Historic Glen Lake Cottage with Private Waterfront Access
This cottage was built 100+ yrs ago and is the last remnant of a large resort from the 1920's. We fondly refer to it as the 'Blue Jay' and/or 'Kids' cottage. Rich in character and rare to find, you have stumbled upon a gem. Nestled in a beautiful wooded and private setting right across the road from Glen Lake. Guests will enjoy 100 feet of PRIVATE lakefront access on Big Glen Lake with a shared dock to use for swimming and boating. Sunrises on the dock are delightful and you will find spending the rest of the day on the lake easy and enjoyable.
The cottage itself is a three bedroom, two bathroom space with a kitchen, living room, and large screened porch that provides a lovely view of the lake. The cottage is stocked with everything you might need during your stay, including kitchen/cooking items as well as bath products, first aid, etc. The kitchen also has a pass through to the screened porch which includes a large table that easily seats 12. Guests will find a smart- TV with streaming services to login to as well as WIFI for any rainy days or relaxing evenings/movie nights. We have lots of games and puzzles as well.
So many activities around and yet it is also perfect to do nothing. Whichever you choose, we know you will enjoy your stay at our Bluejay Cottage.
We also have kayaks available to rent during your stay for an additional fee. We are just a 5-minute drive from the Crystal River, one of Northern Michigan’s most popular paddling destinations, known for its crystal-clear water, abundant wildlife, and beautiful scenery. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing float or a day of adventure, please inquire with the host for kayak availability and pricing.
Glen Arbor is less than 2 miles away with its many shops and restaurants. You are also minutes from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and other outdoor amenities throughout Glen Arbor and Leelanau County. Stunning dunes, hiking and biking trails, Lake Michigan beaches, public tennis and racquetball courts, wineries, breweries, and more are all nearby.
Please note that the dock and waterfront amenities may be shared with guests staying at a second vacation rental located on the property when that rental is occupied. The beach areas are naturally separated by a large lakeside patio deck, creating distinct spaces for each rental and providing additional privacy while still allowing everyone to enjoy the lakefront. The shared dock is available for swimming, boating, fishing, and enjoying beautiful Glen Lake sunrises.
If you are interested in additional space or would like exclusive use of both rental properties and the waterfront amenities, please message us about renting both homes together.
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Pets allowed: less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Refer to checkout instructions please.
Over 100 year old wood floors and dock so protect your feet please.
Use of beachfront, dock/hoist, and other water sports activities at your own risk. Property owner is not responsible for safety/injuries.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 2090982vb
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
About the area
Glen Arbor
Located in Glen Arbor, this cottage is on the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Lake Michigan. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or try out other outdoor activities such as snowmobiling and sledging.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 3 min drive - 4.4 km
Crystal River - 3 min drive - 3.6 km
Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum - 10 min drive - 8.3 km
Getting around
Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 51 min drive
Restaurants
Art's Tavern - 3 min drive
Cherry Republic - 3 min drive
La Becasse - 8 min drive
Trattoria Funistrada - 8 min drive
Leelanau Coffee Roasting Co. - 3 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Historic Glen Lake Cottage with Private Waterfront Access pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at Historic Glen Lake Cottage with Private Waterfront Access?
As of 16 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Historic Glen Lake Cottage with Private Waterfront Access on 18 September 2026 start from NZ$525, 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 Historic Glen Lake Cottage with Private Waterfront Access?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Historic Glen Lake Cottage with Private Waterfront Access?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Historic Glen Lake Cottage with Private Waterfront Access?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Historic Glen Lake Cottage with Private Waterfront Access located?
Nestled on the beach, this Glen Arbor cottage is within 3 mi (5 km) of Glen Lake, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Lake Michigan. Little Glen Lake and Crystal River are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Lovely historic cottage, comfortable, well equipped and perfectly located on beautiful Glen Lake. Close to all area attractions yet still feels tucked away.
Amazing to stay at a historic cottage with such a rich history and so much charm. Perfect location, private dock to enjoy, close to the marina, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Glen Arbor and other destinations within a close drive. Great host as well!
Laura H.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 26 July 2025
Thank you for staying with us. We appreciate your kind comments. We hope to have you back again.
-Cindy
Beautiful Glen Lake beach access, charming cottage with 100 years of character and, responsive hosts sums up our experience.
Thanks Cindy and Morgan, for helping us and making our stay so enjoyable!
The rustic cabin had a great vibe that screamed summer camp! The cottage was very clean. The owner assisted us throughout our stay to make sure we had everything we needed.
Robert W.
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 15 July 2025
Thank you for the review and for choosing to stay with us Robert! Cheers.
From the rustic, cozy cabin complete with everything you need for a comfortable stay, to the dreamy sunrise reflections off the lake, to Kris's attentive and kind hospitality, made the Blue Jay an exceptional experience.
morgan k.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 11 September 2023
Thank you so much! Hope to see you again! We enjoyed meeting you and glad you enjoyed your time. You didn't have to worry about the sponge holder but thank you for the kind gesture and all the goodies you left. Take care and stay safe.
It was nice! Had just about everything we needed and more. Ate meals there most days & loved the dining space.
This location is one of our favorite spots in Michigan. Enjoyed the lake with a boat & jet skis. Went to many nearby beaches, had nightly fires either at the cottage or at the beach. Even had the northern lights show up in some of my night pictures on the dock.
We had plenty of space and Cindy was very attentive to any messages/questions.
Thank you so much for providing an escape from our daily responsibilities to spend a nostalgic week of smells, sights and memories of our summers spent on beautiful Big Glen. Robin was attentive and quick to address our needs, and the cottage was equipped with what we needed. We did what we wished, cooked or didn't cook as we pleased, and watched cousins enjoy the company of each other. Thanks for the memories, and we hope to return! -Nannette Boulet Dahlquist
My great aunt has been coming up to Glen Lake for 70 years (but not for 5 years), joined my father, me and my wife to escape the heat. The cottage reminded my aunt of all the quaintness of cottages around the lake.
We enjoyed the very comfortable 3 bedrooms and spent most of the time on the front porch admiring the lake view.
We were 5 minutes from Glen Arbor and 15 minutes from the many trails and views from the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park.
Kris was a great host communicating with us regularly as needed and anticipating our needs
mark g.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 11 September 2023
Thank you so much Mark! We enjoyed having you stay at Blue Jay Cottage🌿
Wonderful! This cottage was in my family from 1940s until 1980s. So wonderful to experience this place with my family! We came from WA state to experience my dads memories and make our own. Robin was wonderful as our host!! This is part of her family memories for decades and means a lot to her and it shows. A great time sharing and reminiscing. Awesome that some cottages are left as they were from 100yrs ago!! Robin and her brother are working hard to make this a place to enjoy again and again.
Jennifer M.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 11 September 2023
It was so lovely to meet you and your family. Thank you so much for sharing your memories. I will add your father’s writings to our book, very fun to hear. I understand why this space has so filled with love, it came that way. Can’t wait until your next visit.
Loved this cabin. Kitchen drawers were labeled and very well stocked. Plenty of towels and great location. Even the toilet paper was better than most hotels! Will definitely come back.
Great location close to Heritage bike trail and Glen Arbor, rode our bikes to both. Cottage is historic and rustic but very comfortable. Beds are comfortable, and Kris provides really nice good quality towels. The awesome front porch overlooking Big Glen across the street was a great place to read a book. We had a wonderful time and Kris was an amazing host, she literally thinks of everything!
WOW...probably not enough space here for all the great things that could be said.
The cabin was a perfect place for a late summer stay. Everything we needed (except food) was provided and well stocked. From TP and paper towels to condiments in the fridge. Gas grill and a nice gas fire pit just outside the cabin were all set to be used (which we did!). All of this was extremely important to us since we were coming from San Diego.
Kris and Mitch met us when we arrived and gave us a walk-through from the lake dock to the cabin. Explaining everything we needed to know and answering any and all questions. Friendly, nice, warm people. Truly a pleasure to deal with.
The cabin is approx 100 years old and sends you back in time to easier days. It's rustic, but with the modern conveniences of WIFI and Smart TV for watching Netflix etc. Beds were comfy and cozy. Quilts and extra blankets were on hand for the nights that got a bit chilly...which made for good sleeping :) Oh...and I can't forget the thick hotel quality towels in the bathrooms. What a nice touch.
Weather is always a big question mark during late summer, but we got lucky and had low to mid 70s all week long with sunshine and a few clouds.
Picked up a bit of a lake tan from sitting on the deck situated near the dock.
All in all....this is a repeat place to stay. Plenty of room to accommodate a few family members that visited us while we were in Glen Arbor. Quick access to the town of Glen Arbor and again, easy access across the street to the big Glen Lake.
Thank you so much Kris and Mitch!!!! I know our paths will cross again.
Richard H.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 11 September 2023
Thank you so much for the great review of Blue Jay Cottage. I truly hope if you come to the area, you will give us a call and we could have dinner or drinks even if you wear Michigan State gear lol!
Cute rustic cabin! We enjoyed our stay at the Blue Jay cabin. So much to do around the area and Glen Lake is awesome! The property manager, Kris, was always available and so sweet! Can’t wait until next summers vacation😉!
Lori O.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 11 September 2023
Thank you so much Lori! We enjoyed your family and hope you made many memories
We had an amazing stay at Bluebird Cottage. So clean and stocked with everything we needed. Loved looking at Lake from porch, kitchen and bedroom! Kris was so helpful and was right there if we had any questions! Large beach area to play in sand or have beach fires and kids loved the floating raft pass the dock! Easy access to Glen Arbor and Heritage trail, even on our bikes! Large table in screened in porch was wonderful for entire family to eat and play games We grilled out on nice gas grill few times! Wonderful mems made.
Mary J.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 11 September 2023
We loved to have you and your family! I hope you will visit again.
We love Blue Jay Cottage! This was our second year renting and will be back next season. Our kids love the lake, water sports, and especially the tree swing! They have a great deck and bonfire by the lake and an additional gas fire pit sitting area near the cottage. The house is over 100 years old and has a great laid back homey feel. The kitchen, towels, and bedding were well stocked with many upgrades from our previous trip. Welcome goodies we’re waiting at arrival as well as thank you ones before leaving. The property manager Kris made our trip fabulous and convenient, especially when my husband accidentally cracked the coffee pot! A new one was on the porch within hours! A vacation to remember. Thanks for having us and already excited to for next year!
Adrienne s.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 11 September 2023
Thank you so much. Looking forward to seeing you next summer☺
Thank you Ken! Enjoyed having you and all the guys!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Ashley B.
29 September 2025
Ashley B.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
About the host
Hosted by Cindy Robertson
My name is Cynthia (Cindy) and I am a life-long resident of this area. I grew up on a farm in Traverse City and currently live in Cedar. I love the beauty of Leelanau County and this lake property and area was my husband and sister-in-law's favorite place to be. I enjoy sharing our family’s property with all who appreciate Northern Michigan’s beauty and charm. My family and I manage this property so please let any one of us know of any questions, concerns, or how to make your stay better!
Why they chose this property
Multi-generational family roots in the larger Traverse City Area. Leelanau County is a gem and this property has been family owned and operated since the 80’s.
What makes this property unique
The history and charm! We are proud of maintaining this little piece of history here on Glen Lake and hope you enjoy stepping back in time at the cottage just as much as we do.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests