*LAKEFRONT-ON LAKE MICHIGAN *SWIMMING ON PROPERTY *SANDY BEACH *Ring doorbell on door facing drive
Captain's Watch is a charming vacation rental situated directly on Lake Michigan. The home is nestled high on the sand dunes of northern Lake Michigan and sits on 3.5 acres that offers total seclusion from neighbors. Walk down along the sand dunes to your own private swimming area, which sits at the end of 7 miles of sugary sandy beach. It's an ideal spot for couples, families, or groups seeking a serene getaway with breathtaking views of sand dunes and water. Nearby attractions include the Fayette State Park & Historic Town Site, just 50 minutes away, the Indian Lake Golf Course, a 22-minute drive, Kewadin Casino, only 8 minutes away, and Kitch-iti-kipi, located 29 minutes from the property. Whether you're looking to enjoy some quiet time by the lake or engage in fun activities around, Captain's Watch provides a perfect setting for a memorable vacation
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Air Conditioning: No, but the breeze off of the lake keeps temps at bay and there are portable and ceiling fans(Master bedroom and Living room)
ATV's: Not on property, closet trail is roughly 6 miles from location(trail #2)
Bathrooms: Main Floor- Shower/tub combo, toilet, and sink Upper Floor- Shower, sink, toilet
Beach/Swimming: Yes, the private beachfront is less than 200 yds away from back of home. Access to beach does require walking up a steep rustic path leading to a windy hilly sandy path to get to the beach. There are steps carved into the hill to the right of the home. There is also a path off of the deck. PLEASE stay on designated path so dune grass is not damaged. The dune grass is an important part of the ecosystem and what holds the dunes in place to stop erosion and destruction of property. There is a beach umbrella at the beach for your use. Please close and recover when you leave the beach area.
Bedroom Configurations: Main Floor- Bedroom 1- 2 Full beds Bedroom 2- 1 queen bed Upper Level- Primary Bedroom- King size bed
Cable: Not traditional cable but the TV is capable of streaming
Cell Phone Service: Can be spotty at times, best to connect to WiFi calling when at property
Coffee Maker: Yes, 12 cup drip coffee maker. Filters and coffee provided.
Dishwasher: Yes, there is a dishwasher available for guest use and detergent is provided.
Distances: * Fayette State Park & Historic Town Site: 50 mins (42 miles) * Indian Lake Golf Course: 22 mins (13.7 miles) * Kewadin Casino: 8 mins (4.4 miles) * Kitch-iti-kipi: 29 minutes(20 miles) * Pictured Rocks: 1 hour and 5 minutes( 55 miles) * Manistique: 15 minutes(9.8 miles) * Marquette:1 hour 44 minutes(99.4 miles) * Escanaba: 1 hour and 7 minutes(63.2 miles) * Tahquamenon Falls State Park: 1 hour 27 minutes(80 miles) * Mackinac Bridge: 1 hour 27 min(85 miles)
Dock: Not on property
Drinking Water: The property does have well water that has a slight sulfuric smell, however there is a water filtration system on the kitchen sink for drinking and cooking.
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: Wood burning, please bring firewood
Fire-pit: Yes, down by beach
Fishing: Bring your poles. Indian Lake State Park is approximately 30 minutes away offering a great place to fish. Game fish include Perch, Walleye, Northern Pike, Bluegill, Sturgeon, Smallmouth Bass, and Brown Trout
Fishing License: A license is required to fish in Michigan.
Handicap Friendly: No, there is a flight of stairs for entry into home
Heat: Yes, propane forced air
Hunting: Not on property
Internet/WIFI: Yes, Starlink
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: 3-4 cars in driveway
Pets: No pets allowed
Privacy: Neighbors out of view
Space: Beachfront home, 2 stories
Seniors: Welcome, but there is a flight of steps to enter, and access to beach requires walking up a rustic path through a winding, hilly and sandy dune
Televisions: 50" TV with Roku
Towels: All bath and kitchen towels will be provided during your stay. Please bring beach towels with you!
Washer and Dryer: Yes, detergent provided
Wood: Not provided. There are roadside stands that have wood for sale as you enter the area.
Work Station: Electronically adjustable desk to seated or standing position with plug in monitor
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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
Manistique
Located in Manistique, this holiday home is on the beach. Stony Point Golf Course and Indian Lake Golf Course are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lake Michigan and Indian Lake State Park. Jet skiing and waterskiing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and ecotours nearby.
Is Captain's Watch: Savor Fall's Beauty with a Lake Michigan Escape pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Captain's Watch: Savor Fall's Beauty with a Lake Michigan Escape?
As of 24 Sept 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Captain's Watch: Savor Fall's Beauty with a Lake Michigan Escape on 16 May 2027 start from AU$2,403, 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 Captain's Watch: Savor Fall's Beauty with a Lake Michigan Escape?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Captain's Watch: Savor Fall's Beauty with a Lake Michigan Escape?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Captain's Watch: Savor Fall's Beauty with a Lake Michigan Escape?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Captain's Watch: Savor Fall's Beauty with a Lake Michigan Escape located?
This Manistique holiday home is on the beach, 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Lake Michigan, and within 9 mi (15 km) of Manistique Boardwalk and Gulliver Lake. Lakeview Park and Manistique Central Park are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
8.8
Excellent
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We spent 5 wonderful days at Captain’s Watch, and everything was excellent! The views of Lake Michigan were absolutely amazing. We stayed at the end of August, and the weather was perfect — warm, beautiful, and best of all, there were no bugs at all!The beach and Lake Michigan were incredible, and we loved being able to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and peaceful atmosphere. It was the perfect place to relax and enjoy a few days away.We had a wonderful stay and would definitely love to come back!
This spot was idyllic! We adored our time at the Captains Watch.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Aug 2026
Thank you so much for the lovely review! We’re delighted to hear you adored your time at Captain’s Watch and enjoyed the beautiful setting. We’d love to welcome you back for another idyllic getaway. -Van, FVR
Beautiful home and location. Absolutely gorgeous piece of property. I couldn’t recommend it more!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Aug 2024
John, oh, do we ever love seeing those words "phenomenal property" plus your high recommendation! Thank you so much for both of these. You were excellent guests, and we hope to host you again. - Claire, FVR
Verified review
2/10 Terrible
Travis B.
17 July 2026
Liked: Communication
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy
Our family rented this home as a part of an extended family reunion for my mother in law’s 70th birthday. The remainder of our family stayed at another property in town managed by the same management company. To say that the two properties were not comparable is an understatement. Upon arrival (after check in) there was a vehicle in the drive; the cleaning person was at the property which was a bit off putting despite the fact that they were friendly. The cleanliness of the property, the cookware, linens, towels, etc. was unacceptable. There was a nest of gnats in the corner of the kitchen, a corner of dirt and debris, pots and pans with caked on filth, a bin of misc. garbage on the fireplace hearth with what appeared to be a skeleton of something, throw pillows and blankets were old and worn, towels and linens had stains, extra linens/pillows were in a pile in the musty spare closet and were all old and unclean. Provided beach gear was in a pile in the garage, the “fitness center” was a bench of weights in the garage and the main entry to the home did not lock. When we called regarding this we were told to “kick it” and it should latch, which it did not. They did send someone out after a day and a half to fix the door so that it would latch/lock. The water was yellow and smelled awful; even the “filtered” water provided was undrinkable. To say we were disappointed is an understatement. The beach was amazing and the view was beautiful. The property was private.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Sept 2026
Yes, the privacy along this northern Lake Michigan beach, coupled with that incredible waterfront view, is truly special.
Still, I can see and feel from your review that your experience with the home was not what we intended. Your disappointment is palpable, and as the owner of Freshwater Vacation Rentals, I'm embarrassed that this was your experience at one of the homes we manage.
Each of our vacation homes is individually owned, so they vary in age, style, and level of updates. We try to represent those differences accurately through our listing descriptions and photos. That said, your pictures clearly show areas where our cleaner fell short and where additional pest control was needed. Thank you for acknowledging the friendliness of our cleaner, although I know that doesn't make up for what should have been done better before your arrival.
I'm also sorry the door lock was sticking. Without air conditioning during the July heat, the door had swollen and was not operating properly. I'm glad I was able to speak with you during your stay and that our handyman was able to get the door working more efficiently.
I hear your concern about the drinking water. We supplied bottled water for drinking during your stay, although I understand that you did not feel comfortable with that solution. Since your stay, a Norway Springs water filtration system has been installed at the home. I truly wish that improvement had been in place while you were there.
I'm glad your family was able to spend this time together, including staying at more than one of the homes we manage. I also understand that seeing family members staying at a more updated property nearby may have made the differences between the homes even more noticeable.
While this home offered a gorgeous Lake Michigan waterfront setting and wonderful privacy, those things don't erase the issues you experienced inside the home.
I'm sorry that our efforts to resolve your concerns during your stay weren't enough to turn the experience around. We want our guests to leave feeling that their vacation time was well spent, and I'm saddened that wasn't the case for you.
Thank you for sharing your perspective and for giving us the opportunity to learn from it. I wish you and your family all the best in your future travels together.
Sincerely,
Cara
Thank you for the wonderful rating! We’re so glad you enjoyed your stay and appreciate you taking the time to leave us a review. We’d love to welcome you back again in the future! -Van, FVR
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 offer an unparalleled selection of properties across the state-from private islands and large family lodges to peaceful Great Lakes getaways. We specialize in finding your ideal setting, whether it's a social spot where you can enjoy evening fires with neighbors, or a remote retreat where you won't see another soul. Our philosophy: We work hard so you don't have to. As both owners and property managers for nearly two decades (since our start with Republic island and the Rapid River Lodge), we offer a unique, insider perspective. Our mission is to guarantee our guests a wonderful experience and help our owners maximize their investment. Give us a call, and we'll find the right fit for you!
Languages:
English, Spanish, Danish, Croatian
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests