Entire home

Upper Hamlin Lake Cottage 200 ft from waters edge

Lakefront cottage with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for Upper Hamlin Lake Cottage 200 ft from waters edge

ice fishing village
Lakeside shared firepit
Relax by the lake
Private entrance off deck
View of lake from deck

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 367.4 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Hamlin Lake
  • Place, Ludington Waterfront Park
  • Place, S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry
  • Airport, Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker)

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 3)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Upper Hamlin Lake Cottage 200 ft from waters edge

Come enjoy our cottage nestled in the Manistee National Forest on the north shore, sunny side, of upper Hamlin Lake. The cottage has well maintained furnishings and is very neat, CLEAN and disinfected between guests. You will enjoy a panoramic view of the entire upper lake and awesome sunsets over the dunes right from shore. Docks come out mid September, but you can tie to breakwall. Ice fishing is great right out in front of the cottage. Snowmobiling out your back door is also possible. Skiing, hiking, wine tasting, wildlife viewing and other fun activities are waiting just for you! There is also a lakeside firepit for your enjoyment on those cold winter nights and lots of stars to see. Lake Michigan is minutes away for even more fall and wintertime adventures. Or, for those who like more physical activity, bring your cross-country skis or snowshoes for the miles of trails in the National Forest. NO PETS. NO CHILDREN UNDER 16 YEARS OF AGE. If you would like or are ready for peaceful, quiet surroundings, this is the place for you. It is so quiet here in the winter, you can hear the snow landing on your head! This cottage sleeps 3, who are at least 16 years old, and is fully equipped for your every need. It all awaits you at The Shadows on Hamlin Lake. We live on the property, adjacent to this cottage which is approximately 200 feet from the waters edge. We keep the driveway plowed, but due to the hills coming down to the cottage, you may need four wheel or all wheel drive during winter months.

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Amenities

Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available
Lake view

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
Children 16 yrs of age and up welcome with parents
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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
Ashtray provided for outside smoking

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights
Leave bed unmade
Leave key on kitchen table
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

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, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Free Soil

Located in Free Soil, this cottage is on a lake. Manistee National Golf Course and Hemlock Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lake Michigan and Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness. Douglas Park and Amber Elk Ranch are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Free Soil, MI

What's nearby

  • Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Hamlin Lake - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Ludington Waterfront Park - 40 min drive - 47.1 km
  • S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry - 41 min drive - 47.5 km
  • Hamlin Lake beach - 45 min drive - 55.0 km

Getting around

  • Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Perch At Hobby Crest - ‬44 min drive
  • ‪Barnhart's Marina Resort - ‬43 min drive
  • ‪Boathouse Grill - ‬30 min drive
  • ‪Pirate's Pub - Hamlin Lake - ‬43 min drive
  • ‪Boot - ‬36 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Upper Hamlin Lake Cottage 200 ft from waters edge pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Upper Hamlin Lake Cottage 200 ft from waters edge?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Upper Hamlin Lake Cottage 200 ft from waters edge?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Upper Hamlin Lake Cottage 200 ft from waters edge located?

Situated on a lake, this cottage is within a 15-minute walk of Huron-Manistee National Forest, Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness and Hamlin Lake. Nordhouse Lake is 1.7 mi (2.8 km) away.

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. 201 out of 204 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 204 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 204 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 204 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 204 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Robin B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cabin was spotless. Very relaxing stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gary A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our stay was wonderful. Beautiful location. Our hosts were wonderful.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Renee S.

Wonderful place to stay!

My family recently stayed here for a few days and we had a wonderful time. The owners are very kind and welcoming and we had a wonderful time exploring the woods and enjoying the beautiful lake view.

10/10 Excellent

TAMMY W.

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

We loved it

This was a great place to stay. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

JENNIFER W.

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

Weekend trip

Property was super clean and the host was very informative and helpful. We had a great time and will be back again.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Peter W.

Great spot with easy access to lake

Nice and secluded with all the comforts of home
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Bradley K.

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

Beautiful lake setting

We had a great time at the Shadows...very well equipped, maintained, and tidy. We'll definitely be back and highly recommend this retreat!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Nancy L.

Relaxing time away!

The cottage was everything advertised: clean, comfortable and charming. We especially enjoyed the view of the lake. Mark and Debbie are great hosts, and we hope to stay here again!

10/10 Excellent

Mike P.

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

Quiet Lakeside Getaway

My wife and I both thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. The property is perfect for a quiet weekend getaway. The sunsets over Lake Hamlin were gorgeous. You can also easily spend time in downtown Ludington or visit the state park easily. Both are only a short drive away
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Barbara M.

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

Beautiful

Beautiful property, great hosts, a bit too remote for us
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dianne B.

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

Quiet Get Away

This property is lovely. Extremely clean, quiet, and relaxing. The hosts were every helpful and kept communication open. We are already planning our next stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Angel T.

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

Serene and relaxingI

Nestled in the woods, but the cottage itself self has a beautiful view of the lake. Our nightly bonfires with the sun setting off the water was amazing. The property owner was very attentive and informative. My boyfriend and I look forward to returning soon.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mohamed A.

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

Nice and quite peaceful cottage

The cottage directions is a must. DO NOT FOLLOW GPS, it will take you to a labyrinth in the woods!! The cottage was clean and cozy, my self and my wife enjoyed the stay of relaxation and the cozy cottage.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul P.

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

Hard to beat

This little cottage was just perfect for two adults. Absolutely clean and had everything that was needed for a nice stay. Kitchen well stocked with top line cooking ware. Host was very nice and made sure we were set after the over night snow. We will be back at some point.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

David J.

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

Great place for two people with a boat

Cabin was clean, comfortable, well equipped and everything worked. Bed was comfortable. Beautiful lake front. They had a dock for our boat. We enjoyed our stay. Note, it is a long drive to town so make sure you stock up before going out to the cabin. There is great hiking at the end of Nurnberg road. Hike out to lake Michigan! It is awesome!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jude K.

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

Happy Return

We were happy to return to this cottage we rented 10 years ago and find it exactly as we remembered it. Exceptionally clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully furnished. The hosts are responsive and accommodating. We intend to return in less than 10 years!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth B.

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

Exactly as depicted

This property didn't disappoint. It was exactly as described, contained everything we needed for a nice weekend get away...and easy access to the water for some ice fishing! Deb and Mark were great, we appreciate their hospitality. Would love to bring our kids back in the summer.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

mike b.

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

True Lake Front

Even without our pontoon boat it would've been a lovely stay. Squeaky clean 1/1 cottage on beautiful (BIG!) Hamlin Lake with wonderful hosts Deb and Mark. We're foodies and the kitchen was not lacking, plus the weber LP grill was brand new. Dock was perfect for our boat. Please do NOT trust your google maps or waze. Read Deb's easy to follow directions on reaching the place. We shall return!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dan F.

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

Very clean

Great view of the lake. Weather was crummy or we would have used the lake access for kayak and fishing. Everything was perfectly clean. Great communication with the host. We cooked using the oven multiple times and we're generally lazy around the cottage. The ONLY downside for US might be a plus for OTHERS: the bed is quite firm. We slept very poorly. Everything else was wonderful. As long as you can handle a firm bed you will love this place!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wyatt R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was very cleanly and well maintained. The direct access to the lake was very nice too!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mike S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We came up early October for a fishing weekend getaway. The house was great, the accommodations were great, and the property was beautiful! Deb and Mark were very hospitable even told us some good fishing spots. We will be coming back!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chris R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice place to stay, and very quiet! Willing to do what they can to help you…. They let us borrow their kayaks, but we’re unable to use them do too wind and weather. I will stay there again!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sherri H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Deb went above and beyond and guided us in.
Might be a black squirrel in there.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eric C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cottage is very well keep and the owners are especially helpful and friendly. It's peaceful and the lakefront is clear with a nice dock. The kitchen is nicely stocked. This cottage has an elevated covered balcony that we enjoyed in the evening and mornings.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property was exactly as described. The location is kinda secluded, so "running to town" is a little bit of a distance. The property owners were wonderful. They communicated extremely well and were helpful with many things. The fishing was decent. To bad we couldn't control the weather.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

About the host

Hosted by Deb Hulst

Host profile image
I was raised on Hamlin Lake and have always loved it here. Our family came to the cottage for every family vacation, enjoying the wildlife, fishing, swimming, walks in the woods, climbing trees, feeding the swans, enjoying a glass of wine by the fire,and the list goes on and on. Now it is time to share this with others. We moved to the lake in 2000 and now live on the property year round. Your cottage is approximately 200' from the lakeshore.

Why they chose this property

Grandma and Grandpa wanted to get out of the City of Chicago in the 1930's. They summered on the North Shore of Upper Hamlin Lake several times and realized that this is where they wanted to live. When this property became available in the 1930's they jumped on it. We added the vacation rental in 2005, only beginning the rental of it in the spring of 2009.

What makes this property unique

We enjoy watching the hummingbirds in the morning, sitting on the front porch with our cup of coffee. The lake always offers beauty and entertainment, whether it be fishing, boating, skiing, tubing, or just riding in the pontoon boat to the dunes. Living on the lake year round is awesome. All seasons are fun and exciting! Snowmobiling right out our backdoor....who could ask for more! We take our winter vacation in places where it is warm, but the sunsets never come close to the beautiful colors right here in Michigan. Icefishing, too, is great on Hamlin Lake!

Languages:

English

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