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Park Place Empire Beach Best location in town

Photo gallery for Park Place Empire Beach Best location in town

A stone patio with a fire pit and a view of a sunset over a body of water.
A compact kitchen with white cabinets, a refrigerator, and a sink.
A living room with a stone fireplace, two striped armchairs, a sofa, and a small table with a lamp.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore visitor center in Empire
A garden with lilac bushes, a coniferous tree, and a view of a lake and distant buildings.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Family fun awaits
    Top-rated for families.
  • On the beach
    A rare beachfront property in the area - enjoy direct access to the sand and sea.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
Sleeps 7•3 bedrooms•3 beds

Popular amenities

  • On beach
  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

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

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 7)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Park Place Empire Beach Best location in town

From the porch/deck of this exceptional 2200sq.ft. home, enjoy the spectacular Lake Michigan sunsets. Walk 600 ft. to the Lake Michigan shore and play on the magnificent sugar sand beach that connects 35 miles of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

The back yard adjoins a nature preserve where deer, wild turkeys, fox and other wildlife are seen. The side yard rolls gently down to a mowed grass park and the edge of South Bar Lake, a 1 mile long lake just 200 ft. from the Michigan shoreline.

Within walking distance of one block to the east are the Post Office, Bank, Friendly's Tavern and Tiffany's Ice Cream Parlor. Two blocks to the east is the Public Library and Three blocks to the east is the gas station/ convenience store and Shipwreck Cafe.
This is truly a unique location.

Because our Lake Michigan home is special to us, we request great care and consideration from our renters.

PLEASE NOTE THAT SHEETS AND TOWELS ARE NOT PROVIDED.

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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

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 7016477
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 no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
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

Empire

Located in Empire, this holiday home is on the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Lake Michigan. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and hiking.
View more Holiday homes in EmpireOpens in a new window
Map
Empire, MI

What's nearby

  • South Bar Lake - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • beach near Village Park - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • beach near Downtown Mmpire - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Philip A. Hart Visitor Center - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 17 min walk - 1.4 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Shipwreck Cafe - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Joes Friendly Tavern - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Empire Village Pizza & Spirits - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Little Finger Eatery - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Moon Dog - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Park Place Empire Beach Best location in town pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Park Place Empire Beach Best location in town?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Park Place Empire Beach Best location in town?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Park Place Empire Beach Best location in town?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Park Place Empire Beach Best location in town located?

Nestled on the beach, this Empire holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of South Bar Lake, Lake Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Empire Bluff Trail and Philip A. Hart Visitor Center are also within 1 mile (2 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. 30 out of 33 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 33 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 33 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 33 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 33 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Jill S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing view! Best location in Empire!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kirstin O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
House was extremely convenient to the beach and restaurants. Great stay!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Pamela H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Four friends from High School get together that we do every year somewhere in Michigan. We loved the location of this property and the rental was spotless and very roomy for our group. We enjoyed our time there very much.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Valerie V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Really great rental in Empire. The location is perfect and so close to the beach. Watch the sunset by the fire every night! We enjoyed the comfortable living room and beautiful views from the deck. The additional TV rooms were great for the kids, too.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Crystal H.

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

Family vacation

We absolutely loved our stay. The house was in the perfect location. Enjoying meals and sunsets on the deck was one of our highlights. The wildlife was spectacular. We could tell a lot of love was put in the details.
Enjoying the sunset from the deck.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

John S.

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

Hope to stay again!

Wonderful home, very welcoming. The location is so convenient and although in the middle of everything it feels serene, the views are breathtaking, and the owner has added nice amenities. Hope to stay again!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Scott G.

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

Great location

My family loved staying here. Mr Parks got right back with me on questions I had. The location is great. We could walk everywhere we needed to go. The sunsets were beautiful! We definitely would rent this property again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Apr, 2020
Thank you Scott for your kind words. It is gratifying to know that you enjoyed your time at Park Place Empire. Best regards, Randy Parks
Verified review

8/10 Good

Dory S.

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

Lovely setting!

You cant beat the views from the deck-Lake Michigan beach, South Bar Lake and a marsh filled with beautiful birds. The house is adequate, but had a mild scent of musty which lingered. We had to bring our own sheets and towels. Enjoyed being able to walk to the beach and into quaint Empire.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jesse H.

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

Great location!

Our family enjoyed our stay very much. You simply can't beat the location, just yards from a great public beach with two playgrounds for kids, fire pits, grills, basketball courts, and a smaller lake with dock. The village of Empire is right out your door, too, and Sleeping Bear park right north of you. You can watch the sunset nightly right from the deck. House was as described and fine for our needs. Beds were the worst part, fine but some of the more uncomfortable and old I've slept in in recent years. As a whole, we'd definitely return.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Michelle D.

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

The Best View in Empire!

We had a wonderful week at Park Place with a glorious view of Empire Beach and South Bar Lake. The house was clean, comfortable, and the kitchen had what we needed. It was perfect for us and our two sons. The kids enjoyed coming and going on foot to the basketball court, beach and to town. We headed to the nearby Platte Point beach a few days to catch up with grandkids, and were able to get a lot of hiking in, too. Our 25-year-old even rented a bike, packed a lunch, and rode the Heritage Trail to Good Harbor and back. No matter what we did, we ended up back at Empire Beach for the sunset, a fire, and to play with grandkids at the playground. We were fortunate that the property owner, Randall, was in town and we were blessed to get to talk to him and his newly adopted dog.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Marianne W.

Greatest spot ever by Lake Michigan

This is a really great location, you are few minutes walk from a lovely county park. Sandy beach, fire pits and swings and slides for the kids. Empire is a small town, a gas station, several restaurants, a hardware, bike and kayak rental. A few gift stores and grocery story, sorry if I missed anything. About 39 minute drive from Travese city, and just a few minutes from Sleeping Bear dunes national park which is beautiful. Now for Park Place, Randall the owner is very easy to work with first of all. The house had 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, the best equipped kitchen ever, a small sitting room and large living room upstairs. Down stairs there is also a family room. The full porch with views direct to Lake Michigan was splendid, and a new Webber gas grill, table and chairs and lounger.You really need only pack sheets pillows and groceries believe me cause I way overpacked not knowing what was there. The house overall is nice, furniture is nice and beds are good but I will say a bit hard for me. There are generous closets and extra blankets if you need them. The bath rooms were roomy and clean with lots of drawers in the vanities. The property is close to a marsh with deer and bunnies,turkeys and I suppose other things too. You will need bug spray, we did find a tick on clothing and did not go near tall grass or woods. I do plan on booking next year too. We have been going to the area for several years staying at hotels and with family. But I was very please with this rental it was a great vacation.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Apr, 2020
We appreciate our guest's reviews as they help us provide enjoyable accommodations. As for the tick on the clothing, we enjoy seeing the deer in the yard every day, but unfortunately that probably is the source of the tick. If anyone has any solutions, we are open to suggestions.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Darcy Q.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved our stay here! The view was worth it all! Absolutely loved the closeness to the beach, the beautiful porch and the fire pit area. Would love to return!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Mary H.

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

Perfect week with a beautiful view of Lake Michigan

Cannot wait to come back
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

James R.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place for views, quiet and location

Property was just as advertised. Very nice, great views! Would definitely stay again. Note, you must supply your own towels and bed sheets. This information has not provided by the owner or VRBO before we arrived.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lisa Z.

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

Perfect location!

This property is in the perfect location and even better than the pictures! We had a fabulous time and had plenty of room for the 7 of us
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Scott G.

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

Family vacation

Very good location!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Siusan S.

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

Perfect

Will definitely return. This property is perfect for a stay in Empire.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Doreen W.

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

Beautiful location

My family enjoyed being able to see the Lake Michigan sunsets from the deck and the closeness to get to the beach. The house was very clean and comfortable and we made happy memories there.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

john h.

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

Park Place

The house is in an idea spot and was everything that the listing described. We had a great time and we are looking forward to next year.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jeff R.

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

Charming lakeside home

Park Place provided the perfect beach/lakeside location in charming Empire. A terrific home base for exploring Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. We loved joining with others at Empire beach for nightly sunsets. We enjoyed the view of Lake Michigan and South Bar Lake from the dining room table and the great deck. The accommodations were very comfortable with a well appointed kitchen. Wifi and streaming services were also appreciated. We highly recommend at stay at Park Place. Note the property does not provide linens and towels, which we initially found odd, but in the COVID period, that was actually okay for us.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sandra C.

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

Park Place

The location is perfect, the house is comfortable and homey. I think this is one of the best VRBO rentals I have used. Would do it again and again.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Heather C.

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

Best Lake Michigan bores!

Started looking for a vacation rental at least 7 months prior. This spot which we’ve never seen available had an opening! Clean, comfortable, well-stocked kitchen for cooking. Beautiful views of the beach while dining on the deck! Close to many of the National Park hiking trails and many other outdoor activities. We have rented many places on the Leelanau peninsula and this place by far was the best well-kept homes. We highly recommend to anyone to quickly set a date to rent this home!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Apr, 2020
Thank you for your recommendation and review. It is gratifying to know that our guests appreciate the home and the area as much as we do!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Amy M.

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

Awesome vacation rental

Beautiful house, beautiful location! Easy walk to the beach and downtown. Gorgeous sunset views. Definitely would stay again!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Melissa J.

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

Fun weekend

Had a great time, hiked the sand dunes and the bluff trail and went into TC for a wine tasting. Love Empire, would return.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019
Verified review

8/10 Good

Frank V.

Wonderful associations with an amazing location to all the activities we love.

Great vacation spot if you love hiking, swimming, biking, and kayaking like we do.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018

About the host

Hosted by Randall Parks

Host profile image
Although I rarely have the opportunity to meet our guests face to face, I enjoy getting to know you through phone calls, email and correspondence. I am a family man who is grateful to have found a little piece of heaven in Park Place which we enjoy sharing with others who appreciate and respect the home and the area.

Why they chose this property

The story including pictures about Park Place, it's acquisition and renovation, is chronicled in a notebook at the house. I was a counselor at Camp Leelanau in 1964-68 experiencing some of the best summers of my life. The seed had been planted to return to Leelanau County Michigan.

What makes this property unique

Location, Location, Location

Languages:

English
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