Entire home

Après-ski season! Your PRIVATE Resort Fireplace, Pizza Oven , Hot tub and More !

Waterfront cottage with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for Après-ski season! Your PRIVATE Resort Fireplace, Pizza Oven , Hot tub and More !

Outdoor lower patio
Prep area and Pizza Oven and wood fire Grill Lower patio
Pizza Oven
Back Deck of house
Side view of house from Drive Way

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
7 bedrooms3+ bathroomsSleeps 18315.9 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Clam Lake
  • Place, Lake Bellaire
  • Place, Torch Lake
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)

Rooms & beds

7 bedrooms (sleeps 18)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 5

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 6

1 Queen Bed, 1 Single Bunk Bed and 1 Single Futon

Bedroom 7

1 Single Bunk Bed

3 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 3

Toilet

Bathroom 4

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

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

About this property

Après-ski season! Your PRIVATE Resort Fireplace, Pizza Oven , Hot tub and More !

This home offers a true up north experience. During the summer, step outside onto a wide, wrap around deck. Overlook the forest or take a walk down to the waters edge to relax on the Adirondack chairs in the tranquil setting. This house sits on 2 acres and is private with Grass river surrounding it . Venture out on your boat to 5 different lakes including beautiful Torch Lake to enjoy some fun in the sun. After a day of boating, relax around a cozy fire in the pit or the large outdoor fireplace. Enjoy our brick oven and make pizza's with family and friends . Take a quick drive into Bellaire for wonderful shopping and some fun at Short's Brewery. Fireside Lounge is a hip wine and cocktail bar or Mammoth Cocktail Bar . The town of Bellaire is booming with new dining experiences. The Corner Bistro is a French style restaurant with craft cocktails and small plates. We also have new restaurant Chloe's Chop house offering high end Dining . We have Dockside in the summer with outdoor dining on beautiful Torch Lake . Take a short drive to Blue Water Bistro located in Alden great service fantastic food and one of the Best margarita's made with Niki's special house mix.

Wine tasting only minutes from the cabin. Torch Lake Cellars sitting above Lake Bellaire has a beautiful view. Also, Vista Ridge, located in downtown Alden. Shop and enjoy a glass of wine.

If golf is your choice of activity, the area offers many golf courses to choose from. Quite a few are located in the Shanty Creek area, The Chief, Summit, The Legend, and Cedar River. Antrim Dells golf course is about 35 minutes away, with beautiful views.

During the winter months, enjoy downhill or cross country skiing within minutes at Schuss Mountain and Shanty Creek Resorts. There are also hundreds of miles of groomed snowmobile trails in the area as well as snowmobile rentals.

This home offers central air, gas fireplace, built-in appliances, etc. Among the 7 bedrooms there are 3 with direct access to full baths. (Great for multi-family use) The upstairs loft has a room designed like a tiny home with two built in twin beds and flat screen tv . In the basement a day bed/Futon, and pull out single ottoman. Room for airmattress if needed in the living area.

Amenities include cable, internet, 8 tv's total in various rooms. Sizes range from 32" to 70". There are also 2 DVD players in various bedrooms. The kitchen is fully equipped with dishwasher, microwave, garbage disposal, coffee pot, toaster, toaster oven, kitchen aid mixer, pots and pans, dishes, utensils, and glassware. Home is also equipped with washer and dryer, full size pool table, gas barbecue grill, as well as a flat top grill , and lower patio has wood fire grill and pizza oven, and as well as a granite counter prep area . Plenty of comfortable outdoor furniture, as well towels, bed linens for beds, covered bar area located next to 7 person Hot Tub .

Any time of year is a good time to visit activities for everything you can think of
Boating, Golfing, Shopping , Snow Skiing , Biking, Apple Orchards, Casino, Wine Tasting, Culinary experiences, and always a festival.

Stay with us! I promise you will not be disappointed !

*** Website has Incorrect Distances ***
Dock on Property to Boat to Torch in 10 min ! Four minutes by car to DOCKSIDE
Location: Within minutes to downtown Alden, Bellaire, Shanty Creek and Schuss Mountain. Approximately 30 minutes to Traverse City, 20 minutes to Turtle Creek Casino, 45 minutes to Boyne Falls and 45 minutes to Charlevoix.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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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
Outside only
Signed rental agreement and driver's license required

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 no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Bellaire

Located in Bellaire, this cottage is on the waterfront. Elk Rapids District Library and Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Torch Lake and Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area Trailhead. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Bellaire, MI

What's nearby

  • Lake Bellaire - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Clam Lake - 1 min drive - 0.8 km
  • Torch Lake - 15 min drive - 16.2 km
  • Grass River Natural Area - 17 min drive - 19.2 km
  • The Legend - 21 min drive - 20.6 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 63 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Dockside - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Short's Brewing Company - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪Shanty Creek Resorts - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Toonies Fish & Steakhouse - ‬22 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Après-ski season! Your PRIVATE Resort Fireplace, Pizza Oven , Hot tub and More ! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Après-ski season! Your PRIVATE Resort Fireplace, Pizza Oven , Hot tub and More !?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Après-ski season! Your PRIVATE Resort Fireplace, Pizza Oven , Hot tub and More !?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Après-ski season! Your PRIVATE Resort Fireplace, Pizza Oven , Hot tub and More !?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Après-ski season! Your PRIVATE Resort Fireplace, Pizza Oven , Hot tub and More ! located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is within a 10-minute walk of Lake Bellaire and Clam Lake. Torch Lake and Clam River are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 106 out of 115 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 115 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 115 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 115 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 115 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Zarie P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
I really enjoyed this property. The house was amazing but the back yard and deck was the high light. We had a great time walking around the grounds and over looking the lake. I will Definitely stay there again
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Connor C.

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

Best house!!

We stayed for the weekend for my bachelor party! It was an amazing time. I highly suggest renting a boat and hitting some golf courses
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joe D.

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

Great place!

House and property was immaculate. Great location right in the river. Lots of things to do at the house and it was very well kept. Would certainly stay again. Communication with property manager was great.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Liz O.

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

A grown-up family getway

We had a grown-up family getaway at Running Bear Cabin. There were 12 adults. The Cabin was perfect with many places to meet and socialize but also enough to ensure everyone had a bit of privacy. We had family game nights and enjoyed the outdoor fireplace. The pontoon we rented easily docked to the Running Bear dock. It's a wonderful place I would definitely rent again.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Justin S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Running Bear is an amazing home/property in a gorgeous area. Everything that you need and more is there for you. Communication was fast and easy. Alicia goes above and beyond to make you feel welcome and valued. Look no further, this is the one, and the one you'll want to return to.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rachael R.

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

Great stay!

Family friendly
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Teresa T.

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

Family Christmas

Amazing stay! It had everything we needed. So much for the whole family to enjoy! Communication was excellent. We hope tobe back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elaine B.

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

Great place for a family gathering

We all had a great time and enjoy this beautiful, well equipped house! We will be back
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jaimee G.

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

Amazing house and property

Did a multi-family and friend trip to ski! Had an amazing time and just enjoyed our time at the house. It was cozy with lots of entertainment . Would definitely stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert M.

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

Complete package

Everyone had a blast.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Maggie J.

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

BEST RENTAL IN MI!

Our crew loves Running Bear! This was our 4th stay with an adults only couples weekend. Alicia is awesome and her cabin offers more than you can even begin to list here. All around amazing cabin. Can’t wait to go back!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Maggie J.

Fabulous retreat!

Couples weekend was absolutely wonderful!! Running Bear Cabin is so beautiful and well maintained. Both indoor and outdoor living areas are so comfy and there are activities for all ages everywhere you look. You won't regret staying at RB. We are already planning our next stay!!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2017

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth G.

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

Winter wonderland

We had a group of 16 including adults and children. It was the perfect space for all of us! Plenty of sleeping room, large gathering spaces and plenty for the kids to do indoors because there was so much snow! It’s nice a secluded and not a bad drive to Shanty for skiing or tubing. We loved the open concept on the first floor so we could all be together for meals or just hanging out. The beds were very comfortable and the house is very quiet! Everything was labeled nicely so it made check out very easy. Our large group is planning on a summer trip and hopefully this property will be available because we would love to enjoy all the summer amenities ! Highly recommended this property!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristyn T.

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

Everything you’re looking for!

What an amazing property! We’ve rented vacation homes regularly, and it’s not often that I’m pleasantly surprised. It feels like a little resort, our family crew all commented that the many indoor and outdoor seating areas, yard games, beautiful woods and river made it feel like we were never once crowded or bored. Lots to do in the surrounding area as well. Highly recommend! Thanks for a wonderful week!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Teresa W., Grove City, OH USA

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

Amazing experience

Running Bear Cabin was the perfect house for our girl’s trip. The house had some many amenities. The kitchen was fully stocked including spices and other cooking/baking basics. Lots of cooking possibilities - pizza oven, griddle top grill and regular grill. Light switches were labeled and instructions or notes were provided for just about item in the house. The only thing not great was the weather 🤷‍♀️
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Vanessa T., Wixom, MI, USA

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

Perfect for couples and families

The house is very clean, it is beautiful in every detail. It seems to be new or remodeled, the bathrooms are a wellness experience. Only things we missed: baby gates at the stairs! And just you know: there is just one kingsize bed. Kitchen is very well stuffed with supplies! There is a entry option to the lake. It’s 12min to bellaire. It’s 25min to Schuss Mountain Skying. They have a Super Sunday funday pass for 45$ including rental equipment and ski pass from noon-4:30pm.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Robert F.

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

Amazing location for any time of year!

Booked this location for our annual ski trip and our group was blown away! Exactly as advertised and then some! The cabin was luxurious, spacious, clean, and well thought out for hosting large groups. There was no shortage of comfortable sleeping arrangements. Loads of extra blankets, towels... TV's in every room. One point a friend made was how it was easy to both spend time with friends or peel off to relax on your own at any given time.We definitely relaxed plenty in the large and well maintained hot tub! Perfect place to unwind after a long day of skiing! The setting was particularly beautiful with all the snowfall.Every meal we planned was seamless thanks to the overabundance of options with the cookware and appliances.It was alll the good and none of the bad about staying in a VRBO location. All instructions were clear, laid out in multiple ways, and easy to follow regarding check in and check out procedures. The owner was a joy to work with generous offers, quick responses to questions, and an friendly demeanor.One warning I will give is that this area can be challenging to navigate in inclement weather. Thankfully Antrim County and the owner are very good about staying on top of the roads. It is very clear that this location is even more majestic in the summer but don't write this place off as a winter get away! Thank you Alicia for making our trip a very special one. The grace and professionalism on display for this rental is at the top of the pack!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patrick S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful property and endless fun activities for all ages. Perfectly located on the grass river. The pizza oven was great!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

jungermann c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
House was Very well suppliedWe had a great time and would love to go back Beautiful setting Easy to communicate with.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Reed C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A true Michigan gem. Awesome location and plenty of space in the house and yard for large groups. We had 14 guys up for a golf trip and couldn't have picked a better spot. Lots of yard games to keep the fun going. Only downside is that the queen beds are not as wide as modern queens. Two men can share but won't be very comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

George H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family of 17 enjoyed this well-kept home with an abundance of indoor and outdoor activities.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kevin W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Running Bear cabin is fantastic! It was perfect for our large group. There are endless things to do. Our group ranged from 8 years old to 84 years old and we never ran out of things to do even on a rainy day. Easy access to the chain of lakes and grass river natural area. Would recommend highly. Our host, Alicia was very responsive and easy to communicate with. Planning on going back for many future vacations.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ben P.

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

Golf trip

Great place with plenty of beds for all 12 of us. Loved the back yard outdoor area. Plenty of parking.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Barb L.

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

Mini Family Reunion

We had 3 generations of family this weekend. The house held all 15 of us pretty well. It was almost a perfect weekend, weather was just a little too cool to eat outside. Inside table held 10. Beds very comfortable, had plenty of dishes and appliances to work with. Everything inside house was very well labeled with instructions. Overall very nice place, will return when it’s warmer.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jody H.

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

Great place for a group

The house was as described. It was perfect for a group getaway, with activities and a separate space for the kids to play. Communication was great, including recommendations for local activities. Would definitely recommend this property.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

About the host

Hosted by Alicia Meldrum

Host profile image
My family and I have been visiting the area for the past 20 years, sometimes a few times a year. Out of everywhere we stayed we have chosen to make this our second home. This area is beautiful and centrally located , with all the lakes that surround us including Torch Lake ! Fantastic too because we are still close enough to enjoy a night out in Traverse City if we want or Charlevoix , even Elk Rapids . Honestly if your a foodie there are some unbelievable restaurants up here!

Why they chose this property

As a previous renter I knew that the layout of the home and the property it self was perfect for my family. Privacy Privacy ! I always wanted Two things out of my future cabin . First it had to be in the woods type of private. Secondly I needed to be able to boat on Torch Lake ! I got that and so much more ! We have made many upgrades to accommodate what your looking for on a vacation! I can tell you that you will not find anything else that compare's ! Any Season this is the place you want to be at..

What makes this property unique

The beautiful wrap around porch makes for a relaxing retreat to take in all that nature has to offer. We built a large lower patio that has a 20 foot tall Outdoor fireplace with large sitting area. If that wasn't enough there is also a fire pit on the property. The lower patio also has a large Pizza Oven and wood fire grill perfect for outdoor entertaining . There is dinning table also on the lower patio. We also added a Hot Tub . We have a Covered outdoor bar area with bar stools. Seating, Seating tons of it all over to enjoy the outdoors! The boardwalk to the river is like having your own nature trail and it is lighted to enjoy in the evenings for star gazing some even enjoy moonlight kayaking! Lastly we are centrally located for all outdoor activities, Boating , Ski, Golfing, Biking !

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests