blessing, honor, and a delight to end up meeting and getting to know Paul, and see the place improve and be made right over a span of years with what he and his workers had collectively thought out and done with this property.
His workers back in the day were an Amish friend, Milo & sons, and Carlos, a loyal right hand man for Paul for many years, plus a mix & match of other willing workers. There was a lot of good heart put into this property.
The real estate market had crashed shortly after Paul purchased the property, and there were more unseen things to fix than he realized so it became a long-shot money pit project that they would work on intermittently when possible. After several years a finished product emerged.
Knowing at the time he could not get out financially what he had put into it, & loving it so much he couldn’t imagine really parting with it, he furnished it for longer month to month work/stays. That was a good start but after his last long term tenant left back in 2014, he turned the reins over to me to see what I could do with my “vacation rental” idea. That was the beginning of my new world.
Paul & I are both real estate agents, for I think 15+ years now for me and a bit longer for him. He is also a licensed contractor, real estate investor/landlord, & crop farmer. Paul is a widower w/4 grown children & 4 grandkids. I'm a single mother of 1 grown child & 1 grandchild.
Although I didn't know Paul when he first bought this property, as a real estate agent I had shown it to some prospective buyers back when it was for sale. It was in such a bad state that I remember weeping, and praying with my whole heart, wishing the whole broken mess of a home could be made new, clean, and right.
Given that honest prayer, it was a blessing, honor, and a delight to end up meeting and getting to know Paul, and see the place improve and be made right over a span of years with what he and his workers had collectively thought out and done with this property.
His workers back in the day were an Amish friend, Milo & sons, and Carlos, a loyal right hand man for Paul for many years, plus a mix & match of other willing workers. There was a lot of good heart put into this property.
The real estate market had crashed shortly after Paul purchased the property, and there were more unseen things to fix than he realized so it became a long-shot money pit project that they would work on intermittently when possible. After several years a finished product emerged.
Knowing at the time he could not get out financially what he had put into it, & loving it so much he couldn’t imagine really parting with it, he furnished it for longer month to month work/stays. That was a good start but after his last long term tenant left back in 2014, he turned the reins over to me to see what I could do with my “vacation rental” idea. That was the beginning of my new world.
Paul & I are both real estate agents, for I think 15+ years now for me and a bit longer for him. He is also a licensed contractor, real estate investor/landlord, & crop farmer. Paul is a widower w/4 grown children & 4 grandkids. I'm a single mother of 1 grown child & 1 grandchild.
Why they chose this property
The colors of Lake Michigan are changing every day and change within the day so it is always nice to be at the Smiling Bear Cabin. It is amazing to see the drama of a big storm play out, as well as to enjoy the delight of sunshine and blues.
Its very relaxing inside and out, and easy to be with all your company if you have a get together. I like how as a hostess I could get onto the deck and into the kitchen from many directions and it never felt crowded even with everyone there. I was able to enjoy laughter, & singing through the KT windows to both the side and back deck, not having to miss any of the party if I was inside tending to something.
This is a convenient location to many many hiking trails and places to kayak, and neat places nearby to provide neat nature experiences for kids and adults alike. You can find some fresh organic produce in our supermarkets and at our farmers markets, and the traffic in any given direction on any given day is usually pretty manageable. .There IS a highway between the lake and our place, but it is still enjoyable.
Its very relaxing inside and out, and easy to be with all your company if you have a get together. I like how as a hostess I could get onto the deck and into the kitchen from many directions and it never felt crowded even with everyone there. I was able to enjoy laughter, & singing through the KT windows to both the side and back deck, not having to miss any of the party if I was inside tending to something.
This is a convenient location to many many hiking trails and places to kayak, and neat places nearby to provide neat nature experiences for kids and adults alike. You can find some fresh organic produce in our supermarkets and at our farmers markets, and the traffic in any given direction on any given day is usually pretty manageable. .There IS a highway between the lake and our place, but it is still enjoyable.
Languages:
English
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