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Charming & renovated airy Train Depot turned cottage steps from Lake Michigan

Photo gallery for Charming & renovated airy Train Depot turned cottage steps from Lake Michigan

A cabin with a stone patio, two Adirondack chairs, and a flower box on the front porch.
Property video
A dining area with a long table, chairs, a chandelier, and a view of the outdoors through large windows.
A wooden cabin with a stone bench and a window overlooking a forest.
A cozy living room with a fireplace, wooden furniture, and large windows offering a view of the outdoors.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
With 2 bicycles, this cottage features a patio for outdoor relaxation. It has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, accommodating 6 guests. Explore the attractions of Crystal River and Glen Lake during your stay.

Highlights

  • Made for relaxation
    Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
  • Beach equipment
    A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Close to Crystal River
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Barbecue
  • Deck or patio
  • Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

View map
Glen Arbor, MI
  • Place, Crystal River
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    ‪20 min walk‬
  • Place, beach near Crystal River
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪46 min drive‬

Where you'll sleep

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Loft Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

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

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Charming & renovated airy Train Depot turned cottage steps from Lake Michigan

Wildflower Depot sits on two tranquil acres of wildflowers under a canopy of trees. This lovingly restored 150-year-old train depot is a short stroll to beautiful Lake Michigan. The c.1880 historical Copemish train depot, known for the past several decades as the beloved Wildflowers Gift Shop, was moved to Bay Lane in 2021 from the outskirts of Glen Arbor.

The original structure has been renovated from top to bottom, including the addition of a gourmet eat-in kitchen with Wolf cooktop and oven, full-size stainless steel refrigerator, and dishwasher. Original details have been preserved, but the home has been updated with new custom windows, gas fireplace, bead board ceilings, and driftwood gray floors. The home is also equipped with a full-size washer and dryer.

A new addition has two bedrooms with queen beds and en-suite bathrooms, one with a walk-in shower and the other with double sinks and a soaking tub. Twin beds have a view of the treetops in a loft space which you can access by a built in ship's ladder by the hall bathroom.

Entertain outdoors with a gas grill and sit under the stars around a cozy fire pit. Beautiful Lake Michigan beaches are a two-minute walk down Bay Lane - after which you can refresh yourself in a new outdoor shower! Grab a morning coffee or gourmet goods at the newly-renovated old Mill nearby, and enjoy many fabulous Glen Arbor local restaurants!

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
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, service animals permitted
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
I hope that you have enjoyed your stay! Check-out is 10:00 - 10:30 AM. I hope that you sign the guest book and I would love to know any suggestions for enhancing your stay.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 3271672vb
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

About the area

Glen Arbor

Glen Arbor is home to this cottage. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
View more Cottages in Glen ArborOpens in a new window
Map
Glen Arbor, MI

What's nearby

  • Crystal River - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 20 min walk - 1.7 km
  • beach near Crystal River - 2 min drive - 1.5 km
  • beach near Crystal River Marina - 2 min drive - 1.5 km
  • Glen Lake - 3 min drive - 3.6 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 51 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cherry Republic - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Art's Tavern - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Boonedocks - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪River Club Glen Arbor - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Leelanau Coffee Roasting Co. - ‬16 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Charming & renovated airy Train Depot turned cottage steps from Lake Michigan pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Charming & renovated airy Train Depot turned cottage steps from Lake Michigan ?

As of 24 September 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Charming & renovated airy Train Depot turned cottage steps from Lake Michigan on 4 October 2026 start from NZ$3,829, 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 Charming & renovated airy Train Depot turned cottage steps from Lake Michigan ?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Charming & renovated airy Train Depot turned cottage steps from Lake Michigan ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Charming & renovated airy Train Depot turned cottage steps from Lake Michigan ?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Charming & renovated airy Train Depot turned cottage steps from Lake Michigan located?

Situated in Glen Arbor, this cottage is steps away from Crystal River and Lake Michigan. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is 0.8 mi (1.3 km) away.

Reviews

9.8

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. 15 out of 18 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 18 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 18 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 18 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 18 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was great, like stepping back into history. Location was fantastic. Beds were small and not very comfortable. The hot water heater was not very efficient. Could not take a bath and a shower at the same time without running out. FYI, the stairs to the loft are very steep, probably not great for really young children. If the beds and the hot water issues were resolved, I would give it five stars.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful stay! Even got to see the northern lights!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Just lovely!

The cottage was truly lovely and the host equally so. We would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Vacation home with personality.

We loved spending 5 nights at a renovated old railroad depot. It had a lot of personality and was comfortable for our 5 family members. The owners did a great job making it a home away from home.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Charming spot

So full of charm! We had a great stay at at the depot. Walkable into town and a very short walk to the lake.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We absolutely loved staying here! Cynthia is the best host from the beginning she was always so responsive with helping us get a week all the way through the end! Her place is darling, so clean! Her linens smell absolutely amazing! Thank you again for our family stay; we hope to be back!!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a nice surprise. This home was well-appointed, with modern appliances, and a very fun place. lots of room and very comfortable
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Minimoon Stay

Absolutely STUNNING property. The pictures don't do it justice!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
There were no vineyards here
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Lovely house in the woods near the lake

Cynthia was a fantastic host. Got a little trouble with the washing machine, and she responded quickly with a solution. The house itself is beyond charming and quite comfortable. It was definitely a five star experience.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Outstanding!!

We enjoyed every minute of our stay at Wildflower Depot. The house was clean, bright, and airy. Excellent location within walking distance of a beautiful Lake Michigan beach, downtown Glen Arbor, and the Mill. Cynthia was kind, helpful and communicative. We enjoyed swimming in the clear Lake Michigan waters, amazing sunsets, and all that Glen Arbor has to offer. Can't wait to return.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Unique place in great Glen Arbor location

A enjoyable stay at this well appointed small home converted from a train depot. Updated kitchen has induction stove and upscale coffee making equipment. Nice living room, comfortable bed, and enjoyable fire pit out back. Close (0.3 mile) to the beach and <5 minute drive to town. Could have benefited from better communication response time from property manager, especially on move-in day.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Truly Fabulous Slice of Heaven

This lovely old train depot makes an airy nest snuggled up against Sleeping Bear Bay. Steps from the very quiet and gorgeous beach, and tucked into very pretty woods not far from the Crystal River. I can’t say enough about how carefully and perfectly decorated this home is. It’s got super high ceilings, old tall ornate glass windows and hardwood floors. The owner has great taste and a real eye for mermaid and seaside art. The kitchen is spectacular, with top end brand new appliances. Very charming selection of unusual yet practical dishes and glassware gives you everything you could want from breakfast to cocktails under the stars. There are several lovely spots in the woods next to the house with a grill, fire pit and a hanging straw chair to cuddle into. I loved all the French design touches, and effort put into the gardens. Still a work in progress, but what’s there is terrific. Glen Arbor is a really wonderful up north small town we have visited before, but this place is the nicest we have ever seen in the area. The beach is a little stony, so if you have kids, bring water shoes. We went to a gourmet restaurant one night, grilled out a lot, and saw magnificent sunsets all week long. Book this house, you will never want to leave!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cynthia knows how to make guests feel welcome. She is a great communicator and very accommodating. We wanted to make sure bikes and a grill were available. She not only provided 3 bikes (instead of the 2 in the listing), she provided a brand new gas grill with all the needed tools and an extra LP tank! The house is a show place and immaculately clean. Everything works as it should including a full sized washer and dryer. The kitchen makes eating in a pleasure. There are interesting touches throughout the house and the furniture and beds are very comfortable. It would be impossible not to enjoy a stay at the Wildflower Depot.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very clean and charming cottage located conveniently near the northern part of the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. Kitchen had everything we needed. Bed and cottage furnishings were very comfortable. Decor inside and out was lovely. Host was great to work with and responsive to even the smallest concern or question. My husband considers this one of the best, if not the best place we have stayed over the years.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026

About the host

Hosted by Cynthia

Host profile image

Languages:

French

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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