Entire home

100' Prime Lakefront w/sandy lake bottom - updated cottage w/dock/boats/bikes

Photo gallery for 100' Prime Lakefront w/sandy lake bottom - updated cottage w/dock/boats/bikes

A cabin with a dock extending into a clear lake, surrounded by autumn foliage.
A circular stone fire pit with logs and a chair by a lake.
A kitchen with wooden cabinets, a stainless steel refrigerator, a stove, and a microwave.
A room with large windows overlooking a body of water, a hanging light fixture, and a table with chairs.
A house with a deck, surrounded by trees and a grassy yard.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
Located along the water, this cottage accommodates 6 guests with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. It offers 3 bicycles and features a patio for outdoor enjoyment. Enjoy lake views while exploring nearby attractions like Chestnut Hills Golf Course and Glovers Lake, with options for skiing, golf, motorboating, and tubing.

Highlights

  • Family fun awaits

    Top-rated for families.
2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue
  • Patio
  • Toys
  • Onsite parking available
  • Internet
  • Refrigerator

Explore the area

View map
Bear Lake, MI
  • Place, Bear Lake
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Place, Crystal Mountain
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • Airport, Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker)
    ‪28 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds and 1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

100' Prime Lakefront w/sandy lake bottom - updated cottage w/dock/boats/bikes

Enjoy one of Michigan's finest all-sports lakes in a secluded setting, with undeveloped lots on all sides (effectively 300' of private lake frontage only about 30' away from our cottage). Our older rustic/retro cottage has a kitchen, bathroom and separate powder room (1.5 bathrooms) that are all updated (see pictures). Included at no extra charge is the use of our 14' aluminum fishing boat w/outboard motor & plenty of gas, canoe, standup paddleboards, kayaks, bicycles, and plenty of firewood for our indoor fireplace and outdoor firepit. (Dock and fishing boat are available around May 1 - November 1, but are removed during the other colder months.) We also have both a gas grill and a charcoal grill for your use.

Note: this is just 1 of about 5-10 "Bear Lake"s in the state of Michigan. Ours is the largest one, located in Manistee County, Bear Lake/Pleasanton Townships, south of Traverse City and north of Manistee, on U.S. 31.

Note: Our cottage has 4 beds total (2 queen beds and 2 twin bunk beds) in 2 separate bedrooms. So it can sleep up to 6 people. We have 2 bathrooms (1 full bath and 1 half bath).

Note: Our cottage comes with dishes, pots & pans, soaps, paper products, towels and linens so you don't have to bring those.

Note: To keep your cost as low as possible, we allow our renters to clean the cottage themselves before checkout, or you can pay our cleaning staff to do it for you. Our staff charges $30/hr. up to a maximum of $90 for 3 hours, depending on how clean you leave the cottage. Any cleaning costs simply will be charged by Vrbo to your booking deposit.

Note: We provide a 10% "returning guest discount" in the future to those who have left our cottage in good condition and want to come back.

Note: At your convenience before checking in, we definitely need to talk with you by phone so we can give you more information about our property and answer any questions you might think of. This allows us to be totally prepared before your arrival. We want you to be 100% satisfied with your choice of vacation accommodations!

Note: We are available by phone 24/7 (similar to a hotel front desk) to answer your questions and ensure all your needs are met. We offer this to make you feel secure in knowing you aren't alone once you've booked our cottage.

Add dates for prices

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

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

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM

Check out before 10:00 AM

default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

(adults responsible for children behavior/damages)

default

Events

No events allowed

(normal gatherings, just no wild parties)

default

Pets

No pets allowed

(because some of our guests have pet allergies)

default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

No smoking indoors; outside is fine of course.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 716306vb
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
Note from host: (normal gatherings, just no wild parties)
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Bear Lake

Located in Bear Lake, this cottage is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Misty Acres Preserve, while Arcadia Area Historical Museum and Michigan Legacy Art Park are cultural highlights. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and snorkelling nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and cycling.
Map
Bear Lake, MI

What's nearby

  • Bear Lake - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course - 18 min drive - 12.3 km
  • Crystal Mountain - 21 min drive - 26.3 km
  • Little River Casino - 26 min drive - 35.4 km
  • Interlochen Center for the Arts - 45 min drive - 60.5 km

Getting around

  • Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Chestnut Hills Golf Course - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Lake and Latte - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Grille 44 - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Lake Side Cafe - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪MT Plate Diner - ‬15 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is 100' Prime Lakefront w/sandy lake bottom - updated cottage w/dock/boats/bikes pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at 100' Prime Lakefront w/sandy lake bottom - updated cottage w/dock/boats/bikes?

As of 20 September 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at 100' Prime Lakefront w/sandy lake bottom - updated cottage w/dock/boats/bikes on 12 November 2026 start from NZ$757, 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 100' Prime Lakefront w/sandy lake bottom - updated cottage w/dock/boats/bikes?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at 100' Prime Lakefront w/sandy lake bottom - updated cottage w/dock/boats/bikes?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at 100' Prime Lakefront w/sandy lake bottom - updated cottage w/dock/boats/bikes?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is 100' Prime Lakefront w/sandy lake bottom - updated cottage w/dock/boats/bikes located?

This family-friendly Bear Lake cottage is located on the waterfront, steps from Bear Lake and within 9 mi (15 km) of Pierport Beach and Lake Michigan. Glovers Lake and Grebe Park are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.6

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. 62 out of 77 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 77 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 77 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 77 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 77 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed our get away in this cozy cabin.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Overall a good vacation. Check in process was smooth and was made known it’s a little on the rustic side. It’s a beautiful lake and nice location. However the cottage could use a periodical deep cleaning and a few updates like the furniture, the dock had a few boards that have seen better days as well. A little extra tlc would go a long ways.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice and cozy place, very nice location, Host was amazing with communications and answering any questions we had, lake is lovely
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed our stay at Bear Lake. Just wish the fish were biting more.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great family retreat

A bit dated, but overall a great stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Had a lot of fun here.Great location w beautiful lake views.Boat was awesome.Had everything we needed
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The place was great overall. I will look for this place if I am back in the area for work. Thanks, Juan!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Excellent stay

Everything was as advertised
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great cottage on a beautiful lake! Fishing was pretty good and the lake has clear water and a sandy bottom so it’s great for kids. We loved that a fishing boat was available as well as kayaks and paddle boards. The cottage was cozy and the beds were comfortable.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Juniper

All around good place & experience
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quiet little cozy house on a beautiful clear lake. The house was perfect for our family of 5. Only 10-15 minutes away from beautiful Lake Michigan beaches and dunes. Plenty of water toys for the kids and great views of sunrise and sunset every day. The host was very nice and helpful. We enjoyed every second we were there and would definitely stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Love it!

Best vacation spot! We will definitely be back!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Dream come true!

We have always wanted to travel up north and this cabin was a dream come true!! Was the best place to take our first family vacation!!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
This was an extremely disappointing experience. We were not expecting a fancy place, but the cabin was in an absolutely disgusting state. Tried to clean up ourselves (getting rid of mice droppings and many spider webs as well as cleaning the windows), but then we started discovering more and more things that made it impossible to stay at this property (left after 2 days although we were supposed to stay for a week). The septic tank (located right outside the guest bedroom) was gurgling and emitting a horrible smell anytime the water was turned on. The house smelled of smoke, dust and mice. The dock was completely unstable and unsafe (especially if you have children). Could be a beautiful property, but sadly not at all maintained.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect getaway

This little place was absolutely wonderful. The house is in a quite wooded area, very cozy and well equipped. The host was very friendly and helpful, even guided me through how to use the boat. It’s a great place to stay and I can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Amazing stay!

Kevin is an awesome host! This is a beautiful area. The cottage is retro and awesome. It’s not fancy, but is a great location and has everything that you need. It was quiet and relaxing. We will definitely stay again!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Bear lake

Kevin is wonderful to work with!!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Kid free weekend!!!!

Highly recommend this cabin. Owner is great. Cabin is well stocked. Enjoyed the new fire pit. Would definitely stay here again. You won't regret booking this cabin. Thanks again Kevin
Response from VrboOwner on 23 March 2020
Thanks for the kind comments, Brad. You definitely will be welcome back again. It is our goal to make our guests want to return, so we do our best to provide what they need to make them happy!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Bear Lake June 2021

Nice small cottage for a great week up north. Had two families and worked well (4 adults and 3 kids (8 6 and 1 yr old)
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Very relaxed Vacation

Rented juniper cottage on Bear Lake, Kevin was our host he was great he walked Us thru everything & available for any problems or questions we had. Cottage was wonderful beautiful fireplace, updated kitchen & Bath . S
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My family had an incredible stay at Kevin's cottage on Bear Lake. It was so much fun to use the generously provided kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, canoe, and little motor boat. We made amazing memories together and Kevin's property was the perfect setting for our annual Northern Michigan family trip while visiting my hometown and exploring the region. It is the ideal place for relaxing OR finding something fun to do while connecting with family and nature. Kevin is a kind and accomodating host who communicated with every step of the way ensuring we were informed and comfortable. Thank you, Kevin! You really made our annual time Up North one of our best week's yet!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Well worth it

Stayed two weekends in a row. Kevin was helpful thru out the process. The cabin and everything listed is accurate. No problems at all. Will be back next year!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Ideal Location

My family and I couldn't be more pleased with our experience at Bear Lake. Even though we managed to get cold, windy, rainy weather, we had a cozy cabin on a gorgeous lake. The cabin has modern amenities, yet a retro vibe that evokes nostalgia. On the nights it was dry, we enjoyed the grill and firepit. Kevin made sure we had everything we needed and was great to work with. Definitely plan to return during the warm season!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

EXACTLY what we were looking for!

Loved the comfy, old-fashioned furniture, the rustic cabin, yet with up-to-date kitchen and bath. Came for the cooler weather and changing leaves. Perfect timing! Two weeks of nothing but sitting on the dock with our coffee or wine. Mornings with the propane heater to take the chill off, and (most) evenings with the wood stove. Reading the guest book - "our 5th", "10th", "12th" "vacation here". No wonder people keep coming back! Thank you for sharing this beautiful piece of heaven with your guests!
Stayed 14 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

6/10 Okay

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

Outdated

Very outdated
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

About the host

Hosted by Kevin Mallison

Host profile image

My ancestors were some of the early settlers in the Bear Lake area, and my grandparents had a summer lakefront cottage rental business here for many years until they retired. If there's anything I can do to make your visit here more enjoyable, just ask! I tell my guests they should treat me like their "front desk", and am available 24/7 by phone for questions or problems.

Why they chose this property

One of the best features of this secluded lakefront property is the lengthy, shallow, sandy shoreline. This makes swimming and splashing around in the lake so much more fun than some lakes with weedy/mucky bottoms, or those that are too deep near shore to wade out and have fun with floaty toys and inflatables. Ideal for families with younger children, but fun for adults too. Also, Bear Lake water temps are so much warmer than Lake Michigan! Warm enough in June to get into the water, and sometimes as warm as bathtub water by Labor Day! October is popular when the leaves start to turn; the area is beautiful when the fall colors arrive!

What makes this property unique

Our prime season guests enjoy the boats, kayaks and bikes we provide at no extra charge. Our spring/fall guests come for a quiet scenic getaway, and appreciate our low rates those times of year.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests

Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback