Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 10148.6 sq m
Popular amenities
Onsite parking available
Pet-friendly
Kitchen
Washing machine
Air-conditioning
Outdoor barbecue
Explore the area
Thompsonville, MI
Crystal Mountain
Place, Crystal Mountain
4 min drive
Iron Fish Distillery
Place, Iron Fish Distillery
5 min drive
Mountain Ridge Golf Course
Place, Mountain Ridge Golf Course
7 min drive
Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
50 min drive
Rooms & beds
3 bedrooms (sleeps 10)
Bedroom 1
1 King Bed
Bedroom 2
3 Single Bunk Beds
Bunk Room (2)
1 Single Bunk Bed
Porch
1 Double Futon
2 bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 2
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area
About this property
Pet-Friendly, Betsie River Retreat - Sleeps 10 - Ski, Fish, and More!
This cozy cottage in a secluded, wooded setting has easy access to many of northwestern Michigan’s favorite attractions. Life is Better North offers a true “up north” getaway for groups of 6-12 people. Accommodations include:
• over 1600 square feet of comfortable, roomy living space • master bedroom with king sized bed • 2nd bedroom with full-sized bunk bed and 3rd full-size trundle bed • 3rd "bunk room" style bedroom with twin over full bunk bed • porch area is furnished with a queen-sized futon couch, converting to a fourth, private, sleeping area for 2 • additional sleeping accommodations include a full-sized sleeper sofa in the living room, as well as twin-sized sleeper sofa in the sitting area. • NEW FOR 2022 - 10x25 bonus room with XL sectional couch, smart TV, & games • 2 full-sized baths • fully furnished kitchen with refrigerator, stove, and microwave. • wood burning fireplace • satellite television • high-speed internet • DVD player • washer and dryer • ample parking (outdoor, hardwired outlets are available for additional RV parking for large groups. Please inquire with owner.) • pets considered
There is a security camera located in the parking area. This camera is inactive while the property is occupied.
Winter activities: Life is Better North is located just 4 1/2 miles from Crystal Mountain ski resort, offering 39 trails and 5 state-of-the-art lifts. Groomed snowmobile trail system access is less than a mile away. Snowmobile rentals are available just 4 miles away at Crystal Adventures. And with over an acre lot, there is plenty of room for sleds, trailers, and vehicle parking.
Iron Fish Distillery is located just over a mile up the road.
Local lakes and trail systems also offer snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice-fishing, and more for the winter sports enthusiast.
Spring, Summer, and Fall Fun: Enjoy world-class salmon and fly fishing with 120 ft of river frontage at one of the deepest bends of the river! Or relax and enjoy the serene beauty of the Betsie with a kayak or tube trip. In the fall, experience the gorgeous foliage and fabulous winery tours on Leelanau or Old Mission Peninsula, and the quaint shops and restaurants of nearby Traverse City. Incredible hiking and biking is available nearby with the Betsie Valley Trail, Betsie River Pathway, Manistee National Forest trailheads, and many more local trail systems.
Local attractions include: Crystal Mountain ski and golf resort & spa – 4.5 miles Iron Fish Distillery - 1.5 miles Arcadia Bluffs golf resort – 18 miles Lake Michigan beaches – 15 miles Empire Beach (an awesome beach for families) - 22 miles Beulah: brewery, groceries, and shopping - 15 miles Frankfort: quaint town with great restaurants, shopping, beach - 22 miles Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park – 25 miles Traverse City shopping, restaurants – 37 miles Winery tours – 40 miles Casino- 25 miles Interlochen Fine Arts Center – 19 miles Betsie Valley Trail system – 5 miles
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
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
Parties and events are allowed on site
Note from host: Pre-approval required
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a deadlock
About the area
Thompsonville
Located in Thompsonville, this cabin is on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Lake Michigan, while Michigan Legacy Art Park and Benzie Area Historical Museum are cultural highlights. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or try out other outdoor activities such as snowmobiling and sledging.
Is Pet-Friendly, Betsie River Retreat - Sleeps 10 - Ski, Fish, and More! pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Pet-Friendly, Betsie River Retreat - Sleeps 10 - Ski, Fish, and More!?
As of 24 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Pet-Friendly, Betsie River Retreat - Sleeps 10 - Ski, Fish, and More! on 19 May 2026 start from NZ$428, 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 Pet-Friendly, Betsie River Retreat - Sleeps 10 - Ski, Fish, and More!?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Pet-Friendly, Betsie River Retreat - Sleeps 10 - Ski, Fish, and More!?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Pet-Friendly, Betsie River Retreat - Sleeps 10 - Ski, Fish, and More!?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Pet-Friendly, Betsie River Retreat - Sleeps 10 - Ski, Fish, and More! located?
Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is 1.5 mi (2.4 km) from Iron Fish Distillery and within 6 miles (10 km) of Crystal Mountain and Misty Acres Preserve. Michigan Legacy Art Park and Glovers Lake are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This was the perfect place for a short ski get away! The house is very clean and charming. The property is beautiful, being on the river. We were so happy to be able to have our dog with us and we were all very comfortable.
This property is clean and well maintained. We have stayed here twice and loved it both times. Lots of room for our whole family. Plenty of towels and sheets to use. We love having access to the river also. It's peaceful and wonderful to sit on the edge of the river and enjoy the day.
We enjoyed our stay, the property was clean and accommodating for our needs. We enjoyed the river fishing, the bonfire and all the added games/room to hang out. We’d stay again and recommend for others.
This is our third stay at this property. It is always clean and well stocked for all our needs. The amount of sleeping options fit all the needs of our group. We look forward to staying here again in the future.
Love everything about being up north this location is perfect for all of it!!
Greg W.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
About the host
Hosted by Melissa Balavitch
Our family enjoys skiing, hiking, kayaking, tubing, boating and the relaxed atmosphere of northern Michigan. Our primary residence is in Spring Lake, MI and this is our winter retreat from school and work.
Why they chose this property
We purchased this property because of its proximity to Crystal Mountain Resort as well as the peaceful riverfront setting.
What makes this property unique
With this 1600 square feet ranch style home, it is easy to find a space of your own to relax. Whether it is the four season front porch, front deck overlooking the Betsie River, or on one of the benches built into the stairs leading down to the river, you are sure to find your own private place.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests