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Bear Lake Cottage: Crunching Leaves and Lake Views Enjoy Fall Getaways Here!
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Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms 1 bathroom Sleeps 6 111.5 sq m
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Kalkaska, MI
- Au Sable River
- Grandview Golf Club23 min drive
- Torch Lake48 min drive
- Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)64 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
Bedroom 2
1 Double Bed
Master
2 Double Beds
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area
About this property
Bear Lake Cottage: Crunching Leaves and Lake Views Enjoy Fall Getaways Here!
Bear Lake Cottage
SLEEPS: 6
BEDROOMS: 2
BATHROOMS: 1
*NO Air -Conditioning
*Back patio just added!!
*Open year-round
*Pet friendly( 1 dog under 20 lbs)
*Near Bear Lake-public access beach down the street from home
*ATV/ORV trailhead 6 minutes from property!
*Low-toxic home- no fragrances, non-toxic detergent and cleaning supplies
*Surveillance camera facing driveway
***CONSTRUCTION IS CURRENTLY GOING ON AT A NEIGHBORING HOME***
Nestled near the serene Bear Lake in northwestern Michigan, Bear Lake Cottage offers a cozy retreat for up to six guests across two bedrooms and one bathroom. This charming home is not only pet-friendly, accommodating one small dog under 20 lbs, but it is also open year-round, making it a perfect getaway regardless of the season. Just a short stroll from the cottage, guests can enjoy easy access to Bear Lake's public beach. Adventure enthusiasts will appreciate the ATV/ORV trailhead, located just 6 minutes from the property.
Bear Lake Cottage is dedicated to maintaining a low-toxic environment, utilizing fragrance-free products and non-toxic detergents and cleaning supplies. For added security, there is a surveillance camera facing the driveway. Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape or an adventurous exploration, Bear Lake Cottage promises a memorable stay.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Air Conditioning: There is not central air
ATV's: Welcome to bring with you, the trail head is just 6 minutes from property!
Bathrooms: Shower, sink, toilet
Beach/Swimming: Public access just down the street! 4 public access points to the lake
Bedroom Configurations:
Master Bedroom- 2 Full size beds
Second bedroom- Full size bed
*optional pull out couch for additional sleeping
Boats: You are welcome to bring your kayaks or canoes and launch from nearby public launch.
Boat Launch: 3 minutes away(.25 miles)
Cable: No traditional cable but TV capable of streaming
Cell Phone Service: Can be spotty, best to connect to WIFI when at property
Coffee Maker: Keurig and coffee pot available- filters, pods, and coffee provided
Distances:
* Boyne Mountain Resort: 45 minutes
* Crystal Mountain: 1 hour 14 minutes
* Schuss Mountain: 30 minutes
* Higgins Lake: 33 minutes
* Torch Lake: 33 minutes
* Traverse City: 52 minutes
* Mackinac Bridge: 1 hours and 20 minutes away
Dock: No
Drinking Water: Drinkable well water
Drugs/Smoking/Fireworks: Freshwater does not permit illegal drugs of any kind on the property. Due to the location of the properties, smoking is strongly discouraged around the home and strictly prohibited in the home. Fireworks are prohibited at a Freshwater location for the safety of all persons in and around the property, even if it is legal in that city.
Fireplace: No
Fire-pit: Yes
Fishing: Yes! Bear lake has all types of Bass, Perch, and Trout
Fishing License: A license is required in order to fish in Michigan.
Golf:
Timber Wolf Golf Club - 7.5 miles (10 minutes)
Grandview Golf Club - 9.9 miles (15 minutes)
Twin Birch Golf Club - 14.3 miles (18 minutes)
The Chief Golf Course - 26 miles (35 minutes)
LochenHeath Golf Club - 33.5 miles (40 minutes)
Elmbrook Golf Course - 38.6 miles (47 minutes)
Grill: Propane grill available for use
Grocery Store:
Dollar General- 5 min(2.4 miles)
Family Fare- 18 min(14.5 miles)
Heat: Natural Gas
Hunting: Not on property
Internet: Yes, capable of speeds to work from home
Linens: Yes, we provide your sheets and linens. Just like a hotel, the beds will be made for you upon arrival. We have just the basic sheets, pillows, pillowcases, and bath towels.
Parking: 3 to 4 cars
Pets: 1 dog under 20 lbs. Freshwater Vacation Rentals currently charges $75/per pet for your entire stay. Yes, we do accept dogs, yet we do ask that you please clean up after them both inside and outside the cabin. Plus, if you allow them on the furniture, we do ask that you please bring your own linens/blankets for them to sleep on. Just let us know which bed you will be using with them, and we'll make sure it is ready for your sheets when you arrive. Plus, if the pet hair starts to build, we do ask that you please run the vacuum. Generally, dogs love the water and places to explore. Pet food does tend to attract mice, so vigilance is needed.
Privacy: Neighbors within site
Snowmobiles: a person (resident and nonresident) that operates a snowmobile in Michigan is required to purchase a snowmobile trail permit. The trail permit enables snowmobilers to ride state-designated trails and thousands more miles of public roads and on public lands (where authorized). It is valid for one year, which begins Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30 of the following year. State-designated trails are open Dec. 1-March 31 and grooming occurs when there is enough snow on the ground.
*Kalkaska County Trails
Distance: About 5-10 miles (direct access to local trails).
*Vanderbilt Snowmobile Trails
Distance: Approximately 20 miles (short drive).
*Manistee County Trails
Distance: Roughly 25-30 miles (accessible with a short drive).
Space: One level home- steps going in( the upper floor is inaccessible as it is storage only)
Seniors: Welcome, 8 steps in
Televisions: 55" Smart TV capable of streaming
Towels: All bath and kitchen towels will be provided during your stay. Please bring beach towels with you!
Washer and Dryer: Yes
Winter Activities:
*Snowmobiling
Distance: About 5-10 miles (direct access to Kalkaska County trails).
*Cross-Country Skiing
Distance: 10-15 miles (local trails in Kalkaska State Forest).
*Ice Fishing
Distance: 5-10 miles (local lakes like Lake Skegemog).
*Downhill Skiing
Distance: 35-40 miles to Crystal Mountain Resort or Shanty Creek Resorts.
*Winter Hiking/Snowshoeing
Distance: 10-15 miles (local trails in Kalkaska State Forest and nearby parks).
Wood: Yes, wood is provided
SLEEPS: 6
BEDROOMS: 2
BATHROOMS: 1
*NO Air -Conditioning
*Back patio just added!!
*Open year-round
*Pet friendly( 1 dog under 20 lbs)
*Near Bear Lake-public access beach down the street from home
*ATV/ORV trailhead 6 minutes from property!
*Low-toxic home- no fragrances, non-toxic detergent and cleaning supplies
*Surveillance camera facing driveway
***CONSTRUCTION IS CURRENTLY GOING ON AT A NEIGHBORING HOME***
Nestled near the serene Bear Lake in northwestern Michigan, Bear Lake Cottage offers a cozy retreat for up to six guests across two bedrooms and one bathroom. This charming home is not only pet-friendly, accommodating one small dog under 20 lbs, but it is also open year-round, making it a perfect getaway regardless of the season. Just a short stroll from the cottage, guests can enjoy easy access to Bear Lake's public beach. Adventure enthusiasts will appreciate the ATV/ORV trailhead, located just 6 minutes from the property.
Bear Lake Cottage is dedicated to maintaining a low-toxic environment, utilizing fragrance-free products and non-toxic detergents and cleaning supplies. For added security, there is a surveillance camera facing the driveway. Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape or an adventurous exploration, Bear Lake Cottage promises a memorable stay.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Air Conditioning: There is not central air
ATV's: Welcome to bring with you, the trail head is just 6 minutes from property!
Bathrooms: Shower, sink, toilet
Beach/Swimming: Public access just down the street! 4 public access points to the lake
Bedroom Configurations:
Master Bedroom- 2 Full size beds
Second bedroom- Full size bed
*optional pull out couch for additional sleeping
Boats: You are welcome to bring your kayaks or canoes and launch from nearby public launch.
Boat Launch: 3 minutes away(.25 miles)
Cable: No traditional cable but TV capable of streaming
Cell Phone Service: Can be spotty, best to connect to WIFI when at property
Coffee Maker: Keurig and coffee pot available- filters, pods, and coffee provided
Distances:
* Boyne Mountain Resort: 45 minutes
* Crystal Mountain: 1 hour 14 minutes
* Schuss Mountain: 30 minutes
* Higgins Lake: 33 minutes
* Torch Lake: 33 minutes
* Traverse City: 52 minutes
* Mackinac Bridge: 1 hours and 20 minutes away
Dock: No
Drinking Water: Drinkable well water
Drugs/Smoking/Fireworks: Freshwater does not permit illegal drugs of any kind on the property. Due to the location of the properties, smoking is strongly discouraged around the home and strictly prohibited in the home. Fireworks are prohibited at a Freshwater location for the safety of all persons in and around the property, even if it is legal in that city.
Fireplace: No
Fire-pit: Yes
Fishing: Yes! Bear lake has all types of Bass, Perch, and Trout
Fishing License: A license is required in order to fish in Michigan.
Golf:
Timber Wolf Golf Club - 7.5 miles (10 minutes)
Grandview Golf Club - 9.9 miles (15 minutes)
Twin Birch Golf Club - 14.3 miles (18 minutes)
The Chief Golf Course - 26 miles (35 minutes)
LochenHeath Golf Club - 33.5 miles (40 minutes)
Elmbrook Golf Course - 38.6 miles (47 minutes)
Grill: Propane grill available for use
Grocery Store:
Dollar General- 5 min(2.4 miles)
Family Fare- 18 min(14.5 miles)
Heat: Natural Gas
Hunting: Not on property
Internet: Yes, capable of speeds to work from home
Linens: Yes, we provide your sheets and linens. Just like a hotel, the beds will be made for you upon arrival. We have just the basic sheets, pillows, pillowcases, and bath towels.
Parking: 3 to 4 cars
Pets: 1 dog under 20 lbs. Freshwater Vacation Rentals currently charges $75/per pet for your entire stay. Yes, we do accept dogs, yet we do ask that you please clean up after them both inside and outside the cabin. Plus, if you allow them on the furniture, we do ask that you please bring your own linens/blankets for them to sleep on. Just let us know which bed you will be using with them, and we'll make sure it is ready for your sheets when you arrive. Plus, if the pet hair starts to build, we do ask that you please run the vacuum. Generally, dogs love the water and places to explore. Pet food does tend to attract mice, so vigilance is needed.
Privacy: Neighbors within site
Snowmobiles: a person (resident and nonresident) that operates a snowmobile in Michigan is required to purchase a snowmobile trail permit. The trail permit enables snowmobilers to ride state-designated trails and thousands more miles of public roads and on public lands (where authorized). It is valid for one year, which begins Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30 of the following year. State-designated trails are open Dec. 1-March 31 and grooming occurs when there is enough snow on the ground.
*Kalkaska County Trails
Distance: About 5-10 miles (direct access to local trails).
*Vanderbilt Snowmobile Trails
Distance: Approximately 20 miles (short drive).
*Manistee County Trails
Distance: Roughly 25-30 miles (accessible with a short drive).
Space: One level home- steps going in( the upper floor is inaccessible as it is storage only)
Seniors: Welcome, 8 steps in
Televisions: 55" Smart TV capable of streaming
Towels: All bath and kitchen towels will be provided during your stay. Please bring beach towels with you!
Washer and Dryer: Yes
Winter Activities:
*Snowmobiling
Distance: About 5-10 miles (direct access to Kalkaska County trails).
*Cross-Country Skiing
Distance: 10-15 miles (local trails in Kalkaska State Forest).
*Ice Fishing
Distance: 5-10 miles (local lakes like Lake Skegemog).
*Downhill Skiing
Distance: 35-40 miles to Crystal Mountain Resort or Shanty Creek Resorts.
*Winter Hiking/Snowshoeing
Distance: 10-15 miles (local trails in Kalkaska State Forest and nearby parks).
Wood: Yes, wood is provided
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
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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
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
About the area
Kalkaska
Located in Kalkaska, this cottage is on a lake. Crawford County Historical Museum and Kirtland's Warbler Historical Marker are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Au Sable River and Wakeley Lake. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Kalkaska, MI
What's nearby
- Grandview Golf Club - 23 min drive - 19.6 km
- Twin Birch Golf Course - 27 min drive - 27.9 km
- Hartwick Pines State Park - 41 min drive - 40.8 km
- Torch Lake Park - 46 min drive - 52.0 km
- Torch Lake - 48 min drive - 53.1 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Dingman's - 7 min drive
- Manistee Lake Pizzeria / Bakery - 14 min drive
- The Ole Soul - 19 min drive
- lost forest lodge - 16 min drive
- Shirley's In The Woods - 7 min drive
Frequently asked questions
About the host
Hosted by Freshwater Vacation Rentals

Freshwater Vacation Rentals
• Established in 2005
If you are looking for a vacation rental, you have come to the right spot! We specialize in vacation rentals throughout Michigan. From your own private island to a lodge big enough to host your family reunion or a relaxing getaway on one of the Great Lakes. If you feel like a social vacation where you have neighbors to enjoy the evening fires together, to remote places where you won't see another soul, give us a call and we'll find the right place for you.
Our philosophy
We work hard so you don't have to. Our goal is for guests have a wonderful vacation experience and assist our owners in maximizing their investment. We started this business almost 20 years ago with the purchase of Republic Island, and added the Rapid River Lodge. We have a unique perspective, as we are both owners and property managers. We love the business and are enjoying it as it grows.
• Established in 2005
If you are looking for a vacation rental, you have come to the right spot! We specialize in vacation rentals throughout Michigan. From your own private island to a lodge big enough to host your family reunion or a relaxing getaway on one of the Great Lakes. If you feel like a social vacation where you have neighbors to enjoy the evening fires together, to remote places where you won't see another soul, give us a call and we'll find the right place for you.
Our philosophy
We work hard so you don't have to. Our goal is for guests have a wonderful vacation experience and assist our owners in maximizing their investment. We started this business almost 20 years ago with the purchase of Republic Island, and added the Rapid River Lodge. We have a unique perspective, as we are both owners and property managers. We love the business and are enjoying it as it grows.
Languages:
English, Spanish, Danish, Croatian
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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