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Experience Northern Michigan at Its Best—Summer on Pickerel Lake

Beachfront cottage for sun and fun

Photo gallery for Experience Northern Michigan at Its Best—Summer on Pickerel Lake

The cottage is just steps from the water.
Perfect way to end a day. Relaxing sunset views.
Sun chairs for our guests
Private beach for bonfires and smores.
Private dock for guests who bring their boats or jetski's.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Beach view
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View in a map
Alanson, MI
  • Place, Pickerel Lake
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Odawa Casino
    ‪34 min drive‬
  • Place, Boyne Mountain
    ‪49 min drive‬
  • Airport, Pellston, MI (PLN-Pellston Regional)
    ‪25 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Single Bunk Bed and 1 Double Bed

Sun Porch

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Office
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Experience Northern Michigan at Its Best—Summer on Pickerel Lake

Nestled on the serene shores of Pickerel Lake, this vintage-meets-modern cottage offers the perfect summer getaway. Surrounded by 235 acres of peaceful woodland, this secluded retreat sits quietly at the end of a private road—your private haven for sun-soaked days and star-filled nights.

Whether you’re here for lazy mornings on the dock, afternoons on the water, or evenings by the fire, this lakeside hideaway delivers the perfect blend of comfort, tranquility, and northern Michigan beauty.

Step outside to watch the sunrise shimmer across the lake, paddle a kayak or canoe through calm waters, or unwind on the deck beneath glowing string lights as loons call in the distance. From swimming and fishing to exploring nearby trails and towns, your perfect Michigan summer starts here.

Property Highlights

Accommodations: 2 bedrooms (one with a double bed; another with twin bunk beds + double), 1 bathroom, and a sun porch with full-size sofa sleeper.

Occupancy: Sleeps up to 6 guests.

Amenities
Private Beach & Firepit: Enjoy the shallow, sandy-bottom lake by day and cozy bonfires under the stars at night.

Canoe & Kayaks Included: Glide across the sparkling waters or explore the shoreline.

Lakeside Deck with String Lights: Retractable awning for sunny afternoons and a soft glow for relaxing summer evenings.

Work & Stay Connected: High-speed internet and a dedicated workspace if you need to check in while away.

Well-Stocked Kitchen: Perfect for easy summer meals, lakeside breakfasts, and evening cookouts.

Pet-Friendly: Bring your furry friend along for lakeside fun and woodland walks.

Peace of Mind: Two outdoor security cameras for comfort and safety.

Nearby Attractions

Petoskey & Harbor Springs (15–20 min): Boutique shopping, waterfront dining, local wineries, and summer festivals.

Mackinaw City & Mackinac Island Ferries (30 min): Perfect for a day trip filled with sunshine, history, and island charm.

Golf: Bay Harbor Golf Club, Hidden River Golf, and Crooked Tree Golf Club (15–30 min).

Whether you’re swimming, paddling, exploring, or simply unwinding by the lake, this Pickerel Lake cottage offers everything you need for a peaceful and unforgettable northern Michigan summer.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Beach view

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
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: dogs (limit 2 total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
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

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
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
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 and a first aid kit
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

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

About the area

Alanson

Located in Alanson, this cottage is on the beach. Little Traverse History Museum and Andrew J. Blackbird Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Oden State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center and Michigan Central Depot Historical Marker. Big Bear Adventures and Cheboiganing Preserve are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Alanson, MI

What's nearby

  • Pickerel Lake - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Nub's Nob Ski Area - 25 min drive - 24.0 km
  • McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital - 30 min drive - 32.0 km
  • Odawa Casino - 34 min drive - 34.1 km
  • Boyne Mountain - 49 min drive - 60.7 km

Getting around

  • Pellston, MI (PLN-Pellston Regional) - 24 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Alanson Depot Restaurant - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Northwood Restaurant - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Burt Lake Brewery - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Bob's Place - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Experience Northern Michigan at Its Best—Summer on Pickerel Lake pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

How much is parking at Experience Northern Michigan at Its Best—Summer on Pickerel Lake?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Experience Northern Michigan at Its Best—Summer on Pickerel Lake?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Experience Northern Michigan at Its Best—Summer on Pickerel Lake?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Experience Northern Michigan at Its Best—Summer on Pickerel Lake located?

Nestled on the beach, this Alanson cottage is within 3 mi (5 km) of Pickerel Lake, Crooked Lake and Crooked Vine Vineyard and Winery. Devoe Beach and Indian River Golf Club are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 90 out of 114 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 22 out of 114 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 114 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 114 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 114 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jessica W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
House was beautiful and very peaceful/quiet... still close enough to get to all the activities we wanted to do. Perfect set up for us and our pup. Vickie and Scott were great hosts - communicative and extreamly accomidating.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rich P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great communication. Clean, rustic cabin at the end of a private road. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very clean! We loved the location! It was very quiet and peaceful. Thank you for sharing your place!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brandee W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved the privacy and having our own "beach" in the backyard. We enjoyed the kayaks and fire pit, and fishing off the long dock. The cabin was homey and had all the amenities we needed, despite being a bit dated. The hosts were responsive and kind.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Collette M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The whole family enjoyed this gem right on the lake. The shallow area was perfect for the small children and the adults enjoyed the kayaks and canoe. The cottage had everything we needed
Stayed 12 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brianna D.

