See all properties
Entire home

Fun w/Loft! Beach ~Nature Trails ~Grill~ Firepit ~Indiana Dunes National Park

Photo gallery for Fun w/Loft! Beach ~Nature Trails ~Grill~ Firepit ~Indiana Dunes National Park

This enclosed porch space is our favorite!
Our path, just 3 blocks north, to the 2.5 mile stretch of beach, along Lake MI.
The outdoor space includes a fire pit, gas grill, hammock, outdoor table, & fun!
Welcome to The Hummingbird Cottage - fun, colorful, & cozy😊
The master bedroom, with a ladder to the loft.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 751 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Gary, IN
  • Marquette Park
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Ogden Dunes Beach
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • West Beach
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)
    ‪57 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 7)

Bedroom 3

1 Single Bunk Bed

Master

1 Queen Bed

The Loft

3 Single Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden

About this property

Fun w/Loft! Beach ~Nature Trails ~Grill~ Firepit ~Indiana Dunes National Park

~Short 3 block walk (10 min) to an incredible 2.5 mile stretch of Lake MI beach
~Surrounded by the Indiana Dunes National Park - lots of trails to explore
~Bayless Dune Hike is 1 block south
~45min drive to Chicago city center
~Fast wifi-95Mbps
~Beach towels, beach chairs & umbrella, wagon, life jackets, & beach toys provided
~Included: Weber gas grill, keurig duo, kettle, crockpot, cozy beds, firewood (outdoor firepit), 2 Roku TVs, +more
~Close drive to train station -South Shore Line goes from Chicago-South Bend/Notre Dame
~When you stay with us, you can get lost in nature or the big city (Chicago) - or you never have to leave:)
*PLEASE NOTE THAT WE HAVE STAIRS (APPROX 15) FOR ENTERING/LEAVING THE PROPERTY*
*ADDITIONAL NOTES:
1) The bedrooms don't have doors - the master & bunk room have curtains separating the rooms from the main area. The loft is open to the master.
2) The indoor fireplace (under the TV in the living room) is non-functional - it is just for looks.

Property manager

Robin Secord
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

Terrace/patio

Secluded, Fenced Cottage, Hot Tub, Fire Pit, Dog Friendly, Nat’l Park

  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
8.2 out of 10, (36 reviews)
Secluded, Fenced Cottage, Hot Tub, Fire Pit, Dog Friendly, Nat’l Park

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Children under 5 years are not allowed in loft.
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

No pets allowed
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
-No parties, illegal drugs, smoking/vaping, pets, and/or fireworks allowed on property -Children under 5, are not allowed in loft. -Swim at own risk
-Booking guest is responsible for the safety of all guests. Owner is not liable, should anything occur during the stay, on or off the property.
-Quiet Hours are 10pm-9am. -Rental Agreement must be completed to gain access. -Host reserves right to cancel (penalty free) if guest has bad review.

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
Long-term renters welcome
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

Gary

Located on a lake, this cottage is in Miller Beach, a neighbourhood in Gary. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Michigan. Travelling with kids? Consider Deep River Water Park, or check out an event or a game at Gary SouthShore RailCats SteelYard. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Gary, IN

What's nearby

  • Marquette Park - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Indiana Dunes National Park - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Ogden Dunes Beach - 8 min drive - 5.3 km
  • West Beach - 8 min drive - 3.9 km
  • Portage Lakefront Beach - 10 min drive - 8.7 km

Getting around

  • Portage - Ogden Dunes Train to Chicago - 5 min drive
  • Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) - 63 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Flying J Travel Center - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪John T McCutcheon Travel Plaza - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Denny's - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Polekatz Indiana - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Fun w/Loft! Beach ~Nature Trails ~Grill~ Firepit ~Indiana Dunes National Park pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Fun w/Loft! Beach ~Nature Trails ~Grill~ Firepit ~Indiana Dunes National Park ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Fun w/Loft! Beach ~Nature Trails ~Grill~ Firepit ~Indiana Dunes National Park ?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Fun w/Loft! Beach ~Nature Trails ~Grill~ Firepit ~Indiana Dunes National Park located?

This family-friendly Gary cottage is located on a lake, within a 10-minute walk of Lake Michigan and Indiana Dunes National Park. East Shoreline and Marquette Park are also within 15 minutes.

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. 38 out of 41 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 41 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 41 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 41 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 41 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Liesl F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great stay! The neighborhood is very quiet. Just a few blocks from the beach, making it an easy walk. The house is cozy and charming. It had everything we needed & more. (beach chairs, umbrella, paddle board, marshmallow roasting forks, games, plenty of towels, a crockpot, etc) Checking in was a breeze and Robin was easy to contact with any questions.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chasity S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We really enjoyed our stay! Just a quick walk to the beach. Easy drives to the state and national parks. Very comfortable place and we enjoyed sitting outside on the patio and screened in porch every night
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Crystal C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great time. The beach was very close. The cottage had everything we needed. We really only had to buy food everything else you could think of was supplied. Very easy to communicate to the host.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed our stay. Our young kids enjoyed the bunk beds and playing games in the loft. Appreciate all the beach items available for our use and convenient walk to access Miller Beach. The counter/seating area was not swept but it was a minor oversight overall. The host was incredibly helpful and responsive from booking through checkout.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Becky J.

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

Awesome Rental

My daughter and I came for the Indiana Dunes birding festival. Wverywhere we needed to be was about 15 minutes away. Great location. Loved the decor. Would definitely rent again
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eric B.

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

Quick family getaway

Perfect little spot for a quick family getaway. We loved the fire pit and the screened in porch!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Monika W.

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

Quick winter visit

The place is incredible, stayed in January when it snowed but the cottage is well insulated and heater works flawlessly. Super clean, colorful and we can only imagine how awesome it would be in the summer. Great communication, great accommodating host.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Mike H.

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

Super cute and colorful

This place was a great little place full of color and fun. Kitchen was very well stocked. We really enjoyed our stay
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dave G.

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

Hidden Hummingbird Gem!

This house is fabulous from the decor, amenities, and location!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

JEFF M.

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

Very cute house!

It is small but very cozy, and the screened in porch really helps add to the size. The kids loved the loft area and that really helped add to the sleeping arrangement as well. I would stay there again.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Emilee H.

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

Fun house

House is great for a family! Kids loved the loft area. Short walk to the beach was perfect. The outdoor/patio area was fun.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amber B.

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

Sweet beach cottage escape

This cottage is two blocks from the beach and a 2 minute drive to National Sand Dunes West Beach. Under 10 minutes to the miller station south shore line. It was a perfect vacation adventure for my family of 5. An 11 year old boy, a 14 year old boy, and a 15-year old girl. We spent three days at the beach and exploring the national park and three days exploring the city. It was a perfect blend. This cottage while seemingly small had plenty of space for the five of us to spread out, sleep comfortably, and enjoy each other. It was clean, brightly colored, very quiet safe beach neighborhood. Robin was so helpful with any and all questions. Book it, you won’t regret it.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

josina m.

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

The best

Our whole family ages 3 to 73 had a great time! We love what my kids call “the colorful house!”
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tina D.

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

Super cute cottage

Super cute cottage! Small, but they have used the space well. Walking distance to a beautiful beach that is pretty much private. Owner is very communicative and cottage was very clean.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Great house and great location

House was perfect for four of us for 4 nights. House was located close to Indiana Dunes State and National Parks. Online description was very accurate and the house was well stocked with everything we needed. Communication with the host was excellent!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Barbara

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The house was quaint and the kids loved it. They really try to provide you with everything to make your stay enjoyable. Property manager was phenomenal. It was a nice get away. Loved that the beach was a short walk away. We enjoyed watching the sunset on the beach.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kristin C.

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

Adorable place

This place was so cute and clean. Lots of lively extra little touches, like a coffee and tea station and pretty much everything you’d expect if you were in your own home. I even found scissors so I could hang birthday decorations. Although the host beat me to it by leaving my kiddo some birthday supplies, treats and even a card! Excellent communication from the host as well.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Melanie S.

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

Melanie Sharp

Property was well maintained. Easy check in and out process. Sand Dunes, trail, beach and Lake Michigan were amazing. Great communication with property manager.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rona B.

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

Cute and Cozy

Our group thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this cute and cozy cottage. Robin, the owner, is easy to communicate with and provides a lot of helpful information not just on the property but also the surrounding area. The large screened in porch and lovely garden area gives this property several spots for a group of 6 to spread out so we never felt cramped. It is close to the National Park and Chicago and is also walkable to the beach. I would not hesitate to stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shawn T.

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

Cozy

Great little place tucked away in a gully. Very vibrant colors. Everything you need for your trip to the beach or to hang out and have a campfire. The beach is a 10 minute walk away. And 15 minutes to Indiana dunes. Great little gem
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kourtney V.

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

Great space and location

We were attending a wedding at the Aquatorium and the cottage was convenient for all the festivities. Check in was super easy! Great location - the beach is an easy walk (especially with the wagon available at the cottage). Cottage is cozy but well appointed- so nice to have everything for the beach provided! We were sad we were to busy to really enjoy the outdoor spaces but my youngest loved the loft! Thanks for a great stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Britni S.

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

Family trip

This was one of the cutest places I have ever stayed!!! So much was provided that you normally never get anywhere else you go!!! Items provided ranged from beach toys such as boogie board and paddle board and more beach stuff to shampoo and conditioner and all the way down to have seasonings to cook with!!! We absolutely loved it and will book again in the future!! Thank you so much for everything you supplied!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Matthew R.

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

Fabulous Springtime Cottage

We booked this cottage for the quirky colors and the loft space we knew our kids would love sleeping in (which they did, of course). What came as a pleasant surprise was the kitchen, equipped with everything you would ever need and more. We brought in two days worth of meals and were absolutely able to make good use of what we brought. We also loved the hammock, the fire pit, the completely charming front yard, and the on site washer and dryer. A great experience and a great location!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Staci S.

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

Fun Beach and Hiking Getaway

Our fam of five 6, 8 and 12 year olds LOVED our quiet little getaway. We knew the water would be a bit chilly on Lake Michigan but boy was it beautiful...and only a few blocks away! Our kiddos slept in loft. We made every meal there, hiked some trails, played some of the games there and some we brought. There were plenty towels, bath and beach as well as kitchen accessories. It was a perfect getaway before our busy theatre rehearsals and sports camps begin! We definitely hope to come back!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Caroline C.

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

Weekend Getaway

We stayed at Hummingbird Cottage for a long weekend family getaway. It’s so cute and cozy! Nearly everything you could need was at the cottage. The beach was a short 3 block walk and not crowded at all. We visited some local restaurants the first day and then made the short drive to New Buffalo, Michigan for dinner on day two and Michigan City on day three. The cottage is super close to the Dunes National park and a short drive to the Dunes State park. The cottage accommodated our family of 4 (2 adults and two teens) well. I would warn that if you have very tall guests with you, some of the sleeping arrangements could be challenging. We had a great time and would happily return!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

About the host

Hosted by Robin Secord

Host profile image
We love to travel & want to be able to share our love of travel with others.

Why they chose this property

This property is so fun, plus the location can't be beat! The location is perfect if you want to get lost in nature or the big city, of Chicago:) We hope you enjoy your stay, as much as we enjoy the area.

What makes this property unique

You feel like you are in a different world when at the house, but you have access to anything & everything right outside.

It is also a great beach escape from the hustle & bustle of the big city or the chaos of a Notre Dame football game @ the Notre Dame Stadium.

We also have a fabulous guide book, full of local ideas to keep busy with (if that is what you prefer). There is everything from a local festival guide, the beach swimming flag color of the day, U-Pick farm suggestions, & local favorites.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback