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Free PONTOON boat. Lakefront w/Kayaks & Game Room

Photo gallery for Free PONTOON boat. Lakefront w/Kayaks & Game Room

A wooden deck with chairs, a boat, and a dock extending into a lake.
A room with a bed, two bedside tables with lamps, a dresser, and three framed pictures on the wall.
A rustic barn with a sloped roof and a small window.
A white picket fence with corn stalks in pots, a red-roofed building, and a grassy area in the background.
A spacious living room with large windows, a sofa, a coffee table, and a fireplace.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Family fun awaits
    Top-rated for families.
  • Beach equipment
    A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.
5 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 12

Popular amenities

  • Patio
  • Dog-friendly
  • Toys
  • Barbecue
  • Air-conditioning
  • Refrigerator

Explore the area

View map
Arcadia, MI
  • Place, Upper Herring Lake
    ‪1 min drive‬
  • Place, Lower Herring Lake
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Inspiration Point
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Airport, Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker)
    ‪33 min drive‬

Where you'll sleep

5 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Double Futon and 1 Single Bunk Bed

Great Room

2 Double Futons

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

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

About this property

Free PONTOON boat. Lakefront w/Kayaks & Game Room


PEACEFUL LAKEFRONT FARM HOUSE NEAR CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN WITH FREE PONTOON

We never charge host, cleaning, pet (up to two dogs) or extra guest fees.

This 4 bedroom, 2 bath farmhouse-style home is a thoughtfully designed recreation of a classic Northern Michigan farmhouse, built in 2006 and set on 2.5 private acres along Upper Herring Lake. With 140 feet of private water frontage and a quiet country setting, this home offers privacy, space, and a true up-north atmosphere.

Surrounded by rolling hills, woodlands, orchards, and vineyards, the Farm House Cottage sits on a peaceful country road and provides plenty of elbow room for families and multi-generation groups.

THE HOME
This cozy yet spacious 2,200 square foot home features custom ceramic tile, wide plank flooring, detailed woodwork, an antique claw-foot tub, and Pottery Barn-style décor blended with antique and custom furnishings.

The main great room includes an HD TV with Roku, a DVD player, and a DVD library, making it a comfortable gathering space after a day on the lake or the slopes.

A game room with bunk beds features a foosball table, board games, an HD TV with Roku, and a PlayStation 2 with games. This space is ideal for kids, teens, and casual evening entertainment while allowing adults to enjoy quieter time in the great room.

The layout is designed with family fun in mind, offering separate areas for adults and children so everyone has space to relax.

THE LAKE AND LOCATION
Upper Herring Lake is an all-sports lake that remains peaceful and uncrowded, making it ideal for boating, fishing, and relaxed lake days without heavy traffic.

The home is just minutes from Lake Michigan beaches and the town of Frankfort, and is conveniently located near Crystal Mountain, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and Traverse City. It is an excellent home base for summer lake vacations, fall color tours, and winter ski trips.

WATERFRONT ACCESS AND AMENITIES
A short walk along a boardwalk through a protected natural area leads to the lakefront amenities. This path typically takes about two to three minutes for healthy adults and children. The home sits on a slight grade, so the walk back may take a bit longer for guests with mobility or health concerns.

Lakefront amenities include a full dock with moorings for additional boats, a fire pit with chairs, a rope hammock, chaise lounges, and ample space to enjoy the shoreline.

INCLUDED WATERCRAFT AND SEASONAL AMENITIES
Included at no extra charge, seasonally available:
Pontoon boat with 10 gallons of pre-mixed fuel
Available Memorial Week through early October
Floating foam aqua-play mat
Available Memorial Week through Labor Day Week
Kayaks
Available May 1 through November 1
Row boat
Available April 1 through November 15
Dock
Available mid-May through November 1
The lake bottom is typical Northern Michigan soft sediment (mucky) near the shoreline. It is not sandy.

ABOUT THE PONTOON BOAT
As a free bonus for our summer guests, we offer the use of one of our pontoon boats. These boats are clean, well maintained, and functional. They range in size from 18 to 24 feet and are older models equipped with 25 to 35 hp two-stroke motors.

They are well suited for relaxed sunset cruises and family fishing outings. Guests with basic boating knowledge and familiarity with two-stroke motors will enjoy them most. Full instructions and technical assistance are available if needed. Please see photos for a typical example of the pontoon boat.

WHAT WE PROVIDE
A starter supply of paper and soap products is provided and is typically sufficient for a two-night stay for smaller groups of two to four guests.
For a complete list of what is provided and what to bring, please see “Using the Property” on your My Trip page.

SEASONAL NOTES
For winter stays, an all-wheel-drive vehicle or front-wheel drive vehicle with good snow tires is strongly recommended.

IMPORTANT HOUSE NOTES
This is a quiet, peaceful setting suited for families and responsible guests.

RENTAL AGREEMENT: By booking, the guest accepts the Rental Agreement shown under “House rules and rental agreement” during checkout.

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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

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
1. Start first load of laundry (can be either linens or towels). 2. Wipe excessive spills on surfaces.
3. Return furniture to original places. Please leave inside furniture inside and outside furniture outside. 4. Clean and empty the BBQ grill into provided ash can only.
5. Clean up after pets (including HAIR IN HOME (and "doo-doo" in yard).
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Check out list: -Start a load of laundry -Wash dishes & put away -Put back furniture that was moved -Trash out to receptacle -Clean all dog hair & poo
Smoking damages the the home. If smoking has occurred inside the home, there will be a $200-$500 Cleaning Repair Fee depending on the level of damage.
Quiet time: 10PM - 8AM. No parking on rd. By booking guest agrees to VRBO and host's (sent by VRBO after booking is complete) Terms and Conditions

Important information

You need to know

Property # 53087vb
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
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 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

About the area

Arcadia

Located in Arcadia, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Elizabeth Lane Oliver Center for the Arts and Frankfort Light are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Chestnut Hills Golf Course and Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the sledging and snowmobiling.
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Map
Arcadia, MI

What's nearby

  • Upper Herring Lake - 1 min drive - 0.4 km
  • Lower Herring Lake - 4 min drive - 2.9 km
  • Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve - 6 min drive - 7.6 km
  • Inspiration Point - 7 min drive - 8.6 km
  • Betsie Lake - 11 min drive - 13.7 km

Getting around

  • Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker) - 34 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪A&W Restaurant - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Chestnut Hills Golf Course - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪MT Plate Diner - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Upriver Pizza - ‬16 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Free PONTOON boat. Lakefront w/Kayaks & Game Room pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much does it cost to stay at Free PONTOON boat. Lakefront w/Kayaks & Game Room?

As of 24 Sept 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Free PONTOON boat. Lakefront w/Kayaks & Game Room on 1 Nov 2026 start from AU$771, 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 Free PONTOON boat. Lakefront w/Kayaks & Game Room?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Free PONTOON boat. Lakefront w/Kayaks & Game Room?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Free PONTOON boat. Lakefront w/Kayaks & Game Room?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Free PONTOON boat. Lakefront w/Kayaks & Game Room located?

This family-friendly Arcadia holiday home is located on the waterfront, within 2 mi (3 km) of Upper Herring Lake and Lower Herring Lake. Lake Michigan is 2.2 mi (3.6 km) away.

Reviews

9.8

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. 41 out of 46 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 46 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 46 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 46 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 46 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful property and we loved the lake access. We had lots of fun on the lake with the pontoon, kayaks, and swim pad. Having the pontoon was a huge plus! Our family had plently of room to spread out and the room with the TV and games upstairs gave mom and dad a chance to chill. Great spot to explore surrounding towns.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very spacious for my dogs and I. The game room was a nice touch as well. We loved our stay. It was close to the beach and the host was very accommodating.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Yes, the property was dog friendly.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
House was beautiful. Had a great time!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful time and will return next winter!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very family friendly and pet friendly accommodations. We truly enjoyed our stay at this beautiful property. Thank you!!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Friends Vacation

Perfect place for a group vacation
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
House was extremely comfortable! All three Queen beds were super comfy! More than enough dishes and kitchens supplies!!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great place, great owner!

What a wonderful place to vacation at! Our family enjoyed our stay and plan to return again! A 5 star home with 5 star owners.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Feb 2022
Thank you! You are so kind! We would love for you to come again anytime!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great trip!

Wonderful home & location was great. Loved having the use of the pontoon boat!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Feb 2022
Thank you! The pontoon boat sure is fun! You and your family are welcomed back anytime!
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had six adults and four kids, 6 and under. The pontoon boat was a big hit. We went fishing, even caught a few, the kids played on the jump pad. The kayaks also were a hit with the adults. The fire pit was great for s’mores, the playscape also kept the kids entertained. It has swings, a slide, a hanging bar, a sand box. There was a platform and the kids made up shows to perform. The kitchen had all the usual stuff. We did do a lot of cooking there. The table fit us all. The ticks were horrible, do take repellent with you, and use it. We found a lot of things to do in Frankfort. Overall it was a great trip. Be sure to go star gazing on clear nights. Buy your groceries in Frankfort, about a ten minute drive away. And if you like beer, definitely go to the Lucky Dog bar in Frankfort. I think that was the highlight of my husband’s trip!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Aug 2026
Thanks for all the kind words and your helpful advice for future guests! You guys were great and are welcome back anytime!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Ski Getaway

Great property! Plentiful amenities, and close to Crystal Mountain. We also loved the boardwalk down to the lake!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Mar 2023
Thank you Staci! I am so happy you enjoyed your stay! We would love to have you back anytime!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Ski trip

The house was clean and had everything we needed while we skied at Crystal for a couple of days.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was listed as 5 bedrooms however bedroom 5 is actually the living room so if you’re looking for an actual 5 bedrooms you could be disappointed. The host was accessible, but maybe not as receptive to helping as I would have liked. There was definitely a huge problem with fruit flies which went unaddressed so we had to try and take care of it And when I say fruit flies …you had to keep your drinks covered at all times or you were drinking them. The previous guest broke the jumping mat for the lake and we were told they would get it fixed or get a new one but never heard back from them. That being said I did say I understood so maybe it didn’t seem imperative for it to get taken care of. The good… they had a lot of kitchen tools and we love to cook! The bedrooms and bathrooms super clean and the huge kitchen table was great for board games at night. They also had a fabulous binder filled with where to go and what to do. The boat was big plus as well. It was quiet and relaxing no noisy neighbors and a quiet street, and close within 30 minutes of everything we wanted to do. All and all myself and my kids gave it a solid 7 out of 10 and actually had it not been for the bugs inside it would have been closer to a 9.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Sept 2026
Thank you for your review, Patty! We’re glad your family enjoyed the kitchen, large dining table, boat, peaceful setting, and location. To clarify for future guests, VRBO automatically counts a room with a futon or sofa bed as a bedroom. The sleeping arrangements are shown above, and our written description states that the home has four bedrooms. I’m sorry about the fruit flies. Our home is surrounded by orchards, so they can be a problem outdoors during harvest season. Keeping the outside doors closed and food covered helps keep them under control. Our maintenance person delivered a replacement lake mat that same day, but because it was evening, he left it near the boat rather than disturbing you. I should have let you know it had arrived. Thank you again for the helpful feedback. We enjoyed hosting your family and would gladly welcome you back!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great space for the kids to play games while the adults enjoyed their own time and space. Such a cool floor plan.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

7th annual family ski trip

This place was even better than the pics! It worked out perfect for our trip and our family of 12 had more than enough room! I would definitely recommend thia place to anyone looking to stay in the area! We had to make a cpl last minute changes on our trip and the host was very accommodating. Thank you very much! We has a great time staying at the FHC!!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Ski trip

Would love to see this house in the summer. Great space for multiple families. Wish there was more comfortable seating in the living area but it worked. About 20 min from Crystal. Love that is is dog friendly. Would definitely book again.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Highly recommend

Exactly as advertised. Make sure to read the “items you need to bring” list. Will stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfection!!!

The property was beautiful! 14 family members stayed here very comfortably! Great fishing with the pontoon! Something for everyone!!! Plan to return next summer 😊
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 24 July 2022
Thank you, Brenda! We loved having you and I’m so glad you enjoyed you stay!! We look forward to having you again sometime soon!! ❤️
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Quiet and peaceful

The property was exactly as described. My husband, dog and I had a very nice stay. There are many orchards and trails near by. The Arcadia bluffs were beautiful. The pontoon was so fun and a nice experience. The property is beautiful and relaxing. I only wish there had been some restaurants near by.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

May visit

The house was very clean and comfortable, with lots of amenities. The location was also peaceful. This allowed for an enjoyable stay. Nice boardwalk to the water, play structure/sandbox for younger children, charcoal grill, kayaks, pontoon, fire pit. Also not far from downtown Frankfort. Would recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Feb 2022
Thank you so much for this lovely detailed review! We love how close downtown Frankfort is too! You are welcomed back anytime! :)
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Ski weekend!

We just returned from an awesome girls ski weekend getaway. The house was perfect for our group of 8. Only 15 mins to Crystal Mountain. It was clean, and well maintained. The property owner provided lots of great info in the binders that were on the table. Perfect location and property for a winter weekend getaway!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Feb 2022
Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed your stay. It was wonderful having you all and you’re welcome back anytime! :)
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Awesomeness

Everything was absolutely perfect. Clean, organized, well stocked. Just like the pictures. The boat was such an added bonus. Our weather was iffy but we made the most of it. Just perfect. Many beautiful memories made.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Feb 2022
Thank you so much! I am thrilled you had such wonderful memories made! You are always welcomed back again!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Very nice house, ideal for large families!

This a very nice decorated and furnished house. Space full environments, with indoor and outdoor games for kids and good movies available for grownups. Large kitchen and well equipped. There is a lake connected to the backyard, during winter ideal for ice fishing. Quite neighbourhood, ideal for escaping the routine and noisy cities. 100% recommended!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great ski weekend

Our group had 4 adults and 6 children and we had plenty of room. Kitchen is big, beds are comfortable and there was lots of space to stretch out. Game room/bedroom was perfect for my 3 teen boys. Upstairs shower isn’t the best, and I wish they had more comfortable couches and a mop available to clean up melted snow that was tracked in. Other than that, place was great.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Mar 2023
Hi Sandra! Thank you for your 5 star review! In the future, please feel free to contact us while you’re in our home so that we can help you find whatever you need. We don’t receive reviews until two weeks after you’ve checked out. This means we are unable to give you the best possible stay. Our number is in the VRBO app, the info book on the dining room table and even on the fridge for your convenience. You were great guests and I hope we can have you back for our next ski season!

About the host

Hosted by Lizzie B

Host profile image
We are a small, family run business. Be sure to let us know if you have any issues during your stay so we can make things right. :)

Why they chose this property

My dad built this home in 2005 because we fell in love with the quiet, country road and Upper Herring Lake.

What makes this property unique

Home was built to resemble an old farm house from 1920. All the antiques in the home are from that period. Also, this is a dedicated vacation rental which means we don't have drawers, closets and cupboards full of our personal items.

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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