Entire home
Charming 4-bedroom cottage ON Tawas Lake Pet, kid-friendly. Great Bird watching!
Photo gallery for Charming 4-bedroom cottage ON Tawas Lake Pet, kid-friendly. Great Bird watching!





Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms 1 bathroom Sleeps 10 83.6 sq m
Popular amenities
Explore the area

East Tawas, MI
- Tawas Point State Park
- Iosco County Historical Museum5 min drive
- Tawas Point Lighthouse18 min drive
Rooms & beds
4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Single Bunk Bed
Bedroom 3
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 4
1 Double Bed
Living Room 1
1 Queen Sofa Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Charming 4-bedroom cottage ON Tawas Lake Pet, kid-friendly. Great Bird watching!
One of the few places in the area where you can watch the sunset reflected in the lake!
Your East Tawas adventure begins at this phenomenal 4-bedroom cottage. With 2 Queen beds, 1 Bunk bed, and a pullout Queen sofa in the living room plus a full bed in the loft--Plenty of space for everyone to unwind!
Enjoy newly renovated open-concept living with a cozy sofa, vaulted ceiling and lake views surround a dining table that seats everyone. Relax after a day of exploring. The loft is a fun place for the kids to chill-out and play games. AC, electric heaters and a gas fireplace ensure a comfortable stay, while the Wi-Fi, smart TV, and many amenities add convenience.
Park two cars easily on a gravel parking pad. There is also room for a boat or a third car in front of our 'barn' off of Rainbow Drive.
We look forward to welcoming you to our place!
Cooking: Fully equipped kitchen with
-a coffee bar,
-full fridge,
-air fryer,
-microwave,
-gas stove.
-Pots, pans, and a decent selection of spices.
-Plates, bowls, glasses, mugs, and silverware available for use.
-coffee bar stocked with K-cups, sugar and creamers.
The Table seats 10! Gather around for meals, lively games or great conversation.
Outside: cook over a propane grill or roast marshmallows at the firepit with cooking grill. Enjoy amazing sunsets and star-gazing! Private lake access to launch the rowboat, canoes, and kayaks.
Water life: Three single-person Kayaks with paddles, Two canoes (2 & 3 person), Launch paddling boats from property, enjoy exploring Tawas Lake, Bird watching and great fishing. Swim at beautiful Lake Huron Beaches.
Trails: Hike, Bike and Cross Country ski on extensive area trails. Walk (or drive) to play Disc Golf.
Indoor Entertainment: TV, Cable, Wi-fi, Stream your apps. The kids will love the Ms Pacman machine in the loft. Enjoy Family-friendly board games, cards, and reading from a varied library.
Sleep 8 people:
-Queen Bed in BR#1 (2)
-Bunk Bed in BR#2 (2)
-Queen Bed in BR#3 (2)
-Full-size Bed in BR#4/Loft (2) Note: Ladder entry
Plus: Queen Pull-out Sofa in Living Room (2)
Cleanliness: Expect a clean cottage, all beds made with fitted and flat sheet, pillows, and a comforter, plus blankets appropriate for the time of year. A vacuum, broom, and mop are available as needed.
Well-stocked Linens: Clean Sheets, bath towels, wash cloths, dish towels, comforters, pillows, and extra blankets are available for use. Plus teddy bears!
Toiletries include toilet paper, cotton balls, Q-Tips, emergency extra toothbrushes and toothpaste. Hair Dryer. Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash.
Pet-friendly! A medium dog or 2 small dogs are allowed, but please clean-up after them. Poop bags to keep the area clean. Bring your own dog beds, food, toys and essentials.
History of the Cottages:
These 3 cottages were originally built around 1920 in the forest along Tawas Lake outside of East Tawas city limits. Originally used for gambling and drinking during prohibition, their remote location gave them insulation from direct oversight. A signaling system (still attached to one of the trees!) told their clients when they were open for business.
When prohibition was repealed they became vacation rentals for families. One proprietor during the 50's and 60's made boats that he rented to the public to take out on the lake. He also sold bait and the edges of the tanks are still visible in the front yard. At that time the land sloped down the the lake front and their was a beach that people fished from or swam in. He had a small shack that he placed near the road to run his business out of. Its still on the property but tucked away and used for storage.
Later, a sea wall was built to create a flat yard in front of the cottage which makes a great space to gather for a bon fire. Its also a great vantage point for bird watching! We've seen flocks of hawks, swans, and ducks. Cranes, great Hurons and Loons fly overhead and nest around the lake. There is an area that still slopes to the lake for launching boats. The fish are regularly jumping to feast on bugs. Frogs will loll you to sleep with their croaks. It is a shallow lake not suitable for motor boats, but heavenly for nature lovers.
Most recently the front cottage (closest to the lake) has been renovated to create an open concept kitchen, dining room and living room. The attic has been opened up and turned into a sleeping loft. The ceiling and walls of the loft are lined with the original knotty pine. Unfortunately, years of deferred maintenance has left the exteriors in a rough state. Over the next few years, we look forward to restoring their charm and sense of family fun!
East Tawas has a lot to offer...
-Beautiful Lake Huron Beaches 5 minutes away
-Tawas State Park for more beaches, hiking, motor-boating-- less than a 15 minute drive
-Buy groceries from well-stocked Neiman's Family Market or a local Walmart.
-Just around the corner there is a huge selection of meat from Klenow's Butcher shop on Newman St (plus some basic essentials)
-Practically private Bird-watching on quiet Tawas lake-- get close in the canoes & kayaks!
-Bike on Paved Tawas Bike Path shadowing U.S. 23 along the sparkling waters of Lake Huron--Bring your bikes!
-East Tawas has many delicious restaurants from Barnacle Bills for great pizza and burgers, enjoy Mexican food at Mangos, BBQ at Route 23 or delicious Chinese food at China Buffet. Social Oaks has steak and seafood for special celebrations.
-CORSAIR TRAIL
Take advantage of this 44-mile groomed trail system to hike, run, walk, birdwatch, snowshoe, and ski, depending on the season. The trails are a series of loops that offer users a variety of challenges from easy to difficult. Trails cross forest and meadows, hills and valleys, taking you through sunny open vistas, into hushed stands of sweet-smelling firs and towering hardwoods, and along the edge of winding streams.
-FISHING
The Tawas area has fishing galore, regardless of season or how much gear you have. Fishing in Tawas Bay includes walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, brown trout and smallmouth bass. During the spring and fall, whitefish, steelhead, brown trout, lake trout and walleye move along the shoreline of the bay. Fish from riverbanks, the shore, the dock, your own boat or grab a charter. In the winter, ice fishing is very popular. And, don’t forget to try your luck on the AuSable River, Tawas Lake, Sand Lake, Van Ettan and Cedar Lakes in Oscoda, along with a host of 60+ smaller inland lakes throughout the Tawases and surrounding areas.
GOLF
Grab your clubs for a change of pace and tee it up at your choice of a variety of award winning golf courses. All courses are well maintained and each has their own personality, from breathtaking views, to wide open fairways, to delightful and challenging hazards. Pick your favorite, or better yet, try them all; you won’t be disappointed!
HURON-MANISTEE NATIONAL FOREST
With almost a million acres of public lands (much of which comprises Iosco County around the Tawases), this gorgeous forest provides recreation opportunities for visitors, habitat for fish and wildlife, and resources for local industry. Whether you like camping, hiking, walking, or spending time on the AuSable River that runs through the forest, you won’t want to miss the only National Forest in Lower Michigan.
RIVER ROAD NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
If you haven’t driven the River Road National Scenic Byway, you’ll be amazed by this 22-mile long byway showcasing the beauty of the AuSable River valley and all the roadside (and riverside) parks. Be sure to visit the Eagle’s Nest Lookout or Canoer’s Memorial. Lumberman’s Monument features a visitor’s center and gift shop, a log pile for climbing, a stairway down to a floating logger’s kitchen and trails through the woods to an observation deck overseeing the river and dunes. Largo Springs has a lovely observation deck and interpretive kiosk; 294 steps down a wooden stairway lead to a mystical place where underground springs come together and form cold water streams featuring a 1,000 feet of elevated boardwalk to meander on and enjoy the serenity.
SNOWMOBILING/ATVS
Iosco County has 94 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. The Huron Snowmobile Trail has five starting points in Iosco County and connects to trails across the state. The two trailheads closest to town are the Tawas Area Trailhead (off Monument Road on the left before Camel Road) and the Sand Lake Area Trailhead (off Esmond Road and Indian Lake Road). ORVs are allowed on parts of the Huron Snowmobile Trail.
SHOPPING
The Tawases are full of beautiful and interesting shops just waiting for you. Resale, antiquities, an art gallery, souvenir shops, sporting goods and more. Wide, brick paved sidewalks are lined with trees and benches making shopping an enjoyable experience. Plus enjoy ice cream after a day at the beach!
TAWAS POINT LIGHTHOUSE
In operation since 1876, the lighthouse is the feature of the Tawas Point State Park, situated on a 200 acre peninsula that defines the southeast boundary of Tawas Bay. The 70 foot lighthouse is open for tours six days a week from May through September. Ask about the Lighthouse Keeper Program that allows registered volunteers to stay in the keeper’s cottage for up to two weeks while serving as lighthouse volunteers. Special events include the Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival, the Haunted Lighthouse, and Christmas programs.
Your East Tawas adventure begins at this phenomenal 4-bedroom cottage. With 2 Queen beds, 1 Bunk bed, and a pullout Queen sofa in the living room plus a full bed in the loft--Plenty of space for everyone to unwind!
Enjoy newly renovated open-concept living with a cozy sofa, vaulted ceiling and lake views surround a dining table that seats everyone. Relax after a day of exploring. The loft is a fun place for the kids to chill-out and play games. AC, electric heaters and a gas fireplace ensure a comfortable stay, while the Wi-Fi, smart TV, and many amenities add convenience.
Park two cars easily on a gravel parking pad. There is also room for a boat or a third car in front of our 'barn' off of Rainbow Drive.
We look forward to welcoming you to our place!
Cooking: Fully equipped kitchen with
-a coffee bar,
-full fridge,
-air fryer,
-microwave,
-gas stove.
-Pots, pans, and a decent selection of spices.
-Plates, bowls, glasses, mugs, and silverware available for use.
-coffee bar stocked with K-cups, sugar and creamers.
The Table seats 10! Gather around for meals, lively games or great conversation.
Outside: cook over a propane grill or roast marshmallows at the firepit with cooking grill. Enjoy amazing sunsets and star-gazing! Private lake access to launch the rowboat, canoes, and kayaks.
Water life: Three single-person Kayaks with paddles, Two canoes (2 & 3 person), Launch paddling boats from property, enjoy exploring Tawas Lake, Bird watching and great fishing. Swim at beautiful Lake Huron Beaches.
Trails: Hike, Bike and Cross Country ski on extensive area trails. Walk (or drive) to play Disc Golf.
Indoor Entertainment: TV, Cable, Wi-fi, Stream your apps. The kids will love the Ms Pacman machine in the loft. Enjoy Family-friendly board games, cards, and reading from a varied library.
Sleep 8 people:
-Queen Bed in BR#1 (2)
-Bunk Bed in BR#2 (2)
-Queen Bed in BR#3 (2)
-Full-size Bed in BR#4/Loft (2) Note: Ladder entry
Plus: Queen Pull-out Sofa in Living Room (2)
Cleanliness: Expect a clean cottage, all beds made with fitted and flat sheet, pillows, and a comforter, plus blankets appropriate for the time of year. A vacuum, broom, and mop are available as needed.
Well-stocked Linens: Clean Sheets, bath towels, wash cloths, dish towels, comforters, pillows, and extra blankets are available for use. Plus teddy bears!
Toiletries include toilet paper, cotton balls, Q-Tips, emergency extra toothbrushes and toothpaste. Hair Dryer. Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash.
Pet-friendly! A medium dog or 2 small dogs are allowed, but please clean-up after them. Poop bags to keep the area clean. Bring your own dog beds, food, toys and essentials.
History of the Cottages:
These 3 cottages were originally built around 1920 in the forest along Tawas Lake outside of East Tawas city limits. Originally used for gambling and drinking during prohibition, their remote location gave them insulation from direct oversight. A signaling system (still attached to one of the trees!) told their clients when they were open for business.
When prohibition was repealed they became vacation rentals for families. One proprietor during the 50's and 60's made boats that he rented to the public to take out on the lake. He also sold bait and the edges of the tanks are still visible in the front yard. At that time the land sloped down the the lake front and their was a beach that people fished from or swam in. He had a small shack that he placed near the road to run his business out of. Its still on the property but tucked away and used for storage.
Later, a sea wall was built to create a flat yard in front of the cottage which makes a great space to gather for a bon fire. Its also a great vantage point for bird watching! We've seen flocks of hawks, swans, and ducks. Cranes, great Hurons and Loons fly overhead and nest around the lake. There is an area that still slopes to the lake for launching boats. The fish are regularly jumping to feast on bugs. Frogs will loll you to sleep with their croaks. It is a shallow lake not suitable for motor boats, but heavenly for nature lovers.
Most recently the front cottage (closest to the lake) has been renovated to create an open concept kitchen, dining room and living room. The attic has been opened up and turned into a sleeping loft. The ceiling and walls of the loft are lined with the original knotty pine. Unfortunately, years of deferred maintenance has left the exteriors in a rough state. Over the next few years, we look forward to restoring their charm and sense of family fun!
East Tawas has a lot to offer...
-Beautiful Lake Huron Beaches 5 minutes away
-Tawas State Park for more beaches, hiking, motor-boating-- less than a 15 minute drive
-Buy groceries from well-stocked Neiman's Family Market or a local Walmart.
-Just around the corner there is a huge selection of meat from Klenow's Butcher shop on Newman St (plus some basic essentials)
-Practically private Bird-watching on quiet Tawas lake-- get close in the canoes & kayaks!
-Bike on Paved Tawas Bike Path shadowing U.S. 23 along the sparkling waters of Lake Huron--Bring your bikes!
-East Tawas has many delicious restaurants from Barnacle Bills for great pizza and burgers, enjoy Mexican food at Mangos, BBQ at Route 23 or delicious Chinese food at China Buffet. Social Oaks has steak and seafood for special celebrations.
-CORSAIR TRAIL
Take advantage of this 44-mile groomed trail system to hike, run, walk, birdwatch, snowshoe, and ski, depending on the season. The trails are a series of loops that offer users a variety of challenges from easy to difficult. Trails cross forest and meadows, hills and valleys, taking you through sunny open vistas, into hushed stands of sweet-smelling firs and towering hardwoods, and along the edge of winding streams.
-FISHING
The Tawas area has fishing galore, regardless of season or how much gear you have. Fishing in Tawas Bay includes walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, brown trout and smallmouth bass. During the spring and fall, whitefish, steelhead, brown trout, lake trout and walleye move along the shoreline of the bay. Fish from riverbanks, the shore, the dock, your own boat or grab a charter. In the winter, ice fishing is very popular. And, don’t forget to try your luck on the AuSable River, Tawas Lake, Sand Lake, Van Ettan and Cedar Lakes in Oscoda, along with a host of 60+ smaller inland lakes throughout the Tawases and surrounding areas.
GOLF
Grab your clubs for a change of pace and tee it up at your choice of a variety of award winning golf courses. All courses are well maintained and each has their own personality, from breathtaking views, to wide open fairways, to delightful and challenging hazards. Pick your favorite, or better yet, try them all; you won’t be disappointed!
HURON-MANISTEE NATIONAL FOREST
With almost a million acres of public lands (much of which comprises Iosco County around the Tawases), this gorgeous forest provides recreation opportunities for visitors, habitat for fish and wildlife, and resources for local industry. Whether you like camping, hiking, walking, or spending time on the AuSable River that runs through the forest, you won’t want to miss the only National Forest in Lower Michigan.
RIVER ROAD NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
If you haven’t driven the River Road National Scenic Byway, you’ll be amazed by this 22-mile long byway showcasing the beauty of the AuSable River valley and all the roadside (and riverside) parks. Be sure to visit the Eagle’s Nest Lookout or Canoer’s Memorial. Lumberman’s Monument features a visitor’s center and gift shop, a log pile for climbing, a stairway down to a floating logger’s kitchen and trails through the woods to an observation deck overseeing the river and dunes. Largo Springs has a lovely observation deck and interpretive kiosk; 294 steps down a wooden stairway lead to a mystical place where underground springs come together and form cold water streams featuring a 1,000 feet of elevated boardwalk to meander on and enjoy the serenity.
SNOWMOBILING/ATVS
Iosco County has 94 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. The Huron Snowmobile Trail has five starting points in Iosco County and connects to trails across the state. The two trailheads closest to town are the Tawas Area Trailhead (off Monument Road on the left before Camel Road) and the Sand Lake Area Trailhead (off Esmond Road and Indian Lake Road). ORVs are allowed on parts of the Huron Snowmobile Trail.
SHOPPING
The Tawases are full of beautiful and interesting shops just waiting for you. Resale, antiquities, an art gallery, souvenir shops, sporting goods and more. Wide, brick paved sidewalks are lined with trees and benches making shopping an enjoyable experience. Plus enjoy ice cream after a day at the beach!
TAWAS POINT LIGHTHOUSE
In operation since 1876, the lighthouse is the feature of the Tawas Point State Park, situated on a 200 acre peninsula that defines the southeast boundary of Tawas Bay. The 70 foot lighthouse is open for tours six days a week from May through September. Ask about the Lighthouse Keeper Program that allows registered volunteers to stay in the keeper’s cottage for up to two weeks while serving as lighthouse volunteers. Special events include the Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival, the Haunted Lighthouse, and Christmas programs.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available
Have a question?
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties

Lakefront Retreat: Escape to a SANDY Pet Friendly private Lake Huron Beach!
Lakefront Retreat: Escape to a SANDY Pet Friendly private Lake Huron Beach!
- Kitchen
- Washer
- Dryer
- Pet-friendly
9.2 out of 10, (92 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Add'l Street parking 8a-11pm. Quiet hours 11p-8a.
Pets
Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
Keep pets on leash tie-out. Clean-up poo.
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 wash the dishes and stack in dish drainer. Put away puzzles and games. Strip beds and place used linens in pile on floor. Put trash in large bin.
Return boats and paddles to their locations where found. Return seat cushions to the deck box. Stack chairs and cleanup around fire pit.
Pick up pet refuse using plastic bags, dispose into bin. Coil the pet lines and hang on hooks on trees.
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 20
Note from host: Add'l Street parking 8a-11pm. Quiet hours 11p-8a.
Long-term renters welcome
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
About the area
East Tawas
East Tawas is home to this cottage. Iosco County Historical Museum and Arenac County Historical Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Tawas Point Lighthouse and Lumberman's Monument Visitor Center.

East Tawas, MI
What's nearby
- Iosco County Historical Museum - 5 min drive - 2.5 km
- Dewey Durant Park - 6 min drive - 2.9 km
- Tawas City Park Beach - 8 min drive - 5.0 km
- Tawas Creek Golf and Country Club - 12 min drive - 7.3 km
- Tawas Point Lighthouse - 18 min drive - 9.7 km
Restaurants
- McDonald's - 6 min drive
- Boathouse Beer Co. & Boozery - 7 min drive
- Starbucks - 5 min drive
- China Buffet - 5 min drive
- KFC - 5 min drive
Frequently asked questions
About the host
Hosted by Catherine S Fillmore

We've always loved the perfect weather that northern Michigan provides. Water-play (boating, swimming, paddling, fishing) during the day, cooking and grilling, sunsets in the evening, star-gazing at night.
We were surprised to discover this newly renovated property which offers everything we enjoy, plus proximity to a thriving small town, excellent birding and a gateway to trails for hiking, biking and skiing. The interior was recently remodeled to create a fresh, yet cozy place to stay. The firepit overlooks beautiful Tawas Lake for sunsets, grilling and star-gazing-- with plenty of seats for your entire group--and a few guests!
We both grew-up in Michigan and love the mitten! We look forward to every opportunity to enjoy the beauty of this wonderous state.
We were surprised to discover this newly renovated property which offers everything we enjoy, plus proximity to a thriving small town, excellent birding and a gateway to trails for hiking, biking and skiing. The interior was recently remodeled to create a fresh, yet cozy place to stay. The firepit overlooks beautiful Tawas Lake for sunsets, grilling and star-gazing-- with plenty of seats for your entire group--and a few guests!
We both grew-up in Michigan and love the mitten! We look forward to every opportunity to enjoy the beauty of this wonderous state.
Why they chose this property
We love this area! East Tawas has delicious restaurants, live music, shopping, spectacular beaches, bird-watching, swimming, boating, hiking, biking, fishing, skiing, fall colors, lots of stars, sunsets over Tawas Lake, and sunrises over Lake Huron.
What makes this property unique
It is right on a quiet lake. The inside is wonderfully remodeled. It will be a great back drop to make memories!
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback