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North Blue Lake TrailHouse - Water-Sand-Winter Wonderland,Kalkaska, Mi

Photo gallery for North Blue Lake TrailHouse - Water-Sand-Winter Wonderland,Kalkaska, Mi

A two-story house with a patio area featuring outdoor furniture and a grill.
A bedroom with a bed, a ceiling fan, a window, and a door.
A bedroom with a bed, a nightstand, a dresser, a window, and a ceiling fan.
A bedroom with a bed, dresser, and a closet with a hanging rack.
A bedroom with a bed, a ceiling fan, a window with patterned curtains, a wall-mounted bicycle, and a door.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Family fun awaits
    Top-rated for families.
  • Arcade/game room
    A rare find - fun for all ages with on-site arcade and game room.
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue
  • Balcony

Explore the area

View map
Kalkaska, MI
  • Place, Blue Lake
    ‪1 min drive‬
  • Place, Starvation Lake
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Twin Lake
    ‪9 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Single Bed and 1 Double Bed

Bedroom 4

4 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

North Blue Lake TrailHouse - Water-Sand-Winter Wonderland,Kalkaska, Mi

Welcome to The North Blue Lake TrailHouse— your up-north escape! Enjoy the Caribbean Blue waters of North Blue Lake and the trail system of Kalkaska County and surrounding area. This all-season cottage sleeps 10 total, included with a separate rustic bunkhouse with 4 sleeping areas, a game table, Smart TV, sofa, extra refrigerator, sofa, recliner-a cozy space to hide away. Enjoy lake life floating and swimming by day with a private dock, paddle boat, kayaks, SUP, and rowboat ready to go. Evenings are for relaxing around the firepit or unwinding under the covered patio with friends and family.

For your day trip adventures-Located just minutes from ORV and snowmobile trails and surrounded by lakes to explore, local ski hills, golf courses, the iconic sand bar at Torch Lake and Mackinaw Island adventure is never far from your front door. Whether you’re soaking in the refreshing waters and tranquility of North Blue Lake or exploring the trails, taking day trips in northern Michigan or making memories playing games the spacious lawn, The North Blue Lake Trailhouse is your go-to spot for every season.

If you are looking for a great lake front place but do not need all the sleep area of the bunk house we can rent just the cottage that sleeps 6. Guest have loved the beauty of the clear blue lake and the peaceful nights by the fire and patio during the summer months. During the fall and winter the ORV and snowmobile trails are easily accessible. With plenty of trailer parking. Set up your tip ups for ice fishing and watch from the comfort of the cottage. Also close to The Boyne Mountain Sky Bridge and fall favorite.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Please strip sheets and pillowcases from used beds along with towels and place in the laundry room. Empty refrigerator. Take trash in trash bags in the trash bin at the end of driveway. Wash dishes
Turn off lights and fans and lock the doors Make sure fire is out in the firepit Please notify ASAP if anything is not working or was broken so we are prepared for the next guest.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 3431216vb
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 10
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

About the area

Kalkaska

Located in Kalkaska, this cottage is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Grandview Golf Club and Black Forest Golf Course are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Hartwick Pines State Park and Blue Lake. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the ice skating and sledging.
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Map
Kalkaska, MI

What's nearby

  • Blue Lake - 1 min drive - 0.4 km
  • Starvation Lake - 7 min drive - 8.0 km
  • Twin Lake - 9 min drive - 9.4 km
  • Little Twin Lake - 10 min drive - 10.5 km
  • Au Sable River - 18 min drive - 23.5 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 75 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Hideaway Bar - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Manistee Lake Pizzeria / Bakery - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪lost forest lodge - ‬22 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is North Blue Lake TrailHouse - Water-Sand-Winter Wonderland,Kalkaska, Mi pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at North Blue Lake TrailHouse: dock?

As of 5 July 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at North Blue Lake TrailHouse: dock on 2 Oct 2026 start from AU$705, 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 North Blue Lake TrailHouse - Water-Sand-Winter Wonderland,Kalkaska, Mi?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at North Blue Lake TrailHouse - Water-Sand-Winter Wonderland,Kalkaska, Mi?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at North Blue Lake TrailHouse - Water-Sand-Winter Wonderland,Kalkaska, Mi?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is North Blue Lake TrailHouse - Water-Sand-Winter Wonderland,Kalkaska, Mi located?

This family-friendly Kalkaska cottage is located on the waterfront, 0.3 mi (0.4 km) from Blue Lake, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Starvation Lake and Twin Lake. Little Twin Lake and East Lakes 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. 8 out of 8 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 8 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 8 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 8 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 8 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved everything about our stay! The quiet location, amenities and close to other family members on lake. We cannot wait to stay next year! Our host was very helpful!
We enjoyed having the paddle board available
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tony C.

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

Great place to stay!

Great place for families. Beautiful yard, beach area, and lake. We enjoyed our stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 31 July 2024
Thank you for staying with us and I’m glad the weather was great for your family! We would love to have you back !
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jessica P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome property! Beautiful views. Host is so nice and it feels like a 5-star hotel with her hospitality and items she supplies for your stay to help you feel at home. Would come back again!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 31 July 2025
I am so happy you found our place to be comfortable and well stock! Thank you for choosing us! Guest like you are what makes hosting a blessing!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

kim b.

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

Blue lake

The house and property were both beautiful the lake was amazing we had a wonderful trip. The host was amazing , we called and asked a question and they were there within 20 minutes to answer.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Aug 2023
I’m so glad you enjoy your stay and we would love to host your fun crew again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mariam M.

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

The Perfect Getaway

My family and I stayed for 6 nights and absolutely loved it. Blue Lake is a hidden gem. The water is pristine and perfect for swimming and kayaking. The house is beautifully decorated and has everything you could need and a gorgeous view of the lake wherever you are. Michelle is a very responsive host with great taste and a solid grasp of what a guest needs. Area is close enough to Traverse and Petosky, etc. but you won’t want to leave the house.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 17 June 2025
OMG ! I missed your kind review from last summer! Thank you for being wonderful guest and I hope we can host you again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brianna F.

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

North Blue Lake

Though the weather was rainy and cloudy and not what we dreamed of, this location was amazing. Games were provided with the home to keep up entertained inside and we were all able to be comfortable inside and didn’t feel like we were crowded. The water was so clear and clean! The neighbors were friendly! I would rent this home every summer if I could. I couldn’t have asked for a better location to be with friends and family.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Aug 2024
I’m so happy that you enjoyed yourselves even with rainy weather . I wish I had some control over that 😂. I hope you will stay with us again! You were great guest and thank you you for leaving our home in such good shape!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jillian B.

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

Quiet & relaxing...Gorgeous clear water!

My family (myself, husband, daughters: 14, 12, 10 years) had a wonderful time at North Blue Lake! The water was SO clean and clear and we spent hours swimming and cruising around on the 2 provided kayaks and our paddle boards that we brought along. We stayed on weekdays and there were just a few other boaters/paddlers on the lake. In the mornings and evenings we paddled under the bridge, and through the shallow channel over to Blue Lake. The water was so clear and calm and we could see the fish swimming as we glided along. We did not have much luck fishing, but a neighbor caught several decent sized bass. There is a nice, big lawn area down by the shore and the girls enjoyed playing volleyball on the grass. At this property the lake bottom is just a bit mushy (but no seaweed, hooray!!) and is pretty shallow along the length of the dock. However, the lake gets deep not far past the dock, so we would just paddle out and have a blast jumping off our paddle boards and swimming! There are plenty of options for relaxing outside - we especially liked the coved patio area with a gas fireplace & sectional seating. The property would be comfortable for two families or a larger group. The house had plenty of space for our family of 5 and we used the bunk house just as a space to hang out & play games on our rainy afternoon. It is clear the owners worked hard to make the space cute and inviting and we would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Aug 2023
I am so happy that your family enjoyed North blue lake as my family has for 23 years! Thank you for being amazing guest and taking such great care of our home. We hope to host you again in the future!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gerald T.

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Aug 2025
Thank you for being such great guest!

About the host

Hosted by Michelle Higbee

Host profile image
We are from Lansing -Grand Rapids area but love spending time in northern Michigan. We were originally looking for a place in the woods for snowmobiling and found a piece of Heaven on North Blue Lake and quickly became lake people too! We are looking forward to sharing our where we have enjoyed so many summers boating and swimming and winters snowmobiling.
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