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Secluded Waterfront Beach on Upper Herring Lake ~ Stunning Sunsets ~ AC & WIFI

Photo gallery for Secluded Waterfront Beach on Upper Herring Lake ~ Stunning Sunsets ~ AC & WIFI

Enjoy the beach. Enjoy the water. Enjoy the peace. (Drew Smith Photography)
Drew Smith, acclaimed photographer and local gallery owner, captured this shot!
Campfires, paddle boards and sunsets; all you need! (Drew Smith Photography)
Serenity now!
Enjoy amazing views from the comfort of the family room.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • On beach
  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Frankfort, MI
  • Place, Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Inspiration Point
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Place, Betsie Lake
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Airport, Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker)
    ‪34 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Bunk Beds

Loft

1 Double Futon

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Secluded Waterfront Beach on Upper Herring Lake ~ Stunning Sunsets ~ AC & WIFI

Our 1200 sq ft. home is located on Upper Lake Herring in Frankfort, MI. Upper Herring is a beautiful all sports lake located just 5 miles from Lake Michigan and minutes from several quintessential "Up North" towns. The home can accommodate up to 8 people. There are 2 bedrooms with queen beds. The third bedroom has 2 sets of bunks. The couch in the loft pulls out to a full bed. The sandy beach yard sits on 80 feet of lake frontage.

Remodeled and painted in 2021, Sandy Shores has all the modern amenities including central air conditioning, just added in 2025, and WIFI! The television in the family room is a smart tv, allowing access to Netflix, Prime, Disney, Peacock, Apple, etc. with your personal access codes. The home has WIFI, but the signal isn't strong enough to support working from the lake. It is generally good for personal devices and the smart TV.

The home offers a large deck on the beach facing the lake, 3 kayaks, 2 paddle boards, a large family sized canoe, a very large float mat, fire pit, charcoal grill, toy box with beach toys, lounge chairs, hammock, large dock, board games, DVDs, books and life jackets. Upper Lake Herring is located on a bird sanctuary, and is home to bald eagles, hawks, herons, kingfishers, swans and many more varieties of birds and wildlife such as large turtles, otters and deer.

In the Summer, enjoy great fishing, water sports and breathtaking sunsets at Sandy Shores. The lake is never crowded. Fishing is excellent for Black Crappie, Bluegill, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Northern Pike, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Yellow Perch and Sunfish. Take in the incredible colors and vistas in the Fall. In the Winter, ski Crystal Mountain, just 20 minutes away. Our home is perfect for every season.

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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

The home is very child friendly.

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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

No smoking allowed!

Important information

You need to know

Property # 740752vb
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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Frankfort

Located in Frankfort, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the beach. Elizabeth Lane Oliver Center for the Arts and Frankfort Light are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or try out other outdoor activities such as sledging and snowmobiling.
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Map
Frankfort, MI

What's nearby

  • Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve - 7 min drive - 8.7 km
  • Inspiration Point - 8 min drive - 14.1 km
  • Chestnut Hills Golf Course - 9 min drive - 12.9 km
  • Betsie Lake - 11 min drive - 14.7 km
  • Crystal Mountain - 14 min drive - 22.4 km

Getting around

  • Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker) - 31 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Chestnut Hills Golf Course - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Stormcloud Brewing Parkview Taproom - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪A&W Restaurant - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪The Roadhouse Mexican Bar & Grill - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Secluded Waterfront Beach on Upper Herring Lake ~ Stunning Sunsets ~ AC & WIFI pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Secluded Waterfront Beach on Upper Herring Lake ~ Stunning Sunsets ~ AC & WIFI?

As of 16 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Secluded Waterfront Beach on Upper Herring Lake ~ Stunning Sunsets ~ AC & WIFI on 31 Aug 2026 start from AU$715, 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 Secluded Waterfront Beach on Upper Herring Lake ~ Stunning Sunsets ~ AC & WIFI?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Secluded Waterfront Beach on Upper Herring Lake ~ Stunning Sunsets ~ AC & WIFI?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Secluded Waterfront Beach on Upper Herring Lake ~ Stunning Sunsets ~ AC & WIFI?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Secluded Waterfront Beach on Upper Herring Lake ~ Stunning Sunsets ~ AC & WIFI located?

Nestled on the beach, this Frankfort holiday home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve, Lake Michigan and Chestnut Hills Golf Course. Elberta Beach and Frankfort Beach 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.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 47 out of 57 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 57 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 57 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 57 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 57 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Danielle W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved our stay here. Chris was a terrific communicator, and everything was as described. The beach is a little spot of paradise.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Aug 2025
You were wonderful guests! Thank you for the kind words. You are absolutely right about the beach being a little spot of paradise. Come back any time.
Verified

8/10 Good

Carlin B.

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

Great Lake Get Away

My husband and I stayed here with our 3 kids (13, 10, and 6) for a week in July. We love Frankfort, and this cottage was in a great location to enjoy many of the things we love about the area. The kids caught fish, and we enjoyed the paddle boards and kayaks.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 July 2025
So glad you had a wonderful time!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrea L.

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

Loved our stay!

This property is amazing! Perfect spot for a family. My kids loved playing in the sand. Also the owners were really nice and promptly answered any questions we had.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Aug 2023
Thank you for the wonderful review. We appreciate you staying at our place, being such considerate guests, and taking the time to leave a nice review!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

RYAN W.

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

Beautiful

Great Location
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 26 July 2023
Thanks Ryan! Come back any time!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

William B.

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

Upper Herring Lake

Our family had a really nice stay on Upper Herring Lake. Our host Chris was great to work with.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 22 July 2024
Bill, thanks for the kind words. You guys were exceptional guests. Thank you for taking such good care of our place. Michele and I are really glad you had wonderful stay. Come back anytime!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Bob P.

A test vacation spot.

A wonderful house with a fantastic view. We would come again.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 26 July 2023
Bob, so glad you enjoyed your stay. Thank you for the kind words, and for taking such good care of our home.
Verified

8/10 Good

Dan B.

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

Great location and fantastic host!

Perfect location that's a close drive to so many cool little towns, activities and M22! Great sized house for a family of four and kids loved the bunk beds. The host was super responsive and helpful! oh, and the sunsets….
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Sept 2024
Dan, thanks for the kind words. So glad you enjoyed your stay!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mel G.

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

Summer2020

We had a wonderful stay. Kids could play in Upper Herring Lake or a short drive to Frankfort beach or Sleeping Bear
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 26 July 2023
Glad you enjoyed your stay. Come back any time!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

cheryl m.

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

A million dollar view!

Beautiful nightly sunsets, clean clear lake, quiet and close to many small cute towns. We made a good choice spending our honeymoon in Northern Michigan and we will definitely be back!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 26 July 2023
Thank you Cheryl! Michele and I are honored you chose to honeymoon at our lake house. The sunset pics you sent us were amazing. Please come back any time. Congratulations, and we hope you have many many happy years together! Chris
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Trevor P.

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

Great cottage

We had a blast. The sandy beach was perfect for the kids. The lake was very peaceful and quiet all week. Fishing was good. Location is excellent, downtown Frankort is very nice. We had a great time.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 26 July 2023
Thanks for being such excellent guests. So glad your family had a great time. Take care! Chris
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Autumn H.

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

Beautiful Views

Lovely home with beautiful views of the lake from the house and deck. Beautiful sunsets and night skies full of stars. A wonderful week!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 26 July 2023
Autumn, you guys were a pleasure. Thanks for being so awesome! Come back again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alex M.

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

Sandy Shores Review

Great property and owner, great communications and amenities. Lake was difficult to fish and a lack of a dock that I could keep my boat was only reason I gave 4 stars on location. We enjoyed our stay!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 26 July 2023
I’m really glad you enjoyed your stay. Our dock isn’t set up for boats but we do have a mooring system in the shallows that guests can clip onto, and have their boat or jet shi float in shallows (about 3 feet of water).
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ashley S.

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

First time Up North

We loved our stay at Sandy Shores! The view is amazing. We loved watching the sunset every night. We had fun paddle boarding and kayaking around the lake and having a fire on cool nights. The town of Frankfort is adorable and full of amazing restaurants and a beautiful beach.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 26 July 2023
Thanks for the wonderful review. I'm really glad your first experience Up North was a great one. Come back any time ;) !
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Delmar B.

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

Delightful spot!

A lovely restful place. Sunsets to die for. The lake and overall venue is quiet. Seven of us ages 7, 12, 14 and parents and grandparents -- delightful week of sandy beach, fishing, boating, kayaks, paddle boards and especially the "Towboggan!" We were new to the Frankfort/Benzonia area and fell in love with it.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 15 July 2024
Thank you for the very positive review. Michele and I appreciate the kind words, and we're really glad your entire family had such a special week. That Towboggan is fun for all ages, but especially for the kiddos!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rob H.

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

Very Fun

Our kids used paddle boards, canoe and fished everyday!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 26 July 2023
Sounds like a perfect family vacation! Come back any time!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David R.

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

Return to Sandy Shores

This was our second stay at Sandy Shores and we enjoyed the visit as much as the first. While the weather did not always cooperate, we still had a blast fishing, reading in the cottage, having fires, and of course, ice cream. The cottage has been renovated and looks great. We were very happy with our stay and would rent this property again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 26 July 2023
David, I'm so glad you and your family had another great stay. We really appreciate the kind words, and once again, thank you for taking such good care of the home. You are always welcome!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paul J.

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

Amazing escape

We had an amazing vacation at this property. The owner was incredibly helpful, courteous and kind. He made sure we had everything we needed. The house was sufficient for our group. The outside space was amazing. We spent a lot of time just enjoying the lake andand outdoor space. Ant wait to come back!!outsispace
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 29 July 2024
Thanks Paul. Thanks for the kind words. It was a real pleasure hosting you and your family. Please come back any time!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan L.

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

Fun ‘up North’ visit

Our goal was to recreate the MI lakeside family vacation of my childhood for my own family and this cottage proved the perfect location. Chris, the host, could not have been more helpful or responsive. Would be happy to return.
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 26 July 2023
Thank you Susan. It truly is a special place. So glad it was everything you'd hoped!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jason S.

Very nice stay up north

Very nice stay despite the weather. Nice house. Great location. Bike riding. Good food. Golf. Didn't make it into the kayaks secondary to the weather. Would definitely return to this rental in the future
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 26 July 2023
Thanks Jason. Come back any time!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Lee S.

Great vacation home

We rented this home with another family - there were 4 adults and 4 children. While the house is small, it is cozy and there was enough room for everyone. The sandy beach was a hit with the kiddos - they played there consistently throughout the visit. We enjoyed using the provided boats, grill and necessary kitchen supplies. It was easy to get from the house to nearby fun activities. The owners were prompt in replies when contacted and overall the experience was great!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 26 July 2023
Thanks so much for the kind words, and thank you for taking such good care of the home. We're really glad you had such a great experience!.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Bobby O.

Perfect Vacation Home!

This home has everything you need to enjoy a great northern Michigan vacation! Perfect sunsets every night, big windows to view the water, big deck, great big sand area & big firepit. Close to town for food runs but house is far enough away to relax. Satellite TV, full kitchen, spacious, we felt at home here! We used the canoe & kayaks everyday. Owner was very very easy to communicate with & emailed / text back within minutes every time. Would recommend this home to anyone!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 26 July 2023
You guys were awesome to deal with. I'm glad you enjoyed our lake house, and thanks for the kind words. Hope you decide to stay at "Sandy Shores" again. It was a pleasure!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My family and I throughly enjoyed our week long vacation at this lake front house. The house was cozy, comfortable, and had the space to dine for my husband and I and our five children. Sleeping & seating arrangements were plush. The lakeside deck provided us with breathtaking views and sunsets, providing great memories. The dock and water craft provided allowed for great family fun around the water. A canoe was available for fishing. The town of Frankfort was a nice get away and Lake Michigan provided opportunities to visit local restaurants, shops, and churches. We recommend this property to anyone looking for an excellent and relaxing stay! The host Chris was friendly, attentive, and easy to communicate with and provided lots of local recommendations. It is clear he takes great lengths to ensure his guests are comfortable , thinking both of small and big amenities. Thank you for a a wonderful stay! Zebrine Family, Pittsburgh, PA
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Aug 2025
Julie, thank you for the wonderful review. You and your family were a pleasure to host. We're so glad your first visit to Northern Michigan was such a success. Our spot is a truly magical place, and it sounds like you enjoyed it to the fullest. Thank you for kind words. Michele and I really do try and make every stay as special as possible. Please come again. Take care! Chris
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lauren T.

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

Lovely place!

We had a wonderful week! The house had everything we needed in terms of amenities even down to board games for the kids. Being right on the lake was great and having access to the boats, life vests, fire pit, hammock, and sand toys meant that there was so much to do right right in our backyard. There really was something for everyone. The location is enchanting with spectacular sunsets, beautiful wildlife, the possibility of swimming and fishing right outside your door, a lovely town nearby for pizza and ice cream, or the quick run to the store for essentials. We loved every minute of our stay and can’t wait to come back in the future.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Sept 2023
What a wonderful review! Thank you for the kind words. Michele and I are so glad your family had such a great time. Fun family vacations are what it's all about! Come back any time. Chris
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joseph K.

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

Excellent, quiet, location

Chris, wanted to say, everything was as listed for this property. The home was very well equipped, and the beach sand was a hit with the kids, as well as the kayaks and paddle boards. Seeing the Eagles fly over every morning was a hi light as well. The lake and neighborhood was as quiet as imaginable. Location is far enough away, yet close enough to everything you need. The evenings were beautiful overlooking the lake and the views facing westward were spectacular. Thanks for sharing your home with us!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 26 July 2023
Thanks Joseph. I'm really glad you had such a great stay. You're right, the bald eagles are magical!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bethany W.

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

Peaceful Lake Stay!

We loved our time on Upper Herring Lake! So peaceful and beautiful with great fishing, amazing sunsets, and a cozy, clean cottage. *NOTE THE NO A/C* I missed this on the listing but we were lucky to have cool nights and warm days so sleeping was still comfortable. Our kids loved playing in the large sandy area out front and we made good use of the paddleboards, canoe and kayaks. Also the pontoon was great for extra space to fish and hang out near the end of the dock. Chris was an excellent host/communicator and take his advice on Upriver Pizza...it's fantastic!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Aug 2023
Hi Bethany! Thanks for the wonderful review. It was a pleasure hosting your family! Glad you enjoyed the lake toys and, I'm happy you got to try Upriver Pizza. I told the owner it was the best pizza I'd ever had ;) Come back any time!

About the host

Hosted by Chris Donohue

Host profile image

We are Chris and Michele Donohue. We live in Louisville, KY. We have 4 amazing "kids": Katie (24), Will (23), Caroline (20) and Sophie (19). Follow our Lakehouse page on Instagram @sandyshoresfrankfort

Why they chose this property

We first vacationed in Northern Michigan in 2006. We had heard from friends how amazing it was "Up North". So, instead of heading south to Destin for a week vacation, we rented a house on Upper Lake Herring, in Frankfort, Michigan. We had the time of our lives. We loved it so much, we bought a house several doors down from the home we rented.

Unfortunately, as the kids get older and our lives get busier, we aren't able to go Up North as much as we'd like.

What makes this property unique

Sandy Shores, as our daughter, Caroline, named our Up North home, has amazing sunsets and a beach right on the water. Upper Lake Herring is located on a bird sanctuary. So, in addition to the plethora of wildlife in the area, much of the land on, and surrounding, Upper Herring is owned and protected by the state of Michigan. We are one of only 60 or so homes on the lake. Over two thirds of the shoreline is uninhabited. It is a smaller lake (about 600 acres), but boasts warmer waters, excellent fishing and is an all sports lake, so bring your jet ski or boat!

Languages:

English

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