Entire home

Windhaven on Lake Michigan

Beachfront holiday home with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for Windhaven on Lake Michigan

View of the house looking northeast
The best times of your life
The road to paradise
Master bedroom with Queen sized bed.
Bathroom with shower off of the master bedroom

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • Beach view
  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Fireplace

Explore the area

View map
Muskegon, MI
  • Place, Muskegon State Park
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Michigan's Adventure
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Place, Lake Express Ferry Terminal
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Airport, Muskegon, MI (MKG-Muskegon County)
    ‪24 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

4 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Windhaven on Lake Michigan

As you turn off the main road onto the 500 foot long winding wooded lane, your anticipation grows. When you pull up to the back of the house, you can already smell the fresh, clean breeze coming off of Lake Michigan. And, when you open the car door, you can hear the waves. You rush toward the front yard and as you walk to the edge of the 50 foot bluff, overlooking your private beach, you are overwhelmed by the beauty of this place. You don’t wait to unpack the car. You rush down the 60 steps to the beach. You kick off your shoes and run to the waters edge. You only intend to test the water but, before you know it you’re in up to your knees, your pants are wet and you don’t even care. And, so begins one of the most memorable vacations you’ll ever experience. Please be aware that the parking area on the east side is at the level of the walk out basement. There are approximately 15 steps up the stairs to the living area and bedrooms.

A note from the owner: Historically high water levels on Lake Michigan caused severe erosion of the beaches in most areas beginning in 2019/2020. Since then, the water level has gone down by about 3 feet and as of 2025 there is about 100 feet of beach. I have tried to post more recent photos of the beach but the amount of beach and access varies widely depending on the time of year, wind, and wave conditions, etc. Please request current photos and ask questions. The owner makes no guarantees as to lake level or access beyond what is known at the current time.
Also, be advised, for your security and the security of the property, there is video surveillance on the grounds of the property (outside only) to monitor authorized and unauthorized visitors in the parking area and at access points to the home. By renting this property you are acknowledging and agreeing that your image and the images of anyone in your party may be recorded.

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Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Home has not been child proofed. Parents are resp.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
Contact owner for exception requests.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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 deadlock

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Muskegon

Located in Muskegon, this holiday home is near theme parks and on the beach. Lake Express Ferry Terminal and Muskegon State Park are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Michigan's Adventure and Muskegon Winter Sports Complex. USS LST 393 and Jumpin' Jupiter Skate & Fun Center are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and waterskiing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding and hiking/biking trails.
Map
Muskegon, MI

What's nearby

  • Muskegon State Park - 6 min drive - 6.8 km
  • Michigan's Adventure - 11 min drive - 17.9 km
  • Pere Marquette Park Beach - 13 min drive - 14.2 km
  • Duck Lake State Park Beach - 14 min drive - 7.8 km
  • Lake Express Ferry Terminal - 20 min drive - 19.2 km

Getting around

  • Muskegon, MI (MKG-Muskegon County) - 31 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Deck - ‬29 min drive
  • ‪Coasters Drive-in - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Thrasher's Bear Lake Tavern - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Confection Connection - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Wagon Wheel Pizza - ‬14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Windhaven on Lake Michigan pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

How much does it cost to stay at Windhaven on Lake Michigan?

As of 1 November 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Windhaven on Lake Michigan on 5 November 2025 start from NZ$725.11, 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.

What time is check-in at Windhaven on Lake Michigan?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Windhaven on Lake Michigan?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Windhaven on Lake Michigan located?

Nestled on the beach, this Muskegon holiday home is 0.2 mi (0.3 km) from Lake Michigan and 3 mi (4.8 km) from Duck Lake Outlet. Duck Lake State Park Beach and Muskegon State Park are also within 6 miles (10 km).

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. 104 out of 124 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 18 out of 124 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 124 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 124 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 124 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

Craig R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Older lake house that fit our needs pretty well. The listing maybe should have mentioned the fact that there are stairs required to enter. Not a big deal for most of us, but we had older parents come visit. Appreciate that our pups were able to be with us. Would stay again.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The most gorgeous, private beach! Family of 6 adults, 1 toddler and 1 dog had a great stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Harriett R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was our 7th summer spending a week at Windhaven....the grands were babies the first year and now venturing out on kayaks and paddle boards! We are already booked for our week next summer! Great set-up for our family!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian V.

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

Lake House

Could not have found a better spot for Sons Bachelor party. Great place to say good bye to his childhood
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Awesome place.

Thoroughly enjoyed our stay here.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Vicky M.

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

Relaxed

Enjoyed the beach and family friendly cottage.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mark N.

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

Great place to spend a week

This was our third stay here and we've already booked it for next year. It is a perfect place for hanging with friends and family. We highly recommend it to anyone seeking a comfortable vacation home in the Muskegon area.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tim O., Lafayette

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

Cool Place, Retro Furniture……and Very Clean

Great place, Jim. Thanks for your assistance. We had a good time even though the fishing was slow for our stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Arletta L.

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

Family vacation May 28th-June 4th 2022

Fantastic vacation for the whole family! We love the location and especially beautiful private beach to ourselves. Great sunsets and late night bonfires on the beach. House needs some TLC. Overall very happy:)
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022

8/10 Good

Dale D.

Nice comfortable stay. Property felt safe. The winter beach was awesome.

Appreciated that our daughter could take her dog. Enjoyed walking the beach and "Ice mountains"! Watched two movies from the collection! Made some nice meals. Really enjoyed our getaway! Storm coming in as we were leaving with high winds. Awesome watching the waves hitting the ice!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Kelli R.

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

Wonderful Property

The house is cozy and has absolutely everything you need for a comfortable vacation. It’s nothing fancy, but the real draw is obviously what’s out back! Even from the back patio, the views of Lake Michigan are stunning. Once you get down the steep stairs to the beach, you know why this house is such a gem. A beautiful, pristine, almost completely empty beach! The beach was wonderful, and we enjoyed many afternoons watching the sailboats and jet skis go by while listening to the waves. And many evenings were spent enjoying the most beautiful Lake Michigan sunsets while making s’mores in the beach fire pit. The house is also a good jumping off point to other fun Michigan activities, and not too far from town, which makes it easy to run out for groceries or anything you need. The owner was also wonderful and easy to get ahold of with questions. I would recommend this property to anyone who isn’t fussy, and is looking for a laid back beach experience!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Ron M.

Winter Stay

Was pleasantly surprised at everything that was in this house. Not only was it spacious enjoy for the group that attended, but there were many things that I did not see in the listing of extras. Maybe I overlooked them as my main objective was having a place to crash after a day of luge and sledding (a simple drive out, spend the night and drive back trip). There were many puzzles / cards and videos if anyone was so inclined. We were able to sit six of us around the dinner table comfortable enough to play cards for a couple hours. When getting up in the morning we were able to have an omelet breakfast without sticking int he pans. Not being up on all the technology, I was a little nervous about the whole electronic lock experience, but that work out well. Would higher recommend it to others, in fact shortly after arriving, my eldest son was saying this is where we want to spend the 4th of July. Only a couple of downsides bunk beds could be a little more comfortable and maybe a good pizza cutter :)
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2018

10/10 Excellent

Aimee G.

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

Girl Scouting Winter Adventure

Our Senior Girl Scout troop of 8 scouts and 2 leaders rented Windhaven for our Winter Luge Adventure Trip. We chose this property for both the cost and proximity to the Luge Adventure Park (just 7 minutes down the street). The beach access would be amazing in the summer. The house itself is small, yet 3 bedrooms had queen beds and the 2 bunks slept an additional 4 downstairs. Definitely no-frills, but a big step up from the scout cabins we usually lodge in. Most of the furnishings were older, but adequate. The second bathroom off the master bedroom has been updated. The extra seating on the screen porch wasn't available, but this was expected for the time of year. The kitchen was small, and there's no dishwasher, but well equipped for preparing basic meals. A few extra blankets for the downstairs bunks would have been great, as we forgot to pack them. The owner and housekeeper were friendly and kind. They answered all our questions before arriving and we had plenty of privacy to enjoy our weekend. They were even thoughtful enough to ship back a few forgotten items we left behind the next day. Overall, this was exactly what we were looking for, and we had a fantastic time visiting Muskegon.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Maria B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was clean and comfortable. It was well stocked for cooking. We loved bringing our dog and the space was comfortable for her as well. Jim was helpful and responsive to our questions. It is a great place for a relaxing time at the beach!!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This location, on a bluff above Lake Michigan, and near the amenities of the Muskegan area, is just perfect. This is our fifth stay at the cottage, and we just booked again for next year.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Archie W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Well equipped and roomy. Close to amenities, but very quiet and a very private nice beach. Needs to replace some fogged glass on lakeside. Nice to have AC for hotter days.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vicky M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful beach and weather. The cottage met our needs.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Barbara G.

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

A time to remember

Our stay began Friday when the entire family was able to come out, have dinner together and remember my husband, their father and grandfather, who died in December last year. My husband and I met just a few miles down the shoreline at Muskegon State Park 55 years ago and the following Wednesday would have been our 54th wedding anniversary.There were a few tears, but much laughter together as a family. Thank you for opening your cottage for us to enjoy.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maria B.

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

Cozy stay, excellent location!

We truly enjoyed our stay. We especially enjoyed being able to visit 2 state parks that we could access quickly. Jim was a very responsive host. Thank you for a warm and welcoming stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark N.

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

A perfect getaway

This was our 4th stay at this cottage and we've already booked for next year. It is in a beautiful location with great views of Lake Michigan. The lake level was lower this year so lots of beach to walk on although there are plenty of steps back up the bluff so save some energy for the climb. We love the Muskegon area, enjoying the excellent food, beverage, and recreation options. The cottage is "well-loved" which is a euphonism for a little worn - but this "lived in" condition is one of the things we like about it - we feel immediately comfortable when we walk in the door and while we take care to treat it with care and respect, it doesn't feel like to have to coddle it - it's been perfect for us and our friends. There is also an emergency generator which we appreciated this year when we came back from dinner one night and the power was out in the neighborhood but the cottage was fully powered until the utility power came back on.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

BillCMarlin

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

Classic Lake Michigan Beach Cottage

As others have mentioned, this is a classic Lake Michigan beach cottage. My family actually rented this same cottage 20 or so years ago when our kids were little kids. I don't think it has changed much since then. But, that's not a bad thing. Nothing fancy, just an old fashioned cottage sitting on the dunes above Lake Michigan. The shoreline is constantly changing, but when we there, it had lots of beach. My wife's parents have lived down the road for 40 plus years. This is not near a beach town like South Haven or Saugatuck. But, if you want a remote, quiet home on the beach to build family memories, this could be your place!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

The BEACH

Sandy shore and lake bottom was just beautiful. We looked forward to every sunset. The house was roomy and homey. I appreciated the screened in porch for housing sandy shoes and totes with extra towels and food items. The house was stocked with virtually everything needed. The linens and blankets were adequate, but not abundant. Be prepared to either bring extra, or do a bit of laundry. We were pleased to have beach chairs for us old folks and sand toys for the littles. The grill is a charcoal one, but we found charcoal stocked and brought our own lighter fluid. There is good parking space (we had 3 vehicles) and a nice sized backyard for games or our dog to fetch her stick. There is a Dollar General Market, a sustainable farm with fresh produce and raw milk and a blueberry farm within 6 miles. We wished we had
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert G.

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

Pleasant family get together

Jim's house was a pleasant, convenient place to meet with our family from St. Louis, for US from Ontario. The beaches are reasonably close and lovely. The beach by the house is gorgeous, but a bit of a steep climb up the stairs. Jim's home was well equipped and very suitable for meals, games and just reading.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sharon S.

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

Gorgeous beach

Thanks Jim we had a wonderful family week at your family cottage! Weather was perfect most days and the beach was beautiful and watching the gorgeous sunsets at the fire pit on the beach was a highlight.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Heather C.

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

Great cabin-like stay on the beach

This house was perfect for our family vacation on lake Michigan! Three generations had space to both be together & have some of their own space when needed. The property owner was very easy to communicate with and made sure we were well accommodated.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

About the host

Hosted by James Johnstone

Host profile image
I'm a retired Manufacturing Engineer for a company that made liquid filters for Caterpillar. I live in Urbana, IL and I have two grown children and five grandkids. My grandkids are now the sixth generation in our family to make Lake Michigan our vacation destination. My great grandparents had a cabin in Muskegon in the early 1900's near Mount Garfield. My father and his parents vacationed near Pentwater and, when I was growing up we rented a cabin at Scenic Lodge which was about two miles south of Windhaven, every summer. In the early sixties, my parents were fortunate enough to meet a kindly old fisherman who happened to own quite a bit of beach front property. They bought the lot from him and that was the start of their dream. They were working people so, it took them almost 20 years to scrape together the money to build the house but, in 1981 they completed Windhaven.

Why they chose this property

We always loved the Muskegon area and this has been my vacation home since I was old enough to walk. Our family has put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into this place and I can't imagine a more beautiful setting or any place I would rather be.

What makes this property unique

A beautiful beach, clean clear water, incredible sunsets, and lots of other things to do in the area make this a great vacation destination.

Languages:

English