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Ideal getaway for nature lovers!

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Exterior
Exterior
Golf
Lake
Snow and ski sports

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
East Tawas, MI
  • Tawas City Park Beach
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Tawas Point State Park
    ‪34 min drive‬
  • Tawas Point Lighthouse
    ‪36 min drive‬
  • East Tawas, MI (ECA-Iosco County)
    ‪34 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

0 bedrooms (sleeps 2)

Bedroom Unit 2

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom Unit 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchenette

About this property

Ideal getaway for nature lovers!

The Sanctuary Lodge is located on Silver Creek in Wilber Township, Michigan, just outside of Tawas City/East Tawas. Situated in an idyllic setting on a large pond, with sweeping grounds and surrounding nature. It is the ideal getaway for nature lovers.

The Lodge is a newly converted three-unit building with accommodations from one or two to up to six, depending upon the unit. Each unit is self-contained. All units share a common entrance with separate, dedicated access to each unit. This one, Unit 2, is a large one-room efficiency with kitchenette with two plate stovetop, microwave, mini fridge, hot water kettle, and a separate bathroom with shower.

Nearby attractions include Tawas Bay on Lake Huron—including both Tawas City and East Tawas, Tawas Point State Park, and Tuttle Marsh Wildlife Area, The Au Sable River and Lumberman's Monument in Huron-Manistee National Forest.

Visit us at www.sanctuarylodging.com or on Facebook at The Sanctuary Lodge

[Northeastern Michigan, Northern Lower Peninsula, Iosco County, Saginaw Bay, Sunrise Coast]

Property manager

Samuel Burckhardt and Richard Wilson
Premier Host

Languages

English, French, German

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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Exterior detail

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
no fishing, no hunting, no bikes or four-wheelers

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 required for transport to and from this property

About the area

East Tawas

East Tawas is home to this holiday home. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Huron and Huron-Manistee National Forest, while Iosco County Historical Museum and Lumbering History Exhibit Area are cultural highlights. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
East Tawas, MI

What's nearby

  • Tawas Creek Golf and Country Club - 15 min drive - 9.9 km
  • Tawas City Park Beach - 17 min drive - 12.2 km
  • Iosco County Historical Museum - 17 min drive - 12.7 km
  • Tawas Point State Park - 29 min drive - 19.0 km
  • Tawas Point Lighthouse - 30 min drive - 19.9 km

Getting around

  • Alpena, MI (APN-Alpena County Regional) - 84 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Desi's Taco Lounge - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪The Lazy Toaster - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Whitetail Cafe - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Nick Mc Donald Enterprises - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Mangos Mexican Cuisine and Tequila bar - ‬18 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Ideal getaway for nature lovers! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Ideal getaway for nature lovers!?

As of 9 May 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Ideal getaway for nature lovers! on 12 May 2025 start from AU$274.28, 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 Ideal getaway for nature lovers!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Ideal getaway for nature lovers!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Ideal getaway for nature lovers! located?

Situated in East Tawas, this holiday home is steps from Huron-Manistee National Forest and within 9 mi (15 km) of Tawas Creek Golf and Country Club and Corsair Ski Trails. Ascension St. Joseph Hospital and Tawas City Park Beach 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.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 32 out of 33 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 33 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 33 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 33 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 33 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

roy m.

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

Weekend get away

The Sanctuary was great. It is the second time we stayed there and will be back. Good communication with the host. The place was clean and has everything we needed. It is so peaceful there, we did not want to leave. There were deer and turkey walking around the property.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Max G.

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

Excellent vrbo

This is an awesome property, very secluded but still close enough to tawas and oscoda that it’s not a big inconvenience. Friendly and helpful hosts, lodging is modern and homey on the inside. Lots of deer and wild turkey roaming around.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nadine Z.

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

Loved it!

We had an amazing time. Thank you so much for sharing the beauty.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Holly H.

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

True Sanctuary

Astonishing beauty and tranquility with abundant wildlife! This place is a nature photographers dream! The perfect place to relax and recharge. The
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gary N.

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

Weekend Get-away

Sam and Richard were wonderful hosts and the lodge was exactly what we were looking for. If you're reading this, don't wait, book now! You will not be disappointed. Secluded, quiet and beautiful...all while being somewhat close to town.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

8/10 Good

Amanda R.

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

Loved it!

Super nice, quite, secluded and eco-friendly.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Matt C.

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

A very beautiful place to get away

I've been there 3 times and I plan on going back in the future
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Susan H.

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

Nice stay

Very peaceful setting. The beds were firm, but comfortable. It would be much nicer if WiFi was available.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Anthony G.

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

Very Happy

Clean, quiet and full of nature!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Alyssa a.

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

Amazing!

Our stay here was fantastic! Sam was super friendly, and the lodge was beautiful and well kept. Very modern and peaceful! There were so many animals, within the first hour we seen 7 deer in the backyard! We will definitely be planning another trip here!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tricia M.

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

Peaceful, quiet, and abundant wildlife

This place is perfect for a little getaway. Sam is a wonderful host, and we enjoyed the clean and inviting accommodations. We saw many deer, trumpeter swans, raccoons, sandhill cranes, etc. We kayaked in Oscoda and spent two peaceful evenings here. We will return.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lauren C.

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

Peaceful

Very clean, great communication, and peaceful area. This was the perfect stay for our golf weekend! It was relaxing to walk the property and listen to nature first thing in the morning, and late at night. It was a great break from checking phones and watching tv since it’s tucked back in the woods! Owners are very nice and accommodating!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Steven H.

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

Very cool and enjoyable.

Very comfortable and quite. Beautiful property. Wildlife galore. We saw at least 8 deer. Price was reasonable. Host was easy to talk with and get in contact with. Look forward to another stay.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Joe V.

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

A sanctuary indeed.

Absolutely breathtaking property. Very clean living space. Quiet and private. Lots of wildlife to watch. Easy check in and out. 10 mins from downtown Tawas. Would recommend 100%
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Penny and Dale L.

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

Sanctuary August 2022 Stay

Sanctuary Lodge was very quiet, peaceful and beautiful, just perfect for our 3 day stay. The studio apartment had everything we needed and was very comfortable, clean and easily accessible. The Silver Creek backwaters and the valley were absolutely beautiful with bountiful wildlife. We truly enjoyed out stay and had one of the most relaxing evenings of our life. We look forward to returning. Thank you Sam for being such a wonderful host.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Grace P.

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

Little piece of paradise

What a beautiful place to stay! This little piece of paradise is perfect for anyone wanting to escape the busyness of this world. Sam was very inviting and the way he spoke about his home showed just how much he takes care of the sanctuary. We saw dozens of deer, and a few right outside our window! The town of Tawas has lots of places to visit. The home was clean, prepared and the best place to stay. If you are a fan of star gazing - this is the place for you!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Gary H.

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

Pleasantly surprised

The statement “ideal getaway for nature lovers!” Is spot on! We went up there to get away from downstate light pollution to get a better view of Perseid meteor showers and didn’t really research the property much besides location. It was a very beautiful and private and very well kept property with a lot of wildlife that we hope to visit again soon when we can plan on spending more time there. Thanks again Sam!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte L.

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

Idyllic Retreat Location

We stayed at the large efficiency unit in Sanctuary Lodge. The location was idyllic--quiet and peaceful. The building is on a gated dirt road located on a pond. We saw swans, tree swallows, robins, gold finches and other birds along with baby racoons and many deer (including fawns). The unit was sparkling clean and large enough to be comfortable for the two of us. We had all that we needed including two of everything. The Lodge is located mid-way between Oscoda and Tawas, and we spent days in both places enjoying the Au Sable River and Lake Huron. We spend every June in Michigan, and we plan to return to this lodging in the future.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

roy m.

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

Sanctuary Road

We visit the Tawas area often and this time we found this awesome little treasure somewhat off the beaten path from downtown East Tawas. We chose the smaller of the three units available and it was spacious, comfortable, modern and was very clean; it was perfect for us. The property was beautiful with plenty of wildlife to enjoy and my wife and I loved walking around and taking it all in. The lodge is not too far from downtown East Tawas, which has a good selection of restaurants, shopping, and wonderful views of Lake Huron. Other points of interest are Lumberman's Monument and Iargo Springs both of which run along the Au Sable River providing a beautiful scenic backdrop for some great photo opportunities. Tuttle Marsh, which is near by, is a must for any nature lover, bring your camera and binoculars! Our host Sam was very welcoming and responsive and we enjoyed getting to know him, make sure to ask about the history of the property. My wife and I really enjoyed our stay, we felt at home here and look forward to visiting again very soon!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gwen J.

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

Anniversary trip stay in a beautiful Sanctuary!

My husband and I were on a golf and geocaching state parks anniversary road trip this week. When I researched places to stay in East Tawas and Tawas this wonderful location called the Sanctuary Lodge came up. It happened to be very close to the golf course we were going to be playing (Red Hawk) so I reserved two nights here. To say this property is breathtaking is an understatement. If you are a bird watcher, bring your binoculars and zoom lens camera. We saw the resident trumpeter swans, bald eagles, a group of eleven wild turkeys, a handful of deer and a Pileated Woodpecker that flew by (pointed out by Sam) as we were checking in. Last night a fog was lifting after a thunderstorm and it was gorgeous! The storm put out our electricity, but only from check-in time around 4 until after we got back from dinner out at the Boathouse, a restaurant Sam recommended. In the meantime, Sam brought a cooler and ice packs to save our food. Sam was great! He has spent some time adding native plants to the area and the property is stunning. An accomplished blues saxophonist and bird watcher he was great to talk with. I would have liked to have more time to listen to him and maybe head out on a birding tour, especially to see and hear the Kirtland’s warbler that was talked about so much in the guest book! I enjoyed sitting at the picnic table outside listening to the sounds of the birds and the peaceful atmosphere and my husband and I walked a little bit on the property, snapped some photos and met the very nice Richard briefly when we returned the key. Their property is amazing! We stayed in the studio part of the Sanctuary Lodge and it was a good size for the two of us. It was larger than your standard hotel room with a kitchenette and has really nice clean modern décor. There was a queen size bed, small couch and chair, large bathroom with smallish shower stocked with soaps and towels. The kitchen was nice sized for a kitchenette and came with a coffee maker, electric burner, small fridge and microwave. The place was incredibly clean in every way. The draw here is Sam and the gorgeous property! If you want to do a birding trip or yoga retreat, this place would be perfect!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Mike W.

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

We'll Be Back

Great Natural setting in stream valley bottom with white pines lining the slopes and prairie restoration in progress on valley floor. The host was great. We had such an enjoyable conversation that we wound up having to hustle to make it to a wedding on time nearby.. We were only there for overnight, but the place and surroundings are great for a quiet weekend or week getaway. We'll be back for longer next time.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Robert M.

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

Sanctuary Lodge

Beautiful property and waterways. Our unit was immaculate, very comfortable, and provided every convenience. The wildlife was amazing, including a Bald Eagle to cygnet swans. We look forward to our next visit.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth S.

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

The property was absolutely beautiful!

The experience was great our only surprise was the location. I thought it was closer to the city of Tawas. Let bed the nature that we encountered in the property. The unit was beautiful and Sam was great!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Angie D.

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

Wonderful Respite

We had a wonderful, relaxing visit in the pristine sanctuary. The host is engaging and just genuinely nice. Saw lots of wildlife and native vegetation. Just loved it and will definitely go back
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Rebekah E.

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

Beautiful

The property was beautiful and private! Very serene. The unit was clean and provided a great place to unwind.

About the host

Hosted by Samuel Burckhardt and Richard Wilson

Host profile image

Languages:

English, French, German

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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