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The Boathouse on Waukazoo! Beach, Bars, Brewery all within a block!

Photo gallery for The Boathouse on Waukazoo! Beach, Bars, Brewery all within a block!

Property grounds
A marina with boats docked, a gazebo, and a pathway along the water.
A two-story house with a wooden exterior, a front porch with steps, and a small garden with flowers.
Children’s area
A living room with a fireplace, a television mounted above it, and a striped sofa with decorative pillows.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Made for relaxation
    Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
  • Sledding nearby
    A rare find — snowy slopes for sledding are just minutes away.
  • Walkable and wonderful
    Guests love the walkable location for its easy access on foot.
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Northport, MI
  • Place, Willowbrook Mill
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • Place, Traverse City Beach
    ‪46 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪49 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Downstairs BR 1

1 Queen Bed

Downstairs BR 2 (kids room)

2 Single Beds

Upstairs BR 1

1 King Bed and 1 Single Bed

Upstairs BR 2

1 Single Bed and 1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms

Downstairs Bath

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Upstairs Bath

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

The Boathouse on Waukazoo! Beach, Bars, Brewery all within a block!

Charming historic downtown Northport home built in 1908. View of the bay from the front porch. Less than a block to the public beach, park, marina, bars, restaurants and brewery! Four bedrooms include two downstairs and two up. Jack and Jill full bathroom upstairs. Large fully equipped kitchen. Washer and dryer. Smart TV with wireless internet. Huge lot with lots of parking. Front porch and side patio for enjoying the summer nights.

Northport is at the tip of the Little Finger and is close to all that Leelanau County has to offer including; winery and cidery tours, breweries, Fish Town in Leland, shopping in Suttons Bay, boating and fishing in the bays and the inland lakes. Hiking trails lead to hidden beaches. Ten minutes to the north is the Leelanau State Park and the historic Grand Traverse Lighthouse.

More photos to come....

Please note that this house has steps at all entries and may be difficult for those with mobility challenges.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
$200 non-refundable deposit.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Check in for 7 day stays must begin and end on Saturday. All summer stays have 7 day minimum.
Pets defined as dogs only. Limited to one large or two medium to small dogs.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 1907303vb
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Northport

Northport is home to this holiday home. Grand Traverse Lighthouse and Historic Fishtown are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Leelanau State Park. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as snowmobiling and ice skating.
View more Holiday homes in NorthportOpens in a new window
Map
Northport, MI

What's nearby

  • Willowbrook Mill - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Christmas Cove Beach - 11 min drive - 7.2 km
  • Historic Fishtown - 15 min drive - 24.5 km
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 21 min drive - 34.9 km
  • Traverse City Beach - 46 min drive - 64.4 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 49 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Northport Brewing - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Leelanau Wine Cellars - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Knot Just a Bar - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Northport Pub & Grille - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Fischer's Happy Hour Tavern - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Boathouse on Waukazoo! Beach, Bars, Brewery all within a block! pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking at The Boathouse on Waukazoo! Beach, Bars, Brewery all within a block!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Boathouse on Waukazoo! Beach, Bars, Brewery all within a block!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Boathouse on Waukazoo! Beach, Bars, Brewery all within a block!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Boathouse on Waukazoo! Beach, Bars, Brewery all within a block! located?

Situated in Northport, this holiday home is within a 5-minute walk of Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan. Willowbrook Mill and Christmas Cove Farms are also within 3 miles (5 km).

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 window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 50 out of 56 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 56 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 56 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 56 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 56 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marcia P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved the location-so walkable. House is clean and we loved all the boat decorations!
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Harry G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved staying here. It had everything we were looking for and more. Highly recommended!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great time and the house was exactly as pictured. Well stocked and well located, we'll be back for sure!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Patricia D.

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

Very nice place and love Northport!

Property was very clean, and comfortable to stay. Only thing that would be nice is a reclining chair.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was excellent. Only 2 blocks to beach and downtown. Very comfortable. Already booked for next year.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leslie V.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our host was excellent and responded to our questions very quickly. This little house was warm and homey and it’s right next to all the shops and activities in Northport. We’ve already booked this home again in 2026!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Elizabeth B.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy
Thank you for the welcoming wine and the excellent communication. Getting the key out of the lock box could be updated. Location is convenient to everything. Outside areas beautiful.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Annette W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great house in a great location. Northport is cute, walkable and friendly. Easy to get to local attractions—we went to several lighthouses, Sleeping Bear, Fishtown, South Manitou Island and Traverse City. House was clean, comfortable, well-stocked kitchen. We would definitely consider returning.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Beth K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was our third stay at the Boathouse on Waukazoo and per usual, we had a great time! The house is very well equipped with anything you may need while you’re there. The beds are comfy and the living room/dining area is great to hang out in as a family. We love to walk through downtown to visit the shops (and Barb’s Bakery!), and to walk to the park by the water. Looking forward to another repeat visit in the future. Thank you to the hosts for offering such a fantastic home to make memories in!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nancy P.

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

Great location close to everything

Great communication from owner, nice & comfy.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Aug, 2023
Thank you Nancy. Hope to have you back!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kelle P.

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

Beautiful Northport

Northport is my new favorite place in Leelanua Peninsula. Would definitely stay at the Boathouse again
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Aug, 2024
Thanks Kelle. We'd love to have you back!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anna B.

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

Wonderful

We had a lovely winter stay! Charming house in the center of town.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erin P.

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

Great Cottage, Great Location

We had a group of 8 people and 2 dogs and this house fit our needs perfectly! It was in a great location that allowed us to just walk into town and down to the beach. It was also a great location to be able to explore all of the peninsula and not have to drive very far to get anywhere. We would definitely love to stay here again!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Aug, 2022
Thanks Erin! Glad you enjoyed your stay and hope to have you back someday! Best, Mary Ellen
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Beth K.

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

Another perfect stay at the Boathouse!

This was our second stay at the Boathouse and it was just as great as the first. The home is equipped with most anything you’d need for a long stay. The proximity to downtown restaurants and shops (and Barb’s Bakery!) make it the perfect place to stay for an up north getaway. We can’t wait to rebook and come back for a third time!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Oct, 2024
Thanks for the kind words, Beth! Can't wait to have you back! Mary Ellen
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Molly R.

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

Lovely Location

We really enjoyed our stay at the Boathouse. It's an interesting house and property which character and charm. The location is in town Northport which makes it a short walk to everything from the grocery store to quaint shops to the beautiful bay to local restaurants. It was a great trip!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kerry A.

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

Family Fun

We are visiting our children and grandchildren from California. The house was perfect for our group. We could walk to the beach and town.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Aug, 2021
Thanks Kerry! So glad you enjoyed your stay at the Boathouse. Hope to have you back!
Verified

8/10 Good

Jane N.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Conveniently located

Conveniently located to downtown Northport and surrounding areas for bike riding. Our week concluded with the Uncaged Festival in Northport which was really nice.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary S.

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

Our week at The Boathouse

We had a great week at The Boathouse with our family. There is so much to do in Northport as well as the entire Leelanau Peninsula. Our 5 grandchildren enjoyed The Boathouse and exploring Northport. Our host, Mary Ellen, was very organized and communicated with me when I had a question.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anthony S.

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

Relaxing week near the lake

We had a group of 10 stay the week of July 4th. We were able to walk to downtown Northport to enjoy the Mitten, Barb's and the fireworks on the 4th. The house was well equipped -- especially the air conditioners and laundry -- to meet our family's needs. We'll definitely consider staying here again on our next trip to Northport.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarkis K.

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

Northport trip

We had a great stay. This house is conveniently locate near sleeping bear dunes, Glenn Arbor and Suttons Bay. Within walking distance to downtown Northport. Very convenient for going out for dinner and drinks at night. Great house with a lot of character. Plenty of beds and bedrooms for me and my family. Comfortable beds and furniture. We would definitely stay there again!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alfred D.

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

Attending a Wedding

The property was a great fit, with a full bath upstairs and downstairs, perfect for a diverse family of adults, elementary age kids, grandmother and grandfather. Ample kitchen for making our breakfasts, lunches and watching movies in the evening, and accessibility to a quaint town.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Nov, 2023
Thanks for staying at the Boathouse. Point of interest, we fixed the garbage disposal. Thanks for the effort in that regard! Happy Holidays! Mary Ellen
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Constance G.

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

Welcoming and comfortable home close to food and shopping!

We loved our stay at the Boathouse. It is so comfortable and welcoming and we loved relaxing on the front porch with views of the bay. The kitchen is large and had everything we needed, the family room and dining room were spacious and comfy, and with four bedrooms that sleeps many, we could spread out and have private spaces as well. We walked to dining and shops multiple times every day. It was so easy! We would definitely return to the Boathouse.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Sept, 2021
Thank you Constance! So glad you and your family had a great weekend. I'm sure the wedding was beautiful! Hope to have you back! Best, Mary Ellen
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Margaret K.

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

Perfect Northport stay!

Our family of ten, all 14 and older, had a fabulous time at the Boathouse. The home was tucked away down a main side street where we could walk to the beach, groceries, shops and restaurants. We had wonderful nighttime fires on the side patio and read books on the swing on yet another side porch. We took daily walks along the beachside road and walked to tennis and pickleball courts. Sleeping and bath arrangements were comfortable for our big group. The kitchen offered everything we needed for “eating in” when wanted. Northport is such a beautiful, fun town in close proximity to Leland, Sutton’s Bay, Traverse City and even a nice day get-away to Glen Arbor and Empire. We are so thankful to have found this Boathouse gem.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Jul, 2025
Glad you enjoyed your time. We love to hear that our guests appreciate the place as much as we do! Hope to see you back one day <3
Verified

6/10 Okay

User K.

Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness

Best Location

We loved the outside areas and the porch swing. There is plenty of parking. It is an old house and has had hodge podged not well done modifications. The outside is attractive. The bathrooms and beds were clean. We asked for more towels and the owner accommodated. The cleanliness of the house is not good. Nice furnishings, but the furniture in the living room is very dirty as are the rugs and the floors. I did mention this to the owner, but she had no comment.
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Jul, 2023
This was, without a doubt, the most challenging renter we have ever had. She made multiple unconventional demands to which we responded to the best of our ability. I tried to explain that we are a vacation rental and not a hotel with housekeeping etc. They did not want to use the washer and dryer and instead demanded additional towels. They wanted additional bed sheets, again did not want to use the washer and dryer. We dropped off additional sheets but they "didn't have time" to strip the beds so we could take the used sheets to the cleaners. Renter remarked to the housekeeper that at "this price point" they should get better service. When I tried to explain how the towels situation works she texted "I'm not going to argue with you and hear excuses". Never have I been talked to this way... Then last but not least, we have a two small to medium size dog, limit. They brought two small and an additional large dog without permission. Found out through the housekeeper and the neighbors. Overall, I wouldn't want to recommend these folks as renters to other hosts. They are not going to follow the rules or be satisfied regardless of your efforts. These people should look into staying in hotels in the future. First time ever on our part to give a poor review of a renter.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marissa R.

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

Back at the Boathouse on Waukazoo

Loved getting back to Northport, and the Boathouse on Waukazoo. The Mitten Brewing, NPG, Barb's Bakery, The Big Hot Woody, New Bohemian Cafe, The Tribune, The Bay Theatre in Suttons Bay [GOTG3, IYKYK], 30+ miles of walking and beaches with Newton, Roman Wheel Pizza, ice cream in Suttons Bay, The Grand Traverse Lighthouse, Peterson Park, Gill's Pier/Onomonee Road Beach. All the dogs [Alphonse, Humphrey, Max, Gabriel, Henri, Ruger AND Mystic!!!]. The family of 41 from Ohio. The family from Kentucky. The Friday Farmers Market. Bardenhagen strawberries. Perfect weather. And perfect location, hosts, and stay. Thank you, Mary Ellen - we cherish our time at the Boathouse ❤️❤️❤️🐾🐾🐾🏖🏖🏖
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Jul, 2023
We love you guys! Hope you keep coming back forever and ever...

About the host

Hosted by Mary Ellen Philbin

Host profile image
Pat and I (Mary Ellen) live and work in Orlando, Florida. We both grew up in Michigan and have visited family often over the years. I grew up in Suttons Bay which is just south of Northport. I, and my Florida born kids, have visited Leelanau County every year since they were born (nearly 30 years). We now have kids and grand kids in Traverse City! The whole family loves Leelanau County and feel like we belong there! So, we bought our own little piece of paradise! Since we are still working, we are willing to share our happy place with you! We hope you enjoy it and if we can do anything to make your stay more comfortable, we will do our very best!

Why they chose this property

The Boathouse was built in 1908. It has all of the good and some of the challenging that comes with a house this old. This house is not easily accessible to people with mobility issues. The front entrance has two sets of stairs. The back entrance is not paved and is slightly uphill. Inside it has very high ceilings and nice roomy spaces. We love the character of the house. In the winter there is a beautiful view of the bay from the front and side porches. In summer the view is there but a bit more elusive due to the lush trees and bushes. On the top of the list of pros about the Boathouse is it's location! Less than a city block to the public beach, the public park and the marina. The road to the beach is not busy so you can let the kids come and go safely.
Downtown is literally two houses away! Groceries, bakery, restaurants, bowling alley and brewery all within steps. Can't beat this when traveling with a young family or a fun adult get away...

What makes this property unique

For us the unique beauty of the place is that we are close to family and friends. The people of Leelanau County are truly welcoming.

Premier Host

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