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Houghton Lake and Higgins Lake family adventures await!

Photo gallery for Houghton Lake and Higgins Lake family adventures await!

Upstairs main living area
Living area
Water View from 2nd Floor!
2nd Floor Full Bath
Living area

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Garage parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washer/dryer
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor barbecue
  • Balcony

Explore the area

View map
Houghton Lake, MI
  • Place, Houghton Lake
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Houghton Lake Marina
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Place, Houghton Lake Flats Flooding State Wildlife Management Area
    ‪11 min walk‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Downstairs

1 King Bed

Upstairs

1 King Bed

Upstairs Builtins

4 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Downstairs

Toilet · Shower only

Upstairs

Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden

About this property

Houghton Lake and Higgins Lake family adventures await!

Houghton Lake and Higgins Lake family adventures await! Just across the street of the north shore of the North Bay-400 feet to public entrance for snowmobiles-1 mile from Houghton Lake Marina and pontoon rentals-10 minutes to South Higgins Lake State Park and North Higgins Lake State Park and much more!

We welcome your family to our cabin/cottage(which we affectionately call our Cab-age) :) where you can find adventures and create life long memories of experiences with the people you care about!

-THE PROPERTY-

Relax with your family in 1,700 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a view of Houghton Lake across the front of the house.

Open concept main living area with kitchen upstairs on the second floor and a separate space downstairs for the kids to video game or watch a movie after a long day of exploring the Houghton/Higgins Lake area or northern Michigan. Rest comfortably in 2 of the bedrooms with king size beds and the kids can have a sleepover in our built-in bedroom with 4 twin brand new memory foam beds.

Bedroom 1 upstairs- King bed
Bedroom 2 upstairs- 4 built-in twins
Bedroom 3 downstairs – King bed

KITCHEN-Fully equipped, microwave, air fryer, griddle, dual coffee maker for traditional drip or with pods, dishware/flatware

INDOOR LIVING- All tvs equipped with firesticks(55” main level upstairs second floor, 43” downstairs living space, 43” in each king bedroom, ceiling fans in every room, dining table for 6

PARKING- Room for 4 vehicles

GENERAL-Free high speed wifi (up to 400 mbs), full size Washer/Dryer, linens, towels, Central Air, Central Heat, keyless entry, cleaning essentials, base hand soaps
We have a large selection of fun family game favorites so you can play family games in the evening, or you can use the high speed internet for gaming, streaming your favorite show to unwind, or even working remotely for a change of scenery.

Planning a big family breakfast to start your day? A fully stocked kitchen with all the tools to make it a reality are there for you. A grill is also available. The brand new furnace and central air system keep your living spaces comfortable so you can enjoy your stay to the max.

-THE LOCATION-
You are central to picking your Michigan adventure on a given day, rain or shine.

S Higgins Lake State Park and N Higgins Lake State Park with incredible sandbar and scenery both sit 10 minutes away in different directions for a day at the beach, or just check out the local family fun adventures Houghton Lake has to offer. Affordable pontoon rentals from the Houghton Lake Marina 1 mile away could be your ticket to an afternoon on the water.

Want to branch out from the Houghton and Higgins Lake Michigan area for the Pure Michigan experience? Shopping, golfing, hitting the beach, or learning Michigan history, we are conveniently located less than 1.5 hours in all directions to unique tourist favorites Traverse City, Petoskey, Gaylord, Mackinaw City, and East Tawas. In summer find a river to float, or experience fishing at some of the finest fresh water lakes our country has to offer.

In the fall, have you ever enjoyed a northern Michigan color tour and seen the tapestry of spectacular colors from oak, maple, birch and others? If not, or if you have and can’t wait to get back, northern Michigan in fall is a special treat to enjoy.

Are snow sports and the cold more your thing? Our house sits 400 feet from a main artery onto Houghton Lake for snow sled enthusiasts and several other options are nearby in Grayling and Harrison to ski or snow tube. If you can think it, you can do it from our property as our family as experienced. Up to 4 snow sleds or 2 Razrs can fit in our drive through garage to keep them out of the elements and safe.

Our family believes in the memories we create and the experiences we share which is what led us to get this place in one of our favorite locations. We hope you decide to choose our property and make memories of your own.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES: The Quest Golf Course (6.5 miles), Pineview Highlands Golf Course (9.6 miles), Houghton Lake State Forest Park (.5 mile), South Higgins Lake State Park (8.4 miles), North Higgins Lake State Park (8.6 miles), Hartwick Pines State Park (26 miles)

DAY TRIPS: Mt Pleasant (59 miles), Tawas (71 miles), Traverse City (62 miles), Petoskey (85 miles), Gaylord (48 miles), Mackinaw City (104 miles), Lake Charlevoix (85 miles), Elk Rapids (64 miles), West Branch (34 miles), Oscoda (85 miles)

AIRPORTS: Cherry Capital Airport (61 miles), MBS International Airport (86 miles)

-POLICIES-
-No Smoking
-No Pets allowed
-No events, parties or large gatherings
-Must be at least 25 years old to book
-Additional fees and taxes may apply
-Photo ID may be required upon check in. **Exterior security cameras on premises

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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

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number 2367709
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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; 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 and a deadlock

About the area

Houghton Lake

Located in Houghton Lake, this holiday home is on a lake. Houghton Lake Marina and The Fox Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Houghton Lake Flats Flooding State Wildlife Management Area and Houghton Lake Wildlife Research Area. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and waterskiing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and hunting.
View more Holiday homes in Houghton LakeOpens in a new window
Map
Houghton Lake, MI

What's nearby

  • Houghton Lake - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Houghton Lake Marina - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Houghton Lake Flats Flooding State Wildlife Management Area - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • South Higgins Lake State Park - 13 min drive - 14.8 km
  • Au Sable River - 19 min drive - 39.0 km

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Spikehorn Restaurant & Lounge - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Little Boots Country Diner - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪MJ's Eatery - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Old town tavern - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Houghton Lake and Higgins Lake family adventures await! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Houghton Lake and Higgins Lake family adventures await! ?

As of 4 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Houghton Lake and Higgins Lake family adventures await! on 12 May 2026 start from NZ$355, 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 Houghton Lake and Higgins Lake family adventures await! ?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Houghton Lake and Higgins Lake family adventures await! ?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Houghton Lake and Higgins Lake family adventures await! ?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Houghton Lake and Higgins Lake family adventures await! located?

Situated on a lake, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Houghton Lake, Houghton Lake Flats Flooding State Wildlife Management Area and Houghton Lake Marina. Higgins Lake and Markey Township Hall are also within 6 miles (10 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. 21 out of 22 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 22 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 22 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 22 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 22 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

David S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place and we all had a great time!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was clean and well kept, comfortable beds and plenty of blankets and throws for lounging.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Karla S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Spacious, areas in the house. It was close to the things we wanted to do at both Higgens and Houghton Lake.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Teresa C.

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

Houghton Lake

This house was really nice and affordable.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gina R.

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

Houghton Lake Rental

We stayes for 5 nights. Our parents have a cabin in higgins lake and this location was perfect. Two seperate living areas upstairs and downstairs. Helped us divide the big and little kids with their own alloated space. Beautiful views and would definetly book again.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kyle N.

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

Great Location

Very close to UTV trails and lake!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephen M.

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

Great times in Michigan.

House was great for the family. The bunk beds were comfortable and the upstairs family room was a nice gathering space.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Peggy M.

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

Great stay !

Great place for a getaway. Kitchen had everything we needed and 2 full bathrooms were definitely a plus. Living areas were comfortable & inviting. But bring an extra roll or two of TP with you - we ran out.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Deborah H.

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

Great vacation getaway

We loved our stay - the location was perfect for boat days at Houghton and Higgins Lakes and poking around locally, along with fishing and hiking at the state parks nearby. House was comfy and had plenty of games/books for the rainy weather that cropped up. Andy was a great host and very helpful!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sherri H.

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

Christmas Get Away

This was our second stay at the Cab-age. We so enjoyed our stay the first time we had to visit again. You will not find a nicer host, they are so accommodating and friendly which makes it a great place to stay. We celebrated our family’s Christmas with my son’s family and all was great.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cecil V.

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

A Great Family Stay

Andy and family, thank you for opening your lovely "Cab-Age" to our family. A perfectly beautiful location, wonderfully located on the North bay of Houghton Lake. Close to just about everything. Most importantly close to my family. Highly recommended to stay and book with Andy and family. Thank you for a 5-Star stay!!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anthony G.

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

Amazing

The pics didnt do this place justice, it was so much roomier. Everything was top notch and the amenities were EVERYTHING we needed. My family and I raved about this place as it was our 1st experience in a VRBO property. I want to thank the owners for everything! We will definitely stay at this property again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nicky K.

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

Take Me Back!!

This house was beautiful , and CLEAN. The entire process was a breeze, and the communication was phenomenal. I would recommend this to any of my family and friends, and we hope to go back again sometime in the future.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alyssa P.

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

Family Vacation

We had a wonderful time on vacation with our family. This was a great property that filled all our needs for personal space and areas to gather with the larger group. The beds were also very comfortable for sleeping. Andy was easy to communicate with and let us know our house was ready early for check in. The house was also an easy drive to both Houghton and Higgins Lake. We would definitely consider booking this house again if we decide to visit the area in the future.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joseph S.

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

Houghton Lake

Clean, peaceful and quiet. We very much enjoyed our stay. We had access to everything we needed for sleeping and cooking. There were no issues whatsoever. We enjoyed campfires and playing cornhole. The cookies and marshmallows were a nice touch.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lauren P.

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

Cab-age patch kids

And to think we almost didn’t take an end of the summer trip. Our family and friends enjoyed the house and used all the amenities including the smoker! The yard was spacious enough for yard games and both our vehicles. We went to Higgins lake a few times, the water is beautiful! The house had everything we needed. The upstairs did get really warm but we spent most our time outside. The older kids enjoyed the bunk room. Beds were cozy and we all loved the couches upstairs. We wanted to bring them with us when leaving 😂 We typically stay closer to Higgins but wouldn’t mind renting here again in the future. Andy was ON IT with any questions we had. Great time was had by everyone.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lori S.

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

Happy times!

I stayed in the Cab-age for 4 nights in June 2022 because my son was getting married at The Barn at Higgins Lake. My group included my husband, our niece from California with her 5-year-old twins, and our friend from California, a total of 6 people. I chose this property because the bedroom/bed configuration worked out for us - my husband and I stayed in the upper bedroom with a king bed, our niece and her twins stayed in the bunkbed room, and our friend stayed in the lower bedroom with a kind bed and her own bathroom. The one thing we didn't realize before we got there was that the kitchen/dining and main living area are on the second floor. That configuration provides a good view of Houghton Lake, but the stairs were challenging for our friend because she has bad knees. All in all, we all had a fun time at the Cab-age. It was very homey and comfortable. One suggestion for improvement is to make the outdoor area a little more inviting by installing some shrubs between the property and the very close next-door neighbors. The property owner, Andy, was very friendly and helpful. I really appreciate his quick responses to any questions we had. Thanks for your hospitality, Andy! I'm happy to recommend your property to anyone who's looking for a comfortable place in the Houghton Lake area.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leanna W.

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

Perfect get away

Andy was an amazing host! Check in was the easiest. He even text the morning of check in and said the property was available sooner! He called when we arrived to make sure everything went well. (There is a security doorbell and my kids kept pushing it, so he was getting alerted and thought something was wrong lol) The lake house was immaculate. So clean. Smelled great. And exceeded our expectations. We have stayed at a LOT of Vrbo rentals, and this one has been the best. There were name brand hand and dish soaps, plastic baggies, toiletries, chargers in every room, games, tons of pillows and blankets….everything! We literally only needed to bring our clothes. They left us stuff to make s’mores. (We tried but the mosquitos were terrible! Not your fault, Andy!) Another plus to the trip was the neighbors. Joe was SO friendly! It’s always good to have trustworthy neighbors and rent in a community that feels like home. On the ending leg of this review, the 2 stories and access to the garage were great. I loved the 2 separate living spaces. We took a friend with us and he had his own private living room, bedroom and bathroom. All downstairs. Upstairs is where my family of 5 stayed. It was just perfect for the 6 of us. The place could easily sleep 11-12 people if kids don’t mind couch crashing. If you’re planning a SxS riding or Houghton Lake trip, book this house! You will not be disappointed!!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrea S.

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

Close to trails and town

My husband and I stayed at the Cab-age for a long weekend getaway. The house was clean and in a great location. A short drive to town and restaurants and a short drive to the trailhead. The bed was so incredibly comfortable, we slept great. Our sxs fit perfectly in the garage and we were able drive the few short miles to the trailhead vs having to load up on the trailer. We had great communication with the owner! Just one note, I missed the message in the app about checkout instructions and only saw the note in the book provided at the house which only listed stripping the beds. Just wanted to mention so you don't make the same mistake we did. Thank you for sharing your home with us! We had a wonderful time!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sherri N.

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

Cozy property, perfect for families

This cozy property at the north end of Houghton Lake was a great central hub for day trips in many directions. It was well appointed with kitchen and recreation supplies and in a lovely neighborhood safe for walking. The host is thoughtful and communications before, during and after our stay were clear and very prompt. We had a fabulous time without worry.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James B.

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

Comfortable Two Story Home

The location was ideal for relaxation and the accessibility to many places in upper Michigan. The house was very comfortable: super mattresses, good ac, excellent internet and good cell service at the house, complete kitchen, garage space came in handy and it was very clean and organized. We would stay here again and we would recommend it for a family.
Stayed 21 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sherri H.

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

Great Experience!

We had the best time staying at the Cab-Age! It was our first experience renting a vacation home and it exceeded our expectations. The host, Andy, was so helpful walking us through everything. We would recommend this place to anyone. I know we hope to stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

About the host

Hosted by Andrew Manthei

Host profile image
We are the Wolfs and Mantheis! Michelle and Kelly are sisters and our families, through the years, have travelled on multiple vacations. Each of our families have two kids. Family is everything to us and our top priorities are creating experiences to share lifelong memories. Owner is a licensed real estate agent in Michigan.

Why they chose this property

We truly love the Pure Michigan Experience and wanted something centrally located to be able to experience the up north charm of two of the state's largest inland lakes as well as be close enough to experience so much more of Michigan's gems such as Petoskey, Traverse City, Mackinac Island and Mackinaw City, East Tawas, Cadillac, the list goes on!

What makes this property unique

Our quiet location allows great opportunities winter, spring, summer, or fall. Whether you are a summer water enthusiast, or someone who digs the cold, our location makes it easy to enjoy it all!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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