Entire home

Lake Michigan Cecil Bay- between Mack City and Wilderness state park

Photo gallery for Lake Michigan Cecil Bay- between Mack City and Wilderness state park

A house with a deck, large windows, and string lights.
A house with a dark blue front door, a sign with a license plate, and a string of blue lights above the door.
A cozy living room with a sectional sofa, a dining table with chairs, a fireplace, and large windows.
A room with a wooden chair, a hanging light fixture, and a window with a view of trees.
A kitchen with a sliding glass door leading to a dining area, a pantry with shelves, and a window.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Scenic water view
    Relax and unwind with top-rated water views, offering a scenic experience.
  • On the beach
    A rare beachfront property in the area - enjoy direct access to the sand and sea.
  • By the lake
    Guests love the beautiful lakefront location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Walk to Wilderness State Park
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View in a map
Carp Lake, MI
  • Place, Wilderness State Park
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Headlands International Dark Sky Park
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Airport, Pellston, MI (PLN-Pellston Regional)
    ‪23 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom #1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom #2

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom/laundry

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Lake Michigan Cecil Bay- between Mack City and Wilderness state park

This is a cozy two bedroom cottage (sleeps 4. Note: for 2026 the sleeper sofa has been replaced with a sectional, so no extra sleeping space) was completely renovated fall 2019/winter2020. It’s on a quiet and private wooded lot on a dead end road. The main part of the cottage is a mobile home with an attached 4 season room addition on the lake side.
The 4 season room has 2 sofas, dining area with a high chair, and a wood stove, books and games. It’s a relaxing place to read, watch the numerous ships that go by (with the telescope), play games, or nap. The view out the many windows is of the Straights of Mackinaw, including St. Helena Island, and the many pines and cedars on the property.
One bedroom has a queen bed, the other a full size bed.
The bathroom has a tub/shower and a small washer/dryer unit.
The kitchen is fully equipped with a gas range, full size fridge, microwave, coffee pot, Keurig coffee machine, air fryer and dishwasher.
The former dining area is now a pantry area with room to store and prep your food.
The “den” is the original living room with a large sectional sofa and smart TV (new 50” and soundbar in 2026) with DVD player. And yes, hubby won that design decision this year with the large sectional, ottoman, tv and soundbar. So that room is quite full, but comfort is the theme for 2026!
Outside is a gas grill, deck with seating, fire pit, and storage shed with 2 kayaks and a canoe for your enjoyment. The waterfront is beautiful with crystal clear shallow water with a sandy bottom. Bald eagles nest nearby and fly overhead. The towers and north causeway of the Mackinac Bridge are visible from the beachfront, which is especially beautiful at night. We have added security cameras- one is aimed at the driveway and road and 2 are aimed at the water away from our beach just so we can see the weather/water. The one near the campfire area will be removed before warm weather for the privacy our guests. The other is near the shed facing the lot to the west.
We are close to Wilderness State Park and the Headlands Dark Sky Park- but the stars are just as visible right out our door. Mackinaw City is 7 miles away. For convenience, the Trading Post store is a short walk away- it sells food, souvenirs, scooped ice cream, pizza for takeout, firewood, and bike and kayak rentals. You will want to check it out.
Internet was added after the remodel so we have that available as well.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 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

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:
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Lock the doors
Run and empty the dishwasher.
You may (but not mandatory) start washing bath towels since they take so long to dry. It really speeds the cleaning process so the cottage is ready on time for our next guests.
Wipe out fridge and microwave.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 9297992
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
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

Carp Lake

Located in Carp Lake, this cottage is on the beach. While the natural beauty of Lake Michigan and Headlands International Dark Sky Park can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can explore Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal. Travelling with kids? Consider Animal Tracks Adventure Golf and Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as snowmobiling.
Map
Carp Lake, MI

What's nearby

  • Wilderness State Park - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Headlands International Dark Sky Park - 6 min drive - 8.4 km
  • Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse - 13 min drive - 17.4 km
  • Animal Tracks Adventure Golf - 13 min drive - 17.1 km
  • Mackinac Bridge - 16 min drive - 21.7 km

Getting around

  • Pellston, MI (PLN-Pellston Regional) - 21 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Keyhole Bar & Grill - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Fox's Pizza Den - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Dixie Saloon - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Audie's Restaurant - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Darrow's Family Restaurant - ‬14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Lake Michigan Cecil Bay- between Mack City and Wilderness state park pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Lake Michigan Cecil Bay- between Mack City and Wilderness state park ?

As of 20 Aug, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lake Michigan Cecil Bay- between Mack City and Wilderness state park on 4 Apr, 2027 start from S$1,304, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Lake Michigan Cecil Bay- between Mack City and Wilderness state park ?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Lake Michigan Cecil Bay- between Mack City and Wilderness state park ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Lake Michigan Cecil Bay- between Mack City and Wilderness state park ?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Lake Michigan Cecil Bay- between Mack City and Wilderness state park located?

This family-friendly Carp Lake cottage is located on the beach, within 1 mi (2 km) of Wilderness State Park and Lake Michigan. Lake Huron and Headlands International Dark Sky Park are also within 6 miles (10 km).

About the host

Hosted by Todd and Jacki VanHuis

Host profile image
We are Todd and Jacki. We live downstate but have loved coming to the Straights area ever since our honeymoon over 30 years ago. Vacationing in Mackinaw City and on the Island every summer has been a family favorite since our children were very young. We’ve enjoyed fixing up other cottages beginning in 2005, and now we are loving our time spent here on the water while we make this place a little cozier and prettier.
Our kids have kept the love of the area, and we’re excited to “indoctrinate” the next generation! Our grandchildren now come up and love Mackinaw like the rest of us.
We hope you enjoy your stay here as much as we do!

Why they chose this property

The first time we drove up we could see the water from the driveway and were pretty much sold. Then we walked down to the water....yep, we were sold. So beautiful, so peaceful. Exactly what we wanted for our family. Then the garage with its workbench and tools got to Todd, (sorry, not accessible to renters) while the garden shed and kayak were Jacki’s highlight. And the front room addition to the trailer with its views out all 3 sides....wow.
A bald eagle flew over us as we were about to get back in the car, and then we saw the northern lights from the beach the first time we stayed there. So we took it as a sign that it was meant to be!

What makes this property unique

This place offers peace and quiet in nature, with the water of the Straits just steps from the door. The sky is dark enough at night to see all the stars . The northern lights are visible at times. Places to swim and bike and hike are all right here. But for those who want more action, Mack City is a short drive away.

Languages:

English

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