Lake Michigan is a unique destination in Michigan, offering many benefits of the ocean, such as its unique visual appeal, without certain challenges the actual sea may present, such as saltwater. Vacationers who prefer lake life can still bring along their surfboards, or other wave riding devices, as the lake surprisingly gets some pretty sweet surf.
Lake Michigan is also surrounded by cute beach towns and is overall a fun and vibrant family destination. Whether you choose to stay near the shore, or a little bit further inland where there is an abundance of smaller lakes, the area is full of adventure, and the below Airbnb‘s are great places to stay when visiting.
Isle of the Wilds Home on Bass Lake - Irons
Enjoy yet another little lake that is close to Lake Michigan. Here, you couldn’t be any closer to the water, as you will actually be staying on a little island, that is accessible by a bridge. The spacious home has a mid-century, modern feel, with various rooms dipping down into the floor slightly, and super interesting artwork residing on the walls. Guests will have the option to rent a pontoon boat by the week, so you’ll be able to run out and just jump on the boat to explore Bass Lake. Kids will enjoy the foosball table, swing set in the backyard, and everyone of course will enjoy the fire pit.
Get Lost in The Woods at Big Star Lake - Baldwin
Not wanting to deal with crowds along Lake Michigan’s coast, during the peak of the season? No problem! Retreat to this cabin, which is on its own lake, while still not being very far from the grand Lake Michigan. Big Star Lake is where this one resides, and guests will be amongst forested land while staying within their private cozy cabin. The cabin can sleep up to six guests, but an additional air mattress can be requested if you wanted to try to bring one more family member along. The structure presents has a cozy ambiance and a wonderful back porch.
Aqua Dock on Harper Lake - Irons
The water theme is certainly evident within this cozy home! Within the main living space, there is an aqua-colored kitchen, with the cabinets being coated in stunning color! Right beside the kitchen is a stone fireplace which adds the perfect rustic element. Throughout the rest of the home, there are fun artistic touches such as canoe oars mounted to the wall. Another major convenience is the outdoor shower. But this is not just some basic place to rinse off before going back inside, it’s a beautiful wooden structure, with a divided seating area, and a rain head shower. It’s simply a magical experience, to shower out in the open air during the warmer months.
Pere Marquette Riverfront Cabin - Baldwin
Enjoy the lake for half of your trip, then come to this craftsman dwelling to enjoy the river on the second half! We love that the hosts have left behind fishing poles and kayaks, that are free for guests to use. You will be able to take full advantage of the water activities that surround you. The home itself is dreamy and snug. Huge windows bring in plenty of light and look particularly ambient from the outside looking in, at night. Exposed beam ceilings add much depth to the perfectly simplistic home, and the glistening wooden floors truly round out the aesthetics.
Peacock Trail Cabin - Irons
Sometimes it’s nice to stay in a cabin that feels totally brand new, and super clean cut. This cabin has recently been totally rebuilt, and it has all of the basics a small family or a group of friends could need. The rooms are present in a homey way, and one even features bunk beds! Keeping everyone connected and together, the kitchen is one with the living room and provides ample space for fixing up snacks. Guests who stay here will be amongst the national forest, public hunting land, and excellent cross-country skiing terrain. This is a wonderful location for those who want to do more than visit Lake Michigan alone.
Log Cabin on Big Lake "L" with Stone Fireplace - Baldwin
Talk about cute! The log structure creates a welcoming environment for all guests to stay here. Rustic is certainly the word here, as logs surround each room, and even are used liberally within the kitchen. We love it! It is so much fun just to stay somewhere completely unique, and out of the box, when on vacation. Another eye-catching aspect of the home is the enormous stone fireplace that looks like it was literally made to be adorned with Christmas garland. Guests will also have fantastic outdoor spaces, including a deck with excellent views of a smaller lake inland from Lake Michigan.
Secluded A-Frame Loft on Lincoln Hills Trail - Irons
A-frames are some of the coolest structures to stay within. The almost tent-like shape results in a charming exterior, and super vaulted ceilings on the interior. Guests will immediately want to grab a cup of hot chocolate to snuggle by that enormous stone fireplace with, right when they get there. The rest of the space presents traditionally and is warm and welcoming to all of those who enter. Adventure around the grounds, while being able to cross over river bridges and breathe in the fresh foliage, or simply stay at home and gather around the fire pit at night with the family.
