Lake Michigan (Cecil Bay)-waterfront between Mack City and Wilderness St. Park

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 672 sq m

Popular amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Barbecue grill

Check out the area

Carp Lake, MI

Wilderness State Park4 min drive
Headlands International Dark Sky Park11 min drive
Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal15 min drive
Pellston, MI (PLN-Pellston Regional)21 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

This is a cozy two bedroom cottage (sleeps 4. Note: in 2025 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, k-cup coffee machine (its not a Keurig) 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.

Property manager

Todd and Jacki VanHuis

Premier Host

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Barbecue grill

Kitchen

Outdoor space

Barbecue grill

Lake view

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

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

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 Lake Huron can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can explore Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal. Travelling with kids? Consider Spy Quest Laser Maze and Animal Tracks Adventure Golf. 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 - 4 min drive
Headlands International Dark Sky Park - 11 min drive
Mackinaw City Dock - 15 min drive
Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse - 15 min drive
Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal - 15 min drive

Getting around

Pellston, MI (PLN-Pellston Regional) - 21 min drive

Restaurants

Keyhole Bar & Grill - 15 min drive
Dixie Saloon - 15 min drive
Wienerlicious - 15 min drive
Darrow's Family Restaurant - 15 min drive
Starbucks - 16 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Lake Michigan (Cecil Bay)-waterfront between Mack City and Wilderness St. Park pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Lake Michigan (Cecil Bay)-waterfront between Mack City and Wilderness St. Park?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Lake Michigan (Cecil Bay)-waterfront between Mack City and Wilderness St. Park?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Lake Michigan (Cecil Bay)-waterfront between Mack City and Wilderness St. Park located?

This family-friendly Carp Lake cottage is located on the beach, within 1 mi (2 km) of Wilderness State Park and Lake Michigan. Lake Huron and Headlands International Dark Sky Park are also within 6 miles (10 km).

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Beverly H.

9 Nov 2023

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

Heaven on Carp Lake

This property was fantastic! It had a great vibe and was clean, comfortable, well-maintained and clearly loved by its owners. It was cozy and well equipped and boasts an excellent location right on the water -- great for star-gazing! Our hosts were thoughtful and our stay was heavenly. We loved this place and hope to get back here again! Thanks Todd and Jacki!

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

8/10 Good

Dan H., Sandpoint, Idaho

3 Oct 2023

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Our getaway

It was a perfect setting for us. It is secluded away from the busyness. The private beach was fantastic.

Stayed 14 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

David E.

15 Sept 2023

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

Cozy Cottage- great view!

A lovely quiet area near Headlands Dark Sky Park. Great walking trails near by.

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marsha A.

31 Aug 2023

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

Beach Getaway

Beautiful property - well kept inside and outside. Appreciated the well stocked kitchen, comfy beds and furniture, spacious sunroom and dining deck. Outside was spectacular - water, sunrises and sunsets. Appreciated the kayaks/canoes/ hammock. Great vacation!

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amy H.

27 July 2023

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

Relaxing and Serene

We had a wonderful stay! The property is comfortable and the views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding area (The Mackinac Bridge!) are stellar. We particularly enjoyed the fire pit and the four seasons room. It really was a relaxing and enjoyable trip. Thank-you!

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

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!

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!

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.