As you turn off the main road onto the 500 foot long winding wooded lane, your anticipation grows. When you pull up to the back of the house, you can already smell the fresh, clean breeze coming off of Lake Michigan. And, when you open the car door, you can hear the waves. You rush toward the front yard and as you walk to the edge of the 50 foot bluff, overlooking your private beach, you are overwhelmed by the beauty of this place. You don’t wait to unpack the car. You rush down the 60 steps to the beach. You kick off your shoes and run to the waters edge. You only intend to test the water but, before you know it you’re in up to your knees, your pants are wet and you don’t even care. And, so begins one of the most memorable vacations you’ll ever experience. Please be aware that the parking area on the east side is at the level of the walk out basement. There are approximately 15 steps up the stairs to the living area and bedrooms.
A note from the owner: Historically high water levels on Lake Michigan caused severe erosion of the beaches in most areas beginning in 2019/2020. Since then, the water level has gone down by about 3 feet and as of 2025 there is about 100 feet of beach. I have tried to post more recent photos of the beach but the amount of beach and access varies widely depending on the time of year, wind, and wave conditions, etc. Please request current photos and ask questions. The owner makes no guarantees as to lake level or access beyond what is known at the current time. Also, be advised, for your security and the security of the property, there is video surveillance on the grounds of the property (outside only) to monitor authorized and unauthorized visitors in the parking area and at access points to the home. By renting this property you are acknowledging and agreeing that your image and the images of anyone in your party may be recorded.
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Home has not been child proofed. Parents are resp.
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Events
No events allowed
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Pets
Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
Contact owner for exception requests.
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
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 deadlock
We should mention
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
Frequently asked questions
Is Windhaven on Lake Michigan pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at Windhaven on Lake Michigan?
As of 1 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Windhaven on Lake Michigan on 4 Apr 2026 start from AU$365, 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 Windhaven on Lake Michigan?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Windhaven on Lake Michigan?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Windhaven on Lake Michigan?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Windhaven on Lake Michigan located?
Nestled on the beach, this Muskegon holiday home is 0.2 mi (0.3 km) from Lake Michigan and 3.1 mi (4.9 km) from Duck Lake Outlet. Duck Lake State Park Beach and Muskegon State Park are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This location, on a bluff above Lake Michigan, and near the amenities of the Muskegan area, is just perfect. This is our fifth stay at the cottage, and we just booked again for next year.
Mark N.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Oct 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words and your repeat visits. It's always a pleasure to know that folks enjoy their stay enough to come back year after year.
The house was clean and comfortable. It was well stocked for cooking. We loved bringing our dog and the space was comfortable for her as well. Jim was helpful and responsive to our questions. It is a great place for a relaxing time at the beach!!
Maria B.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Oct 2025
Thank you for your kind review. Enjoy the holidays and please keep us in mind for your next get away.
Older lake house that fit our needs pretty well. The listing maybe should have mentioned the fact that there are stairs required to enter. Not a big deal for most of us, but we had older parents come visit. Appreciate that our pups were able to be with us. Would stay again.
Craig R.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Oct 2025
Thank you for your kind review. I will definitely take your suggestion and add a note about the stairs to the description. Take care.
This was our 7th summer spending a week at Windhaven....the grands were babies the first year and now venturing out on kayaks and paddle boards! We are already booked for our week next summer! Great set-up for our family!
Harriett R.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Aug 2025
Thank you so much for your kind review and your loyalty. It always feels good to have repeat guests year after year. We'll see you next year. Take care.
Well equipped and roomy. Close to amenities, but very quiet and a very private nice beach. Needs to replace some fogged glass on lakeside. Nice to have AC for hotter days.
Archie W.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 30 July 2025
Thank you for your kind review. Please keep us in mind for next year.
We truly enjoyed our stay. We especially enjoyed being able to visit 2 state parks that we could access quickly. Jim was a very responsive host. Thank you for a warm and welcoming stay.
Maria B.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Feb 2025
Thank you for your kind review. It was a pleasure having you as our guest and please keep us in mind for your next get away.
This was our third stay here and we've already booked it for next year. It is a perfect place for hanging with friends and family. We highly recommend it to anyone seeking a comfortable vacation home in the Muskegon area.
Mark N.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Oct 2023
Thank you for being a great guest and for booking again for next season. Have a safe year and we'll see you next year.
Thanks Jim we had a wonderful family week at your family cottage! Weather was perfect most days and the beach was beautiful and watching the gorgeous sunsets at the fire pit on the beach was a highlight.
Sharon S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 15 July 2024
Thank you for your kind review and for staying with us. I'm glad you enjoyed the beach as much as my family and I do. Take care.
This house was perfect for our family vacation on lake Michigan! Three generations had space to both be together & have some of their own space when needed. The property owner was very easy to communicate with and made sure we were well accommodated.
Everything was cozy, clean, and convenient. It was a beautiful fall weekend and perfect for beach bonfires. Would highly recommend and love to return someday.
Alia A.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Nov 2022
Thank you for your kind review, Alia. Please keep us in mind for your next getaway.
Our stay began Friday when the entire family was able to come out, have dinner together and remember my husband, their father and grandfather, who died in December last year. My husband and I met just a few miles down the shoreline at Muskegon State Park 55 years ago and the following Wednesday would have been our 54th wedding anniversary.There were a few tears, but much laughter together as a family. Thank you for opening your cottage for us to enjoy.
Barbara G.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 3 June 2025
I'm glad you were able to share this family time together at Windhaven. Thank you for staying with us.
Brought the family out for a daycation and eveyone enjoyed the property. The property was easy to find and was accurate with the description. The owner was very pleasnt and the check in process was easy. The family had a great time and look forward to booking this property in the future
Heather S.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 22 May 2024
Thank you so much for your kind review and for staying with us. Please keep us in mind for your next getaway.
My family and I had another wonderful vacation here! Love the private beach and having campfires at night while watching the sunset. Truly a great place to create lasting memories! The hosts make you feel right at home.
Kathleen S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 25 July 2022
Thank you for staying with us. Please keep us in mind for next time.
Jim was very helpful. The property was as advertised. It was very clean and well-stocked with cooking supplies etc. The location was convenient, had great views and a very nice sandy beach.
bill b.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 11 June 2024
Thank you for your kind words and please keep us in mind for your next visit to the beach.
Cozy old cabin with a quiet beach for walking or just enjoying the water. Peaceful county setting with dining and entertainment options north to Whitehall or south to Muskegon. Or just stay at the cabin on the water.
Della S.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 31 May 2024
Thank you for staying with us and for your kind review.
About the host
Hosted by James Johnstone
I'm a retired Manufacturing Engineer for a company that made liquid filters for Caterpillar. I live in Urbana, IL and I have two grown children and five grandkids. My grandkids are now the sixth generation in our family to make Lake Michigan our vacation destination. My great grandparents had a cabin in Muskegon in the early 1900's near Mount Garfield. My father and his parents vacationed near Pentwater and, when I was growing up we rented a cabin at Scenic Lodge which was about two miles south of Windhaven, every summer. In the early sixties, my parents were fortunate enough to meet a kindly old fisherman who happened to own quite a bit of beach front property. They bought the lot from him and that was the start of their dream. They were working people so, it took them almost 20 years to scrape together the money to build the house but, in 1981 they completed Windhaven.
Why they chose this property
We always loved the Muskegon area and this has been my vacation home since I was old enough to walk. Our family has put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into this place and I can't imagine a more beautiful setting or any place I would rather be.
What makes this property unique
A beautiful beach, clean clear water, incredible sunsets, and lots of other things to do in the area make this a great vacation destination.