Airport, Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker)
32 min drive
Rooms & beds
4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)
Bedroom 1
1 King Bed
Bedroom 2
2 Single Beds and 1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 3
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 4
1 Queen Bed
2 bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Bathroom 2
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Waterfront home on Betsie River with hot tub & sauna near skiing at Crystal Mtn
River's Bend
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Take in the sights and sounds of the Betsie River and the surrounding woodlands at this quiet log lodge just outside Thompsonville, a beautifully secluded piece of property with 600 feet of water frontage on the river. It's a home that's just as inviting in winter as it is in summer, with the ski slopes of Crystal Mountain, bike trails, and the scenic shores of Lake Michigan all within minutes.
This tree-lined lodge is well-furnished and atmospheric, with natural log details, large windows, and central air-conditioning. If you're on a family skiing trip, you can come inside to warm up by the gas fireplace, unwind in front of the cable TV, and watch the snow pile up on the tree branches outside. As for summer, it's a time to barbecue on the gas grill, dine outside on the deck, and play lawn games in the grass. Rejuvenate in the private hot tub anytime. As the evening rolls in, you can keep warm in the private sauna in the garage or by the outdoor firepit sheltered by a pergola. (Wood is provided for the firepit.)
The kitchen is well-equipped for a crowd, offering stainless steel appliances (no dishwasher), a breakfast bar, and a dining table. A cozy den awaits upstairs for the after-dinner hours, where you can watch DVDs, play board games, or log onto the free WiFi at the desk as the day's clothes spin in the washer/dryer.
Things to Know Check-in time: 4:00 PM. Check-out time: 10:00 AM. All guests shall abide by The Good Neighbor policy and shall not engage in illegal activity. Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM. No smoking is permitted anywhere on the premises. This property is managed by Vacasa Michigan, LLC.
Parking notes: There is free parking available for 4 vehicles.
Damage waiver: The total cost of your reservation for this Property includes a nightly damage waiver fee, plus tax if applicable (the “Damage Waiver”). (A discount may be applied for stays of 28 nights or longer, if permitted.) The Damage Waiver covers you for up to $3,000 of accidental damage to the Property or its contents (such as furniture, fixtures, and appliances) as long as you report the incident to the host prior to checking out. The Damage Waiver fee eliminates the need for a traditional security deposit. More information can be downloaded from the "Rental Agreement" on the checkout page.
Due to local laws or HOA requirements, guests must be at least 21 years of age to book. Guests under 21 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for the duration of the reservation.
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Amenities
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
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Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the premises.
For information about quiet hours, please refer to the listing description.
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 first aid kit
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Thompsonville
Located in Thompsonville, this holiday home is on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, while Michigan Legacy Art Park and Benzie Area Historical Museum are cultural highlights. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing, snowboarding and skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as snowmobiling.
Is Waterfront home on Betsie River with hot tub & sauna near skiing at Crystal Mtn pet-friendly?
No, only service animals are welcome at the property.
How much does it cost to stay at Waterfront home on Betsie River with hot tub & sauna near skiing at Crystal Mtn?
As of 1 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Waterfront home on Betsie River with hot tub & sauna near skiing at Crystal Mtn on 30 May 2026 start from AU$711, 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 Waterfront home on Betsie River with hot tub & sauna near skiing at Crystal Mtn?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Waterfront home on Betsie River with hot tub & sauna near skiing at Crystal Mtn?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Waterfront home on Betsie River with hot tub & sauna near skiing at Crystal Mtn?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Waterfront home on Betsie River with hot tub & sauna near skiing at Crystal Mtn located?
Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 0.9 mi (1.4 km) from Misty Acres Preserve and within 3 miles (5 km) of Crystal Mountain and Iron Fish Distillery. Michigan Legacy Art Park and Glovers Lake are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Nice home and property, quiet and set up for visiting with friends and relaxing
Kevin M.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Jack H.
18 Sept 2024
Great
House was great, property was nice. Had a good time at this house. Thank you for letting is stay.
Jack H.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Mike M.
29 June 2025
River’s Bend
Great location and a lot of space for whole family to spread out. Close to Crystal, Iron Fish, St Ambrose and short drive to beach towns. It was hot so we did not use the hot tub, sauna or fire pit. Used the grill a few times and steaks, veggies and brats cooked up well. House and property were as advertised and we enjoyed our 30th anniversary with all our kids.
The cabin was adorable and so comfy!! Our kids were so excited to see the cabin and LOVED it!! All of the amenities are well thought out. The decor was cute and the cleanliness was wonderful!! Our family enjoyed the outdoor space....fire pit, yard space, path to the river.
Thank you for a fun stay!
Angela M.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Kendra B.
4 Feb 2019
Lovely modern cabin
The property and house were both wonderful - very modern and clean. We also loved that it was a quick drive to Crystal Mountain for skiing. Thanks again!
This property is beautiful and the house is amazing. We came up for a long weekend to ski at Crystal Mountain (3 adult and 5 kids) and we had the best time. Four feet of snow on the ground!!!! We definitely didn’t want to leave. Thanks so much,The Jones Family
Jarred J.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Matt K.
6 Jan 2019
Fantastic Log Cabin On The River
The perfect place to get away and relax. We found the cabin to have everything that we needed and it was organized to perfection. Our children loved it as did we. The location is perfect to the ski hill, the snowmobile trails, and the river. The sauna was the icing on the cake.
Matt K.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Mar 2020
Thank you Matt. I am very pleased you were happy with your stay and the property. Hope to have you back again.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
christine u.
3 Jan 2019
Absolutely perfect!
We had such a great stay! The house was so cozy and inviting and the property was stunningly beautiful! Great getaway for our family. We were lucky enough to get a nice snowfall which just made it more magical. We loved seeing all the birds as well as wild turkeys and deer. Thank you for having us. We will be back!
christine u.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Mar 2020
I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed your stay Christine. Thanks for bringing the snow with you!
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Sally P.
11 July 2023
Very nice cabin for larger families.
Our family enjoyed using this cabin. Only suggestion is to supply small fans for upstairs bedrooms and repair of screened windows. Very clean with all kitchen needs supplied.
Sally P.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 11 July 2023
Hi, Sally. We are pleased to hear you enjoyed your visit! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your valuable feedback with us. We will be sure to pass your suggestions and comments regarding small fans and screened windows along to our local manager, who will work with our homeowner to make necessary upgrades and repairs. We sincerely apologize if it causes any inconvenience during your stay. We look forward to hosting you for a great stay in the future!
What an amazing place. There were 8 adults and we were super comfortable. We wish we were able to stay longer and utilize the property and its amenities more. Great communication, very accommodating, easy check in/out, beautiful setting. Really, it wants for nothing! Can't wait to go back!!
So beautiful, so rustic, so spacious, we had plans to do some sightseeing but everyone was very content to stay and chill and enjoy the atmosphere this comfortable house provided both inside and outside. If relaxation is your goal, this is the place.
Shawn's home is extraordinary! We had a perfect stay in Northern Michigan. The kids literally screamed with excitement upon entering the home. Needless to say it had everything we needed and more. A beautiful setting, large yard for playing lots of games, large indoor space for our family of 8 (4 adults, children), very comfortable beds, perfect kitchen for cooking great meals. Thank you Shawn for making a very memorable vacation for our family.
Nichol H.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 19 July 2020
Thanks, Nichole! Glad to be a part of making your family vacation a good one!
Amenities and property matched photographs. Family enjoyed hot tub and fire pit. Accessibility to river is minimal although we were able to fish from shore. The beach in Beulah on Crystal Lake was 10-15 minutes away and Frankfort and Lake Michigan shore was 20 minutes away. Overall this property was great.
The perfect getaway for grandparents, children & grandsons.
Shawn's home is totally beautiful .... log cabin sitting on the Betsie River, giving the men in the family a nice challenge for trout fishing. TC and other areas of attractive were not too far away, with Crystal Mountain just down the road. Isolated, however not, sitting around a fire was the absolute best. Thanks Shawn, for sharing your home with my family ... we shall return.
It is not enough to heap praise on everything about this property and the rental process. If you want a perfect experience this beautiful log cabin will be your go to property. The cabin is super clean, well stocked (just take your food) and in a very peaceful location. The rental process could not be easier. Shawn the owner responded to our questions within minutes, yes I said minutes. This not so little cabin in the woods is going to be our favorite getaway for a long time. We highly recommend you give it a try. If we could give it more than 5 stars we would in every category. Thank You Shawn for a great escape.
trace s.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Mar 2020
Wow! Thank you so much. We are pleased you enjoyed RiversBend so much, and welcome you back anytime. You were great guests!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Tom G.
26 Feb 2019
Idyllic log cabin with a great view, welcoming atmosphere... And a sauna!
We have stayed at several locations at and around Crystal Mountain. We stumbled upon this on a search. The description and reviews did not disappoint. This is a beautiful property with excellent views. We stayed for 3 nights at the end of February. We had 4 adults and 6 kids and found there to be more than enough room for all of us. Beautiful views of the river bend with frequent deer sightings. Shawn has a large bird feeder up that attracts all kinds of birds and made for a pleasant surprise. The kitchen has been updated with stainless appliances and is stocked with all the cooking ware and utensils you would need. We took advantage of the gas grill as well.
The bedrooms were plenty spacious and the beds were comfortable. There is direct TV on 2 big screens but we didn't even need them between skiing and exploring the grounds. We took advantage of the sauna and found this a unique touch. Very simple to use and a cool perk of staying here.
We would highly recommend staying here the next time you visit Crystal.
Tom G.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Mar 2020
Thank you so much for taking the time to write such an extensive review. We are so happy you had such a wonderful time. It's very rewarding to hear that our goal of creating great vacations and getaways is being accomplished. Hopefully we'll have the opportunity to host you again in the future. Thanks again.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Alexander M.
27 Sept 2022
Perfect weekend getaway!
The House was perfect. Plenty of room for everyone. Would definitely rent again.
Alexander M.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Betsie Riversbend LLC G.
21 Aug 2022
ideal family getaway
We loved the home at River's Bend. My kids enjoyed exploring the river bank and we were close to lots of diversions at Crystal Mountain (climbing, alpine slide, driving range), mini golf and ice cream in Benzonia, beach and dining in Frankfurt, the lighthouse at Port Betsie. It was a perfect last bit of relaxation before school starts.
We had a wonderful time with our family. There was plenty of room and things to enjoy on the property. We found ourselves going to Beulah often for the beach experience but it really wasn’t a long drive there.
Deana D.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Elizabeth S.
11 June 2022
Lovely, tranquil stay
Property, nice living space, beautiful outdoor spaces.
Elizabeth S.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Alison R.
15 Mar 2022
Beautiful, convenient setting
Clean, spacious, and inviting. We greatly enjoyed our stay and the convenience of being so close to the ski resort.
Alison R.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Amanda P.
28 Feb 2022
Beautiful, perfect location
The house was absolutely stunning both inside and out. We loved the amenities and location. We saw at least 6 deer run through the property down to the river. We loved it so much, we booked it again! We can’t wait to come back this summer!