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Perfect 'up north' home near Sleeping Bear Dunes & Lake Michigan, deck, W/D

Photo gallery for Perfect 'up north' home near Sleeping Bear Dunes & Lake Michigan, deck, W/D

Terrace/patio
Outdoor dining
Living area
Living area
Living area

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 8157.9 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Deck or patio
  • Internet access
  • Balcony or patio

Explore the area

View map
Empire, MI
  • Place, Philip A. Hart Visitor Center
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Place, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Traverse City Beach
    ‪39 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪38 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Living room

1 Double Sofa Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Bathroom 3

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen

About this property

Perfect 'up north' home near Sleeping Bear Dunes & Lake Michigan, deck, W/D

Ridge Wood

Our calendar is updated in real-time & our nightly rates are accurately displayed. Simply enter your desired dates and click 'Book Now!'

Located in Empire, approximately two miles from Lake Michigan beach, this three-bedroom, three-bathroom family home is the perfect retreat for a memorable vacation with your loved ones! Spend quiet evenings on the front porch or deck admiring the views. The wooden interior of this darling home adds that rustic touch that will surely help you disconnect and enjoy your time out. Cozy up on the sofa and plan your next adventures along with your friends. When mealtime comes, the well-appointed kitchen will have your back with all major appliances, including a full-size fridge, stove, oven, dishwasher, and microwave. The beautiful wood dining table seats up to six, which is perfect for family meals or game nights. Additional amenities include free WiFi and an on-site washer/dryer.

Please note that this property does not have A/C.

THINGS TO KNOW
The fireplace is not available for guests.
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 25 years of age to book. Guests under 25 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for the duration of the reservation.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Outdoor space
Parking available

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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

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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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
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

About the area

Empire

Empire is home to this holiday home. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Lake Michigan. Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum and Burnett Park are also worth visiting.
View more Holiday homes in EmpireOpens in a new window
Map
Empire, MI

What's nearby

  • Philip A. Hart Visitor Center - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 2 min drive - 1.9 km
  • Little Glen Lake - 6 min drive - 7.6 km
  • Crystal Mountain - 36 min drive - 49.4 km
  • Traverse City Beach - 39 min drive - 51.1 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 42 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cherry Republic - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪La Becasse - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Trattoria Funistrada - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Empire Village Pizza & Spirits - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Shipwreck Cafe - ‬1 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Perfect 'up north' home near Sleeping Bear Dunes & Lake Michigan, deck, W/D pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Perfect 'up north' home near Sleeping Bear Dunes & Lake Michigan, deck, W/D?

As of 23 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Perfect 'up north' home near Sleeping Bear Dunes & Lake Michigan, deck, W/D on 10 June 2026 start from AU$568, 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 Perfect 'up north' home near Sleeping Bear Dunes & Lake Michigan, deck, W/D?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Perfect 'up north' home near Sleeping Bear Dunes & Lake Michigan, deck, W/D?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Perfect 'up north' home near Sleeping Bear Dunes & Lake Michigan, deck, W/D?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Perfect 'up north' home near Sleeping Bear Dunes & Lake Michigan, deck, W/D located?

Situated in Empire, this holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Philip A. Hart Visitor Center and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Lake Michigan is 1.6 mi (2.6 km) away.

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

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. 17 out of 26 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 26 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 26 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 26 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 26 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

4.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.4/10

Check-in

9.0/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Guillermo A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication

Amazing stay!

Was perfect for my family!..nice home!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer P.

Perfect Empire vacation

The house was exactly what we were looking for!
From a partner site

4/10 Poor

James B.

Great house, great location. Be prepared for ants, broken appliances, and the bare minimum suppli...

Great house and location, with some caveats.
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Aug 2025
Thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us, James. We're glad to hear you enjoyed the house and its location, though we’re sorry to learn there were some aspects that didn’t fully meet your expectations. Your experience is important to us, and we truly appreciate you bringing this to our attention. If you ever need assistance during your stay, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help make your visit as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Thank you again for your thoughtful feedback. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back for an even better experience in the future.
From a partner site

6/10 Okay

Julie F.

Good size, needs upgrades

The location and space were great. There was a lot of road noise and it was very hot in the house.
Response from VrboOwner on 9 July 2025
Hi Julie, Thank you for your feedback. We're glad to hear you enjoyed the location and space of the home. However, we're sorry that road noise and high indoor temperatures affected your comfort during the stay. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, and your comments will be taken into consideration as we look for ways to improve the overall guest experience.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristina P.

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

Lovely home for our weekend in Empire.

We stayed here for the weekend while in town for the Sleeping Bear marathon and Empire Hop festival. The accommodations were cozy and everything was very clean!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 20 June 2023
Thank you so much, Kristina!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Zdravko M.

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

Beautiful Home

Very well maintained home, nice wood interior, great location!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 20 June 2023
Thank you for staying with us! Visit again anytime!
From a partner site

8/10 Good

Carl F.

We love Empire!

We loved the area! The house was comfortable and clean but could use some upgrades.
Response from VrboOwner on 22 July 2024
Hi, Carl! We are glad that you enjoyed your stay. We appreciate your feedback, and we look forward to hosting you again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

mark c.

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

Empire Retreat

Very roomy, comfortable and clean house near town.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 20 June 2023
We are so glad you enjoyed your stay! Visit us again soon!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kaitlyn D.

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

Weekend in the Woods

This place was such a perfect stay for what we were looking for; secluded, tucked in the woods, spacious, and close to local attractions. Highly recommend visiting the local shops, hiking, dunes and sight seeing everything Pure Michigan! It had everything needed to cook meals, basic stay needs (towels soap, paper towels, even some toiletries etc). Pillows/beds are older, just a heads up. It’s fully furnished and decorated very nicely.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Julie F.

Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy

Good sized house near Empire.

We appreciated the size and layout of the house. The things we didn’t like were the lack of A/C this week, the traffic was loud, and the basement smelled very musty even with windows opened. We also has a smoke detector beep for days before it was eventually dealt with. They came once to fix it, but when it started chirping again, it took a day to get someone out to the house. It was very annoying.
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 31 July 2025
Thank you for your feedback. We sincerely apologize for the issues you have encountered during your stay, and we appreciate you bringing these issues to our attention. Our local team strives to provide every one of our guests with the best vacation possible. We apologize if our standards were not met during your time with us. Please know that your feedback is essential, and we have passed your comments along to our local manager, who will work with the homeowner to make any updates. We truly hope to have the opportunity to impress you in the future.
From a partner site

6/10 Okay

Nathan H.

Ridge Wood

I scoured the listings to find one that would hopefully be accessible for an elderly parent. After arriving, it was obvious that this house was built to be handicap accessible with a ramp, walk in shower (see prior review about shower leaking water!), and roll-up sink. The wooded location was private and close to attractions- especially Empire Beach for sunset viewing. However, some major superficial changes need to be made for my level of enjoyment. Cleaning was very superficial, so walking barefoot is not an option. Ants on the kitchen counter and in the dishwasher were regular enough to shut down the idea of having meals in the cabin. Wi-fi is unreliable, and you will have to decide which directions to follow when checking out: the VACASA text or the note on the fridge. All of these things can easily be addressed, and once they are, you will adore this property! (Keeping in mind that UpNorth in Michigan is not always as cool as it used to be, and no AC might be tough.)
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Aug 2024
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback about your recent stay, Nathan. We are pleased to hear that you found the house to be accessible for your elderly parent and enjoyed the private wooded location and proximity to attractions like Empire Beach. We sincerely apologize for the cleanliness issues and the presence of ants in the kitchen. Your comments about the superficial cleaning, unreliable Wi-Fi, and conflicting check-out instructions are concerning, and we appreciate you bringing them to our attention. We understand how these issues could impact your comfort and enjoyment, and we are committed to addressing them promptly. Our team will ensure that the property undergoes a thorough cleaning and pest control treatment. We will also review and update the check-out instructions to avoid any confusion in the future. Additionally, we will look into the Wi-Fi issues to improve the overall guest experience. Thank you for your understanding and for highlighting the potential of this property. We hope to have the opportunity to host you again in the future and provide you with a much-improved stay.
From a partner site

6/10 Okay

Steve Z.

Disappointing property for the price

The location is wonderful and unbeatable which is what brought us back to this rental a second year in a row. And the home is beautiful and comfortable. But unless there are some upgrades done I can’t see us renting this place again. The wifi is unusable which means no watching tv on a rainy evening. The mattresses are very old and uncomfortable and the pillows are old and unclean. The front screen door doesn’t fully close without a struggle and it was like that a year ago. The walk in shower is unusable because the water drains directly onto the bathroom floor creating a flood. There are no sheets to use on the futon. Although the oven works well, the burners on the stove don’t heat up very well. The outdoor furniture could use an upgrade too because it’s such a beautiful deck but the chairs just aren’t comfortable for lounging and enjoying the view. I tried to speak to someone in the local Vacasa office to address my concerns but I found it impossible to reach anyone after waiting on hold and being bounced around for almost 30 minutes.
Response from VrboOwner on 26 July 2023
Hi Steve, Thank you for taking the time to review your stay with us, we are so glad to hear the location was wonderful and unbeatable. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience you experienced with the home amenities that need to be cleaned and fixed during your stay. Our local team strives to provide every one of our guests with the best vacation possible. We are so sorry if our standards were not met during your time with us. Our local team will address all your concerns for future guests. We hope you'll give us a second chance to impress you! Warm regards, Maria I
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Loree M.

We loved this house!!

Beautiful, clean, will definitely stay here again!!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

6/10 Okay

Stephanie D.

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

Great little spot but lots of deferred maintenance

Good location and cute property but had problems with showers not draining, shower head not working, stained linens etc. Definitely expected better for the price.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steve Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice Getaway

Great place in a great location. Would definitely recommend and will return.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scot Y.

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

Central location in a quiet spot

We rented in this area to tour the local wineries and hike Sleeping Bear Dunes. This property was spacious and centrally located to our needs. We were close to things to do, yet away from the crowds.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Aliya A.

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

Great

Home is beautiful with wooden interior and interior decoration. Every piece and every little corner and walls of the house was thoughtfully decorated by interior designer. A couple of things that would helped would be in kids bedroom or second bedroom on main floor could use a sturdy twin bed not a roll out bed or just a sturdy double bed or queen bed. Second thing lower level was beautifully decorated and with a convenient little family room and a bedroom with full bathroom but can use a demudifier for it to be, not so damp. For a person like me with mold and environmental allergies it was difficult to spend any quality time at lower level.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristi H.

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

More than the BEAR necessities!

This was an absolutely beautiful home! Very spacious! Loved that there were basically 2 master bedrooms, the one was truly a master bedroom and the other was big with a big bed and full bathroom right next door. It was well laid out and had a really nice deck that wrapped around 2 sides of the home. We saw deer every morning! It was well equipped! Pots, pans, dishes, utensils, and more. The home is conveniently located for visiting Empire, Glen Arbor, Leland, Sutton’s Bay, Traverse City. It’s a quiet retreat to return to. From there we hiked Empire Bluffs (a favorite), Indian Trail (beautiful trail leading right to Lake Michigan), shopped Glen Arbor, visited North Bar Lake connected by a small creek to Lake Michigan for an entire afternoon, caught a sunset at Empire Beach (you can have a fire in one of their fire pits! Bring wood and your favorite wine from the area!), and got Moomers Ice Cream of course!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeanne E.

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

Great experience!

It was a wonderful house. We enjoyed our time very much.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy P.

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

Empire, MI

Charming house with cabin/ lodge feel. Close to everything we wanted to do.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kris R.

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

close to everything

Perfect size for 7 adults to hang out, cook in the kitchen, room around the table for meals and cards games. Plenty of bathrooms. We stayed there in early September and a few evenings got a little chilly and would have liked access to either the fireplace or the heat. The property is close to everything. Hiked one day at the Dunes, Scenic drive , Empire Bluff trail and kayaking on the Crystal River. Great location and property.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 20 June 2023
Thank you for staying with us and the wonderful feedback!
Verified

8/10 Good

Le T.

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

Family Reunion Rental

Property was beautiful and very quiet. Rooms were spacious and beautifully decorated. Very serene setting, surrounded by trees and lots of wildlife. Saw several deer and wild turkeys on the property. The downside was having to purchase more towels as only allotted 1 set per person. Did a lot of towel laundry - no extras like paper towels or toilet tissue on hand. All in all it was a beautiful weather week as well.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 20 June 2023
Thank you for staying with us!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anthony B.

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

Nice getaway

This is a very nice property. We enjoyed staying here with our Family. It is surrounded by trees, so the privacy is nice. There is no air conditioning, but fans are provided.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 20 June 2023
Thank you so much for staying with us and for providing valuable feedback. We really appreciate it. Come and visit us again soon!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carlo B.

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

Northern Michigan beauty

Just a lovely place. It's exactly what you want from Northern Michigan. It was spotless, linens were great, beds were awesome. Lots of pots and pans if you want to cook and a great outdoor area. Tiny little drawback, it's a ways away from everything. However, if you want total silence in a tiny neighborhood in the woods, this is your place.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 20 June 2023
We are so glad you enjoyed! Visit with us again soon!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Todd G.

Great Rental Property!

Rented this beautiful house for 2 nights in October with my wife and two of our friends. Located within 1.5 miles of the Village of Empire and the National Park Service's headquarters for The Sleeping Bear Dunes. House is like new, large, spacious, and nicely decorated. The perfect spot to make as your basecamp if you are exploring the dunes or Leelanau county. Rental cost is very reasonable too. You won't be let down renting this property!
Response from VrboOwner on 20 June 2023
We're so happy you had a wonderful stay! Thank you for visiting with us!

About the host

Hosted by Vacasa of Michigan

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