Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 463.2 sq m
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free Wi-Fi
Outdoor space
Parking available
Explore the area
Kalkaska, MI
Grandview Golf Club
Place, Grandview Golf Club
14 min drive
Timber Wolf Golf Club
Place, Timber Wolf Golf Club
15 min drive
Twin Birch Golf Course
Place, Twin Birch Golf Course
19 min drive
Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
60 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)
loft
2 Single Beds
main floor
1 Queen Bed
1 bathroom
Main Bathroom on Main Floor
Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Dining area
About this property
Michigan-A-Frame: Sun, Sand, and Kayaks – The Perfect Summer Escape
MICHIGAN-A-FRAME SLEEPS: 4 BEDROOMS: 2 BATHROOMS: 1 * WOODED NEIGHBORHOOD LOT (Manistee Lake - 5 minute walk) * NOT WATERFRONT, yet a walk to the water * NO AIR CONDITIONING (A/C)- Fans only * 4 KAYAKS PROVIDED (2 Adult, 2 Youth) (Memorial Day to Labor Day) * SWIMMING—Sands Park- just a 7 minute drive (2.8 miles) * NO PETS
Enjoy this classic, completely remodeled, A-frame cabin located just outside of Kalkaska on a wooded lot. The cabin is only a short walk to swimming, fishing, and boating on Manistee Lake. The lake is relatively shallow (around 20 feet at its deepest point) making it especially great for small kids and those who want to wade in the water. The cabin is partially secluded, having only neighbors on one side and woods surrounding. Enjoy the amazing view through the large picture wall. In addition, the kaleidoscope of wood colors inside the home and knotty-pine walls makes this cabin a great find for small families, couples, or small groups of friends. Although there is more privacy than in many cottage areas, this is not a place for events or loud groups. We adhere to a good neighbor policy both at the home and at the swimming area.
Appreciate the fully equipped kitchen, living room, master bedroom and bathroom on the main floor. The picture wall will lead you outside to a 8' x 20' patio area equipped with a grill, chairs and a table. Grab a kayak or two, which are provided for you during your stay, and head out to the center of lake to fish!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Air Conditioning: No air conditioning, but a ceiling fan, and portable fans, along with screened windows will help keep you cool.
ATV's: ORV trails are nearby, feel free to bring up the rides!
Animals: Birds, raccoons, deer, squirrels
Bathroom: Full bath with tub shower
Bath Towels: Bath towels are provided. It's always good to bring extra though. Please bring your own beach towels.
Beach : The closest traditional swimming beach is at Sands Park, on Manistee Lake, which is a 7 minute drive (2.8 miles). The lake is large and shallow; twenty-feet at its deepest.
Bedroom Configuration:
Bedroom #1: main floor – Queen bed
Bedroom #2: upper loft area – 2 Twin beds which can be converted into a King
Boats: 2 adult and 2 youth kayaks are included in your stay; Available to use from Memorial Day to Labor Day. When launching the kayaks, the closest option is just a 5 minute walk toward Manistee Lake, one block from the cabin. Here there is an easement to the lake, shared with their neighbors. You will need to walk on the grass, between 2 other homes. There is no sandy beach area on this side of the lake.
For your own boat, there is a public boat launch at Sands Park (2.8 miles, on southwestern side of lake.) You are welcome to park your boat/trailer at the cabin.
Cable/Satellite TVs: Smart TV with local channels.
Cell phone service: Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile are good, all others are up for debate.
Dock: This is not waterfront property. Therefore, there is not a dock at property.
Fire Pit: There is a fire pit available for guest use. Please stop and pick up wood for your stay.
Fishing: Good fishing in both the lake and the Manistee River which flows together.
Fishing License: You can purchase your fishing license online
Fishing poles: Guests should bring their own.
Grill: Propane. Propane is provided.
Grocery Store: Family Fare - 784 S Cedar St, Kalkaska, MI 49646 (10 minute drive) Also, Earth's Garden Natural Foods - 303 N Cedar St, Kalkaska, MI 49646
Internet: Free Wi-Fi
Linens: Yes, we provide your sheets and linens. Just like a hotel, the beds will be made for you upon arrival. If you are fussy about the thread count of your sheets, just let us know, and we'll make sure we leave a bed open for your sheets. We have just the basic sheets, pillows, pillow cases and bath towels.
Parking: Not paved, but fits up to 4 cars or 2 trucks/2 trailers
Pets: Not allowed
Privacy: Neighbors on one side of cabin and forestry on the other 3 sides
Space: Ground floor hosts the main bedroom and the loft hosts the two twin beds which can be converted to a King.
Swimming: The closest sandy beach swimming is at Sands Park, just a 2.8 mile drive (7 minutes) on the west side of the lake. Manistee Lake is big and shallow; 20-feet at its deepest.
Washer and dryer: Not on property, but a Laundry Mat can be found in Kalkaska, just 10 minutes away.
Wood: Please stop and pick up wood for your stay.
Add dates for prices
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties
Quaint Family lake cottage w/beach, dock,internet on all sports Crawford Lake
Kalkaska
Quaint Family lake cottage w/beach, dock,internet on all sports Crawford Lake
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
Frequently asked questions
Is Michigan-A-Frame: Sun, Sand, and Kayaks – The Perfect Summer Escape pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Michigan-A-Frame: Sun, Sand, and Kayaks – The Perfect Summer Escape?
As of 4 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Michigan-A-Frame: Sun, Sand, and Kayaks – The Perfect Summer Escape on 21 June 2026 start from NZ$240, 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 Michigan-A-Frame: Sun, Sand, and Kayaks – The Perfect Summer Escape?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Michigan-A-Frame: Sun, Sand, and Kayaks – The Perfect Summer Escape?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Michigan-A-Frame: Sun, Sand, and Kayaks – The Perfect Summer Escape?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Michigan-A-Frame: Sun, Sand, and Kayaks – The Perfect Summer Escape located?
Situated in a rural location, this cabin is 5.5 mi (8.8 km) from Grandview Golf Club and within 12 miles (20 km) of Timber Wolf Golf Club and Twin Birch Golf Course. Au Sable River and Hartwick Pines State Park are also within 20 miles (32 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Jenn, seeing that word "awesome" does our heart good! We're so happy to know that you liked the property, and we hope that you come back again. - Claire, FVR
Beautiful a-frame cabin in Kalkaska. We stayed for a weekend and it was a perfect getaway. Highly recommend!
Evis D.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 19 March 2020
Evis, thank you for this enthusiastic recommendation and review. MichiganAFrame sits on a wooded lot and is a 2 minute walk to Manistee Lake. It was completely remodeled just this year. We hope to see you again.
This a-frame cabin is clean, modern and simple. It had everything we needed to cook meals, relax and have fun. Highly recommended for smaller groups! Thanks for the wonderful and easy stay.
Emily R.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 31 July 2022
Emily, we're so glad that you decided to spend your vacation with us and that it was such a success! Thank you for the recommendation, and we hope to work with you again.
This place was great! Very clean with easy lake access. My two boys loved the loft bedroom.
Kevin O.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 13 August 2023
Kevin, when your kids are happy, you're happy, right? We're glad that the cottage worked out well for you, and we hope that you come back again.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Brenda
23 September 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
We loved our cabin.It was really nice on the inside and outside.They provided everything we would need in the cabin.we didn’t have to drive very far to get to anything.They were wonderful people to deal with.
Kimberly, we do so love when your guests use the word "awesome" in their reviews! We're glad that you had a wonderful time, and we hope to work with you again.
Beautiful cozy little cabin. Had everything I needed for a relaxing weekend up North. Inside was updated and well decorated. Great location. I hope to be back!
Julie K.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 18 October 2022
Julie, we're glad that you enjoyed the cabin, and we look forward to working with you again.
We loved this little cottage! Both our kids learned to kayak in the warm, shallow water and the neighbors were wonderful. We had a quiet, relaxing week. Definitely hit up the Cherry Street Market in Kalkaska—nothing like fresh Michigan-grown produce in season! Thanks for a great stay, we will be back.
Melissa S.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 11 August 2020
Melissa, we agree there is nothing like Michigan summer produce! We are so happy that you had a good time, and we certainly enjoyed having you as our guests.
We stayed for 2 nights and even during the 2nd day I was still finding small details about this home that I loved.
The simplicity of the property, and the noises at night from the wildlife alone are enough to soothe any mind.
I will definitely be back.
Alex B.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 23 June 2022
Alex, we're so glad that you enjoyed your stay, and we look forward to your return!
Overall A+ Stay Family and I stay In a Cabin every Year, this Cabin Rental was one of the Best for a lot of reasons,to many to list. My only small complaint would be TV Reception and that's it. Overall Very Happy. Thank You.
Gary T.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 25 October 2024
We’re so glad to hear that your family had an A+ stay and that our cabin rental was among the best you’ve experienced. We truly appreciate your feedback about the TV reception and will look into it. You were great guests and we'd love to work with you again -Van FVR
We usually do some tent camping near one of the beautiful lakes in northern MI. Tent camping seemed to be busier than normal, so we opted for this spot. It was great, we were able to walk down the street to use Manistee Lake, and we also to drive with the fam and the inflatable SUP’s over to Torch lake. Not too far from decent grocery stores and still in the middle of nowhere. Would recommend!
Christian R.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 31 August 2024
Christian, thank you for your recommendation. We're so glad that you decided to spend your vacation with us, and that the cottage worked out well for you. You were great guests, and we hope to work with you again. -Claire, FVR
Perfect little A-frame Cabin with all the Michigan vibes. The s’mores by the campfire were a hit. The interior decorating had Midcentury modern with a twist of Michigan…so cute! Every time we turned - we saw a touch of Michigan. The bathroom was updated and clean, the amenities were great, we were able to catch a Netflix show even though we were disconnecting… we will be back!
Megan S.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 3 September 2022
Megan , it sounds like you had a great getaway. We're so glad that you spent it with us, and we look forward to your return.
Great little a-frame cabin near lake Manistee. Equi-distant between Mackinaw City and Sleeping Bear Dunes. Recent remodel? Looks great!
Stairs to upstairs room (twin beds) may be tough for some, but are easy enough once you get used to them. Deck out back was great!
Brian C.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 25 July 2020
Brian, we love hearing that MichiganAFrame worked out so well for you! We enjoyed having you as our guests and hope to work with you again soon.
Very new, clean rental, quiet area. Deck overlooks woods/nature. Just a 2 minute walk to small beach area with boat launch. Several other very nice lakes within a short drive. About 20 minutes to the store so stop on your way there.
Kitty F.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 19 March 2020
Kitty, we are pleased that MichiganAFrame worked outs so well for you. Situated on a wooded lot, it is just a short walk to great swimming, fishing, and boating on Manistee Lake. 2 adult and 2 youth kayaks are there for the guests to use.
Can’t say enough good things about the property itself! Beautifully updated house, quiet location just as described. They seem to have thought of everything, from extra sheets to plentiful fans and firewood. The only hiccup was a discrepancy between what is supposed to be the available shared private beach, and what the property owners directly on the beach think. Rather than argue, we just went to another beach area. It was really no problem, except that meant not getting to use the kayaks, which had been a big draw for us. Would definitely return to this or another Freshwater property!
Karen H.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 23 August 2022
Karen, we're glad that you found MichiganAFrame to be "awesome! Thank you for your feedback. It's helpful for us to know. We do hope that you work with us again.
Loved the cottage. It is beautifully designed and decorated. Felt like we were at home with all the essentials available. Kids loved their loft room. Cottage is centrally located to all the area attractions which instead of staying at hotels, we did day trips to Traverse City, Mackinac Bridge, Petoskey, Charlevoix and Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes. Two thumbs up!
Anna H.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 7 July 2020
Marcin, thanks for the 2 thumbs up! We really appreciate your review and are happy that MichiganAFrame worked out so well for you. We hope to see you again!
This was great for the kids and dogs, we will be back!
Michelle G.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 19 March 2020
Michelle, we are so glad that you, your kids and your pups like staying at MichiganAFrame. The cabin is on a wooded lot and only a short walk to great swimming, fishing, and boating on Manistee Lake. The cabin is situated just off Manistee Lake, and shares a private lake access with a few other properties. A two minute walk will get you to the shared swimming area, plus it's pet friendly.
About the host
Hosted by Freshwater Vacation Rentals
Freshwater Vacation Rentals • Established in 2005 If you are looking for a vacation rental, you have come to the right spot! We offer an unparalleled selection of properties across the state-from private islands and large family lodges to peaceful Great Lakes getaways. We specialize in finding your ideal setting, whether it's a social spot where you can enjoy evening fires with neighbors, or a remote retreat where you won't see another soul. Our philosophy: We work hard so you don't have to. As both owners and property managers for nearly two decades (since our start with Republic island and the Rapid River Lodge), we offer a unique, insider perspective. Our mission is to guarantee our guests a wonderful experience and help our owners maximize their investment. Give us a call, and we'll find the right fit for you!
Languages:
English, Spanish, Danish, Croatian
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests