The "Ray's Random Point" is a quiet, isolated oasis on 300 feet of Lake Superior beach, trout pond, and 10 wooded acres. This enchanted location is only 5 miles from downtown Marquette with easy access to Northern Michigan University, numerous restaurants, shops, hiking & biking trails, and regional events.
This is the U.P. at it's finest. After turning off the main road, you will meander 1/2 mile down a paved and gravel driveway through the woods and down toward majestic Lake Superior. Upon arrival, you will hear birds, the wind through the trees, and the water lapping (or crashing!). We adore this place because of the peacefulness and isolation, yet convenience to town.
*Please note*… We offer two different lodging experiences on this property. The main home and the apartment above the detached garage. Please be respectful of other guests who may be staying in the garage apartment. Everyone would like a quiet, enjoyable stay!
Your apartment is located above a detached garage, so be aware that you will need to navigate open stairs.
* The house and garage were designed and built by our parents. It is now a multi-family-owned treasure. All of the siblings still use the property periodically. This means that unlike a hotel, we are sharing our HOME with you. The goal is for you to feel welcome and at home. Our parents loved to share this special place with many people. We purposely leave clean jackets at the front door for your comfort. You will see a few family photos on the wall. Please make yourself at home and enjoy!
* Please be cognizant of the signage defining the property line. Our property line is defined by either end of the private cove. Please do not go beyond that as it is our neighbors' property.
*Please note: For November-April rentals, 4WD or AWD vehicle is REQUIRED to navigate the steep hill.
* You will have a fully stocked kitchen to prepare all your meals. Fully stocked means pots, pans, appliances, oil, spices, coffee, and tea.
* Sleeping set-up: Bedroom #1 has a queen-size bed. Bedroom #2 has two single beds. There is a loft with an additional twin mattress and full size blow up mattress. Maximum number of guests is six.
* All linens are 100% cotton. And there are plenty of comfy pillows.
* High ceiling, and lots of windows.
* Water: The tap water is perhaps the best water you will ever taste. Comes fresh from a well and springs on the property. (tested regularly)
* Wrap-around deck with outdoor seating and grill.
* Wi-Fi access. The system was recently upgraded so you have great internet access. Cell reception is spotty. Texting works fine, but phone calls may be challenging.
* There is a smart TV; no cable connection
* Short, sandy trail down to the beach. Great beach for playing and swimming. Sandy and shallow. However! Do know that Lake Superior is unpredictable. A big storm may take the sand away overnight, leaving a beach of rocks. And then another storm brings the sand back. There is currently (June 2020) a beautiful, small sandy beach. Please know that Lake Superior is very dynamic. We have had a huge beach and we have had a rocky beach. Literally, because of the high water, the beach now changes week to week depending upon water and wind movement. We can not guarantee what the beach will look like. Talk to Grandmother Gitchee Gumee (Lake Superior) about that.
* We do NOT provide kayaks or any watercraft. You may bring your own. If you do, please bring life jackets as well.
* A/C
* There is a beautiful, new sauna that is shared between the two rentals on the property. It seats 6-8 people and has large picture windows with stunning views of Lake Superior. Please be considerate and keep the sauna clean by using a towel to sit on and leaving your shoes outside the door as the sauna is shared between the two rentals. Please be conscientious and respectful of the other guests when using the sauna.
* The fish in the pond are like pets. Please, no fishing.
* Only two vehicles allowed.
* Please remove shoes at the door to minimize sand and dirt in the home.
* Absolutely no vaping or smoking indoors.
* Maximum number of guests is six.
* No parties, events, or gatherings beyond the number of guests staying unless approved by the owners.
* No bonfires on the beach unless ok-ed by us as there are times fire danger is very high.
* Please put all garbage inside the garbage cans and the recycling inside the containers right inside the garage door next to the stairs on the west side of the garage. When leaving, please put all garbage up in the bin on the side at the entrance off of 550.
* We love dogs, but if you are traveling with your dog, please do not let them run freely or onto the neighbors property. And, please be conscientious of other guests possibly staying at the other rental as not everyone Is a dog lover. Lastly, please wash and dry them off before letting them in the house, if they are muddy and no pets allowed on the furniture.
* You will likely be overwhelmed by Lake Superior expanding in front of your apartment. However, you may also be enchanted by a spring fed pond resting alongside the driveway with Blue Heron, Mallard Ducks, Kingfisher, and Bull Frogs. Yet of more interest to some are the Brook and Rainbow trout hidden within the pond.
Access to trails:
1 mile to Sugarloaf
2 miles to Hogsback, North Country Trail and Noquemanon Trails
4 miles to Little Presque Isle and Harlow Lake
And many, many more....!
This property is owned and loved by the Ray family. We are happy to share this magical place. Welcome!