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Dog-friendly cottage with fenced yard, firepit, W/D, & WiFi - walkable location

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Living area
Outdoor dining
Living area
Living area
Private kitchen

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 488.3 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Outdoor barbecue
  • Deck or patio

Explore the area

View map
Empire, MI
  • Place, Philip A. Hart Visitor Center
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Place, Empire Bluff Trail
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪40 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Dog-friendly cottage with fenced yard, firepit, W/D, & WiFi - walkable location

Carol's Cottage

Our calendar is updated in real-time & our nightly rates are accurately displayed. Simply enter your desired dates and click 'Book Now!'

With charm to spare and a great location within walking distance of Empire Beach, hiking and biking trails, quaint local restaurants and shops, and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, you’ve chosen wisely with this adorable cottage. The kids and family dog will love the fenced back yard, and you’ll love the cozy firepit, perfect for roasting marshmallows at the end of the day.

Inside, you’ll find a colorful, open space, ideal for reconnecting with family and friends. Use the full kitchen to prepare snacks for the beach, or sit down for a meal together at the sunny dining room table. After a day of exploration, grab a board game for some more together time, stream the latest release on either TV, or use the free WiFi to post pics of the day’s dune climb to your social media. End the day with a family cookout, and drift off to sleep dreaming of the next day’s adventures.

Please note that this property does not have A/C.

THINGS TO KNOW
There is no dishwasher in the kitchen.
This property is managed by Vacasa Michigan LLC

If you are bringing a dog on your trip, the pet fee is already included in your quote when selecting ‘Yes’ to pets. If you would like to add more dogs, please contact us.

Parking notes: There is free parking available for 2 vehicles.



Damage waiver: The total cost of your reservation for this Property includes a nightly damage waiver fee, plus tax if applicable (the “Damage Waiver”). (A discount may be applied for stays of 28 nights or longer, if permitted.) The Damage Waiver covers you for up to $3,000 of accidental damage to the Property or its contents (such as furniture, fixtures, and appliances) as long as you report the incident to the host prior to checking out. The Damage Waiver fee eliminates the need for a traditional security deposit.
More information can be downloaded from the "Rental Agreement" on the checkout page.

Due to local laws or HOA requirements, guests must be at least 21 years of age to book. Guests under 21 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for the duration of the reservation.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
Dogs only. Max of 2.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the premises.
For information about quiet hours, please refer to the listing description.

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
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 and a first aid kit

About the area

Empire

Downtown Mmpire, a neighbourhood in Empire, is home to this holiday home. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum and Burnett Park are also worth visiting. Jet skiing, kayaking and waterskiing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking nearby.
View more Holiday homes in EmpireOpens in a new window
Map
Empire, MI

What's nearby

  • Philip A. Hart Visitor Center - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Empire Bluff Trail - 19 min walk - 1.7 km
  • Little Glen Lake - 6 min drive - 8.6 km
  • Front Street - 32 min drive - 46.7 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Empire Village Pizza & Spirits - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Shipwreck Cafe - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Joes Friendly Tavern - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Food For Thought - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Tiffany's Cafe - ‬4 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Dog-friendly cottage with fenced yard, firepit, W/D, & WiFi - walkable location pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Dog-friendly cottage with fenced yard, firepit, W/D, & WiFi - walkable location?

As of 8 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Dog-friendly cottage with fenced yard, firepit, W/D, & WiFi - walkable location on 11 May 2026 start from NZ$259, 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 Dog-friendly cottage with fenced yard, firepit, W/D, & WiFi - walkable location?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Dog-friendly cottage with fenced yard, firepit, W/D, & WiFi - walkable location?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Dog-friendly cottage with fenced yard, firepit, W/D, & WiFi - walkable location?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Dog-friendly cottage with fenced yard, firepit, W/D, & WiFi - walkable location located?

Located in Downtown Mmpire, this holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Philip A. Hart Visitor Center and Lake Michigan. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is 0.6 mi (0.9 km) away.

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

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. 25 out of 43 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 43 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 43 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 43 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 43 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Check-in

8.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Senta G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
The house is in a fabulous location and great year round. We have stayed there in the summer, fall, and winter. The house is functional, well-loved with eclectic decoration. It worked great for our purposes. We were used to communicating with the owner directly, so were a bit nervous when we figured out that it was now managed by a company as local information can be crucial in the winter. All worked out in the end.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Beverly W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Property was pet friendly. Very nice walkable neighborhood. Great location to everything.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
From a partner site

8/10 Good

William B.

Best location and pet friendly!

Walk to the beach! Close to the national park.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Jon G.

Nice little home!!

Everthing was great,comfy beds,and furniture,close to Empire Beach
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa K.

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

Quiet, clean great location

Great location to explore Sleeping Bear Dunes, walkable to local beach and a couple of local eateries.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our cottage was clean, cozy and the perfect size for us and our dog. Great location with easy walk to town to eat at Joe's Friendly Tavern and do some shopping but best of all for walking to the beautiful beach! We went every morning and evening. Our refrigerator was not staying cold so the property manager immediately brought a mini fridge over until a repair could be made!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Jessica E.

New house for us

We try and stay once a year in Empire and typically rent the same house. This was a last min trip and our usual place was full. We really enjoyed the cottage better than our normal place as it was slightly bigger and the kitchen and bath were a better fit for our family. Will definitely stay again
Verified

6/10 Okay

Heather N.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

Great place to stay if you have 1-2 kids or a dog like we had. Great location to walk to grocers daughter chocolate! The place is outdated and busy with decorations, but if you can see past that, it’s a comfortable stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 April 2025
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughtful review. We’re delighted to hear that you found our home to be a great fit for families (and furry friends, too). It’s wonderful to know you enjoyed the convenient location, being able to stroll over to Grocers Daughter Chocolate is definitely a sweet perk. We appreciate your honest feedback about the home’s décor and style. While it may have a bit of a retro vibe, we’re glad you found it comfortable and welcoming. Your perspective is truly valuable, and we’ll be sure to share your comments with our local team as we continue to look for ways to enhance our guests’ experience. We hope to welcome you and your family back for another memorable visit.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kim B.

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

Cute and Cozy

This cottage was the perfect location in downtown Empire with walking distance to the Friendly and the Empire Beach! We loved the fenced in back yard for fires with our pup. The perfect place for a long weekend!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy S.

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

Love this cottage!!!

So cozy!!! Will stay here again!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
From a partner site

8/10 Good

Karen P.

Great location and very comfortable

Private, proximity to Lake Michigan and other area attractions. WiFi / TV excellent. Met our needs perfectly!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rachael Z.

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

Great Little Getaway

We loved staying at this cozy little cottage in Empire. It had everything we needed.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Carol S.

Location location location

In great proximity to many good places to hike, walk to the beach, empire sleeping bear dune races and short drive to eating establishments and breweries.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Patricia b.

Cute little house convenient to all

Great location, very quiet, well appointed, easy to access, comfortable beds and furnishings. Pet friendly with a fenced yard and dog bags!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jean K.

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

Empire

It’s such a nice little town!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shawn B.

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

Nice little house

The place was exactly what we expected, super clean, and had everything we needed. A great home base for exploring the northwest lower peninsula!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nancy W.

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

Lovely cottage with all we needed!

Nicely furnished with high quality. Comfty beds. Good location for visiting Frankfort to the peninsulas.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Laura S.

Great cottage

Easy to walk everywhere
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gary E.

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

Our stay

A cozy cottage with all the essential amenities. It felt very “Empire” in ambiance. Conveniently located close to all the best of the Natl. Lakeshore
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Dolores A.

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

Cute Comfy Cottage

Spacious rooms, walking distance to Front Street. Quiet residential area. Close to beachfront at Lake Michigan. Dog friendly.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

David M.

FALL SPLENDOR

Perfect place for a little r&r during the fall foilage season. Easy walk to the beach, easy walk to the corner hamburger joint. Very comfortable and welcoming.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathy K.

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

Traveling with 2 dogs

This was the perfect place to stay as we traveled with 2 adult golden retrievers. So grateful that property owners allow pets. The dogs and humans had a wonderful stay and we will book again next year.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
From a partner site

8/10 Good

Elizabeth C.

A cute little house at the beach

The proximity to “downtown” Empire was super and it is an easy walk to the beach. Our dogs enjoyed the back yard and it was easy to walk them around the neighborhood. We neglected to notice that there is no A/C. We opened the windows due to record high temps during our stay and there are a lot of fans in the closets but do note it got very hot inside. Bring a sheetpan/cookie sheet or 9x13 - I forgot mine for dinner prep and cooking and the kitchen didn’t have one.
Response from VrboOwner on 5 July 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience with us, Elizabeth. We’re glad to hear that you enjoyed the condo’s fantastic proximity to downtown Empire and the easy walk to the beach. It’s wonderful to know that your dogs had a great time in the backyard and exploring the neighborhood—it sounds like a perfect spot for a pet-friendly getaway. We do want to apologize for the discomfort caused by the lack of air conditioning during the record-high temperatures. We understand how important a cool and comfortable environment is, especially during hot weather, and we appreciate your patience in managing with the fans and open windows. We also regret that the kitchen was missing a sheet pan or cookie sheet, which made dinner prep a bit more challenging. Please know that we have shared your feedback with our local team so they can look into these concerns and consider ways to enhance the guest experience. Your input is invaluable in helping us improve. We truly appreciate you choosing to stay with us and hope you’ll consider returning in the future. We look forward to welcoming you back for another enjoyable visit.
From a partner site

2/10 Terrible

Alyson H.

Do Not Recommend

This house has a great location. The yard is nice. It has a fire pit, a grill and table and chairs. However, the negative far outweighs the positive. We did not receive a code when we got there. The property was wide open. Between that, no AC, rodent droppings, and the general dingy look of the property it was not worth the cost.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary R.

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

Great location. Dog friendly.

The property worked well for us. We enjoyed being able to have our dog in the fenced yatd to chase balls. The location was great. Close to the beach, trails and a restaurant. Just a note - there is no air conditioning which was probably stated. There are fans.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

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