Log Cabin with View of Pere Marquette - Baldwin
While this home has been classically constructed of logs, it is also quite modern at the same time. There is something so perfectly balanced about a modernly built log cabin. It’s so convenient and gorgeous. Built in 2007, this house has an immense amount of details, such as the wooden mantle that hovers above the stone fireplace. Look closely, and you’ll see fisherman hands holding a fresh-caught fish. Little details like that truly make a space magical. Guests will have convenient access to the meandering river below. Two bedrooms make the home optimal for up to four guests, so small families, or two couples will have a blast.
Oasis on the River - Baldwin
This home on the river presents in the most humble and honest way. We love the classic decor that resides inside, all of the windows that allow guests to peer outward toward the woods, and the main event, the river! Being on the river means guests will be able to hear the tranquil water flow while having access to fishing. Of course, there are many other things to do in this area, such as ATV riding! Gather by the fire pit, or simply sit on the edge of the dock, soaking in the peaceful surroundings of this lake Michigan proximal dwelling.
Simple Lyfe Yurt - Baldwin
Staying in a yurt is the perfect combination of outdoor living and comfortable relaxation. Guests will get to enjoy the tent-like structure, which has been strategically laid out to provide privacy via curtains. This also creates a couple of sleeping spaces. The kitchen is gorgeous, with unique countertops and plenty of space for prepping food. And don’t worry, there is an actual bathroom, with an actual shower! No roughing it here. Inside is so incredibly cozy, featuring the classic circular shape of a yurt, and a toasty wood-burning fireplace.
Cozy Riverfront Cabin - Nature Lover's Paradise - Irons
Near Lake Michigan, there is also an abundance of smaller lakes, and riverfront properties that should most definitely be enjoyed. This ambient home sits right on the river and is loaded with outdoor lounging space, and of course all of the benefits of being right on the water, such as phenomenal fishing! Inside the home, feels very much like a welcoming, relaxing cabin! Guests will truly feel at home. During the winter, when the snow falls and coats the exterior, it creates a magazine-worthy display. Cozy up by the wood-burning stove, and soak in the Yuletide beauty of the Lake Michigan vicinity.
Secluded Lodge - Baldwin
Located in Baldwin, Michigan, this large cozy cabin can sleep up to 12 guests, within several unique beds, including bunk beds, and an adorable nook option nestled underneath the staircase. That is probably where we would want to sleep. Various bright colors bring a vibrant touch to the entire home, such as red countertops in the kitchen, blue and green carpet in the bedrooms, and cheerful red carpet in the living room. Stacked with rugged brick, the huge fireplace is accented by a dual staircase, with one on each side, and a hovering loft above. You’ll have access to games, movies, and plenty of outdoor entertainment. Go fishing in the summer, and take advantage of the snowmobiling trails in the winter.
Little Manistee Riverside Refuge with Views - Irons
We love the classic welcoming nature of his home, which sits right on a river, close to Lake Michigan. The home blends in with the trees, and features an equally rustic interior, with seating spaces and rooms that beckon you to retreat for an early afternoon nap. Up to eight guests can spread out within the space, and there are fun little touches such as a chess table. Outside is a spacious deck with seating, perfect for relaxing in while listening to the river flow below. Fishermen and fisherwomen will be ecstatic to cast their line into the rushing waters, after utilizing the easy stair access.
Cottage on Private Basford Lake - Baldwin
We found the very spot for your next family reunion! Staying just a little bit out from Lake Michigan can be a great solution for avoiding crowds – and bonus, this home is on its own lake! Outside, spend nights grilling with the family, and on rainy days, retreat inside to play ping-pong, AirHockey, or utilize the casino game table. In one perspective, the home features a lot of modern aesthetics, but the bedrooms feel downright cozy, with wooden walls and homey linens. The family certainly will have plenty to do, when staying here, and being so close to Lake Michigan.
