Entire home
Lake Michigan Cecil Bay-waterfront, Sept availability:21-28.
Photo gallery for Lake Michigan Cecil Bay-waterfront, Sept availability:21-28.





Reviews
9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms 1 bathroom Sleeps 6 72.5 sq m
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Carp Lake, MI
- Place, Wilderness State Park6 min walk
- Place, Headlands International Dark Sky Park10 min drive
- Place, Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal15 min drive
- Airport, Pellston, MI (PLN-Pellston Regional)28 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
Bedroom #1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom #2
1 Double Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom/laundry
Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area
About this property
Lake Michigan Cecil Bay-waterfront, Sept availability:21-28.
This is a cozy two bedroom cottage (sleeps 4. Note: in 2026 the sleeper sofa will likely be replaced with a sectional, so no extra sleeping space) that has been completely renovated fall 2019/winter2020. It’s on a quiet and private wooded lot on a dead end road. The main part of the cottage is a mobile home with an attached 4 season room addition on the lake side.
The 4 season room has 2 sofas, dining area with a high chair, and a wood stove, books and games. It’s a relaxing place to read, watch the numerous ships that go by (with the telescope), play games, or nap. The view out the many windows is of the Straights of Mackinaw, including St. Helena Island, and the many pines and cedars on the property.
One bedroom has a queen bed, the other a full size bed.
The bathroom has a tub/shower and a small washer/dryer unit.
The kitchen is fully equipped with a gas range, full size fridge, microwave, coffee pot, Keurig coffee machine, and dishwasher.
The former dining area is now a pantry area with room to store and prep your food.
The “den” is the original living room with a sofa and smart TV with DVD player.
Outside is a gas grill, deck with seating, fire pit, and storage shed with 3 kayaks and a canoe for your enjoyment. The waterfront is beautiful with crystal clear shallow water with a sandy bottom. Bald eagles nest nearby and fly overhead. The towers and north causeway of the Mackinac Bridge are visible from the beachfront, which is especially beautiful at night. We have added security cameras- one is aimed at the driveway and road and 2 are aimed at the water away from our beach just so we can see the weather/water. The one near the campfire area will be removed before warm weather for the privacy our guests. The other is near the shed facing the lot/beach to the west.
We are close to Wilderness State Park and the Headlands Dark Sky Park- but the stars are just as visible right out our door. Mackinaw City is 7 miles away. For convenience, the Trading Post store is a short walk away- it sells food, souvenirs, scooped ice cream, pizza for takeout, firewood, and bike and kayak rentals. You will want to check it out.
Internet was added after the remodel so we have that available now thankfully.
The 4 season room has 2 sofas, dining area with a high chair, and a wood stove, books and games. It’s a relaxing place to read, watch the numerous ships that go by (with the telescope), play games, or nap. The view out the many windows is of the Straights of Mackinaw, including St. Helena Island, and the many pines and cedars on the property.
One bedroom has a queen bed, the other a full size bed.
The bathroom has a tub/shower and a small washer/dryer unit.
The kitchen is fully equipped with a gas range, full size fridge, microwave, coffee pot, Keurig coffee machine, and dishwasher.
The former dining area is now a pantry area with room to store and prep your food.
The “den” is the original living room with a sofa and smart TV with DVD player.
Outside is a gas grill, deck with seating, fire pit, and storage shed with 3 kayaks and a canoe for your enjoyment. The waterfront is beautiful with crystal clear shallow water with a sandy bottom. Bald eagles nest nearby and fly overhead. The towers and north causeway of the Mackinac Bridge are visible from the beachfront, which is especially beautiful at night. We have added security cameras- one is aimed at the driveway and road and 2 are aimed at the water away from our beach just so we can see the weather/water. The one near the campfire area will be removed before warm weather for the privacy our guests. The other is near the shed facing the lot/beach to the west.
We are close to Wilderness State Park and the Headlands Dark Sky Park- but the stars are just as visible right out our door. Mackinaw City is 7 miles away. For convenience, the Trading Post store is a short walk away- it sells food, souvenirs, scooped ice cream, pizza for takeout, firewood, and bike and kayak rentals. You will want to check it out.
Internet was added after the remodel so we have that available now thankfully.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
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Private and secluded lakefront 15 minutes from Mackinaw City - Carp Lake
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- Kitchen
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- Dryer
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10.0 out of 10, (12 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets allowed
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
About the area
Carp Lake
Located in Carp Lake, this cottage is on the beach. While the natural beauty of Lake Michigan and Headlands International Dark Sky Park can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can explore Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal.
Travelling with kids? Consider Animal Tracks Adventure Golf and Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Carp Lake, MI
What's nearby
- Wilderness State Park - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
- Headlands International Dark Sky Park - 10 min drive - 9.8 km
- Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal - 15 min drive - 13.8 km
- Mackinaw City Dock - 15 min drive - 14.9 km
- Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse - 15 min drive - 15.6 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Keyhole Bar & Grill - 15 min drive
- Dixie Saloon - 15 min drive
- Wienerlicious - 14 min drive
- Darrow's Family Restaurant - 14 min drive
- Starbucks - 15 min drive
Frequently asked questions
About the host
Hosted by Todd and Jacki VanHuis

We are Todd and Jacki. We live downstate but have loved coming to the Straights area ever since our honeymoon over 30 years ago. Vacationing in Mackinaw City and on the Island every summer has been a family favorite since our children were very young. We’ve enjoyed fixing up other cottages beginning in 2005, and now we are loving our time spent here on the water while we make this place a little cozier and prettier.
Our kids have kept the love of the area, and we’re excited to “indoctrinate” the next generation! Our first grandchild came up last year for the first time and now we can’t wait to watch her splash in the water and play in the sand this coming summer.
We hope you enjoy your stay here as much as we do!
Our kids have kept the love of the area, and we’re excited to “indoctrinate” the next generation! Our first grandchild came up last year for the first time and now we can’t wait to watch her splash in the water and play in the sand this coming summer.
We hope you enjoy your stay here as much as we do!
Why they chose this property
The first time we drove up we could see the water from the driveway and were pretty much sold. Then we walked down to the water....yep, we were sold. So beautiful, so peaceful. Exactly what we wanted for our family. Then the garage with its workbench and tools got to Todd, (sorry, not accessible to renters) while the garden shed and kayak were Jacki’s highlight. And the front room addition to the trailer with its views out all 3 sides....wow.
A bald eagle flew over us as we were about to get back in the car, and then we saw the northern lights from the beach the first time we stayed there. So we took it as a sign that it was meant to be!
A bald eagle flew over us as we were about to get back in the car, and then we saw the northern lights from the beach the first time we stayed there. So we took it as a sign that it was meant to be!
What makes this property unique
This place offers peace and quiet in nature, with the water of the Straights just steps from the door. The sky is dark enough at night to see all the stars . The northern lights are visible at times. Places to swim and bike and hike are all right here. But for those who want more action, Mack City is a short drive away.
Languages:
English
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