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

The northern dream

We stayed for 3 days during Father’s Day weekendAnd it was perfect. The bathroom is kinda small and tight so if you’re a bigger person just make sure u check that out. Other than that it was great andThe owners were awesome!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rhonda C.

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

Great Stay

Thoroughly enjoyed our stay - everything was exactly as described w/some bonuses not expected but wonderful touches.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

joanna b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved our stay at this charming lakeside cottage. It was perfect for our family which includes 2 Aussie shepherds too. I have family near Petoskey and have spent many summers in the area so I wanted to do all my favorite things and spend time with my relatives, but it was hard for us to leave this relaxing retreat! We especially enjoyed the kayaks and the fire pit and appreciated that there was a convenient little self-serve firewood business along the drive to the cottage for us to grab more firewood.(5 a bundle!) There's so much to see and do in this area, great restaurants within 10-20 minutes, and my fav beach of all beaches, Petoskey State Park (there is now an area on the beach where dogs are allowed too!). We had a wonderful vacation at the cottage and would stay here again. Thank you, Scott and Vickie!
Morning coffee with a fire, the dogs, and watching my daughter toodle around the lake in the kayak. Life is good!
If you look closely, you might see the tiny red speck which is my daughter kayaking. :)
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erika B.

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

Quiet! loved the lake and privacy

Lakeside escape was perfect for us and our family with two dogs. We were looking for a quiet place for Memorial Day weekend and it worked out perfectly! The lake views are fabulous. We saw gorgeous sunsets and close to a number of small towns with restaurants, etc. Also enjoyed the fire pit and nice kayaks, life jackets, etc. The cottage was a perfect size for us. One bedroom is “cozy” - but still very charming and comfortable : ) thank you to Vickie and Scott for their excellent communication!
Sunset view from the deck stunning!
The kayaks were very nice, including lifejackets
Big fire pit with woods beyond to gather firewood
View from the back deck, the lights are a nice touch as well
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dana E.

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

Fabulous location!

Great peaceful location! Easy day trips to beautiful parts of Michigan!! Especially enjoyed seeing the swans on the lake each morning!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tom K.

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

Great little cabin!

This is a great little cabin, and the location can't be beat!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2019

8/10 Good

Tad K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Great Location 30 minutes from all our points of interest.

Pickeral lake front cabin, very functional, quiet with a terrific hi speed internet tv connection.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

michael t.

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

Great location at the end of the road with lots of privacy. Lake right out front steps.

Worked perfect for our short stay in the area, would stay again
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

daniel b.

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

Great place

We had a blast.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jeff T.

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

Best experience in years

The property and the hosts are phenomenal. It is a "cozy" cottage, but that's what we wanted. We loved our 10 days!!!
Stayed 14 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Liza A.

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

Peaceful and calming retreat.

Beautiful secluded property that is quiet and peaceful. Cool cabin that suits the area perfectly. Very nice kitchen and accommodations. Thank you for a wonderful relaxing week.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Phyllis R.

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

Great up north feeling cabin.

Great up north feeling cabin, right on an amazing sand bottom lake, great for kayaking and canoeing.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2019

8/10 Good

Darby W.

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

Cozy Cottage on Lake Pickerel

Secluded area, nice sandy beach, very relaxing. Short drive to Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Charlevoix, and Mackinaw City.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Mike Z., Arlington, VA

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

Great Camp

Great lake front camp. Well appointed and an excellent spot for those with dogs or small kids. Would rent again if back in the area
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Shannon L.

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

Fall getaway

We had a great time up north. We enjoyed the privacy of this cabin. View was beautiful and we loved that there kayaks to use. Will definitely consider staying here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kerry M.

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

Relaxing Getaway

This is a quintessential up north cabin. Loved the homey feel, the patio overlooking the lake, and the privacy of the property. Direct access to the water and having kayaks available was a great touch. It’s also close by many other areas to explore.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jamie J.

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

Absolutely beautiful sunsets!

We had a great stay! The house is a typical up north cottage but very clean and peaceful! The bed was comfortable too. It’s a perfect location if you want to boat the inland waterway. We had a nice little fire when we were done boating. Just an all around perfect weekend!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Peggy H.

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

Beautiful Lake View

We enjoyed the beautiful view of Pickerel Lake!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Matt A.

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

Fun Cottage By The Lake

We enjoyed our stay at Moore's Manor. It was well stocked with games for our family to enjoy the getaway. The shoreline is beautiful sand and the lake was great.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Cindy J.

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

Beautiful quiet lake

This cabin is located on the end of a private road on a quiet lake. The lake is beautiful! We spent a very relaxing long weekend and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

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