No summer in Michigan is complete without a trip to the one of the state’s lakes (Great or otherwise) and there’s no better way to enjoy it than a cottage. It’s your chance to unplug and unwind and savor the simple joys of summer, and there’s certainly no shortage of options. From massive beachside retreats to cozy cabins off the beaten trail, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top spots near the Mitten’s sandiest coast that you can rent and end your summer on a high note.

All photos via VRBO.com.

ColomaAvg. Nightly Rate: $233 A summer cottage that is stocked with croquet and badminton supplies, if you are into that sort of thing. There is a fire pit in the yard for nightly campfires. Walking around the neighborhood lets you take in the sounds and smells of nature, without the noise of the city. It’s simple and easy, and hopefully, just what you had in mind.
ColomaAvg. Nightly Rate: $233 A summer cottage that is stocked with croquet and badminton supplies, if you are into that sort of thing. There is a fire pit in the yard for nightly campfires. Walking around the neighborhood lets you take in the sounds and smells of nature, without the noise of the city. It’s simple and easy, and hopefully, just what you had in mind.
ColomaAvg. Nightly Rate: $233 A summer cottage that is stocked with croquet and badminton supplies, if you are into that sort of thing. There is a fire pit in the yard for nightly campfires. Walking around the neighborhood lets you take in the sounds and smells of nature, without the noise of the city. It’s simple and easy, and hopefully, just what you had in mind.
ColomaAvg. Nightly Rate: $233 A summer cottage that is stocked with croquet and badminton supplies, if you are into that sort of thing. There is a fire pit in the yard for nightly campfires. Walking around the neighborhood lets you take in the sounds and smells of nature, without the noise of the city. It’s simple and easy, and hopefully, just what you had in mind.
ColomaAvg. Nightly Rate: $233 A summer cottage that is stocked with croquet and badminton supplies, if you are into that sort of thing. There is a fire pit in the yard for nightly campfires. Walking around the neighborhood lets you take in the sounds and smells of nature, without the noise of the city. It’s simple and easy, and hopefully, just what you had in mind.
Suttons BayAvg. Nightly Rate: $280 The Harbormaster is where location, convenience and the northern experience meet. Located just under a mile north of the quaint town of Suttons Bay, directly off of Leelanau county’s most beautiful roadway M-22, the Harbormaster boasts unobstructed views of the serene Lake Michigan from the front of the property. Walk just twenty steps off the back porch to find the famous TART trail where you can bike, walk, run or cross-country ski safely over 10.5 miles leading to not only Suttons Bay but also portions of Traverse City and all the postcard-worthy sites along the way. The Harbormaster is where Northern vacations begin and lifelong memories are made!
Suttons BayAvg. Nightly Rate: $280 The Harbormaster is where location, convenience and the northern experience meet. Located just under a mile north of the quaint town of Suttons Bay, directly off of Leelanau county’s most beautiful roadway M-22, the Harbormaster boasts unobstructed views of the serene Lake Michigan from the front of the property. Walk just twenty steps off the back porch to find the famous TART trail where you can bike, walk, run or cross-country ski safely over 10.5 miles leading to not only Suttons Bay but also portions of Traverse City and all the postcard-worthy sites along the way. The Harbormaster is where Northern vacations begin and lifelong memories are made!
Suttons BayAvg. Nightly Rate: $280 The Harbormaster is where location, convenience and the northern experience meet. Located just under a mile north of the quaint town of Suttons Bay, directly off of Leelanau county’s most beautiful roadway M-22, the Harbormaster boasts unobstructed views of the serene Lake Michigan from the front of the property. Walk just twenty steps off the back porch to find the famous TART trail where you can bike, walk, run or cross-country ski safely over 10.5 miles leading to not only Suttons Bay but also portions of Traverse City and all the postcard-worthy sites along the way. The Harbormaster is where Northern vacations begin and lifelong memories are made!
Suttons BayAvg. Nightly Rate: $280 The Harbormaster is where location, convenience and the northern experience meet. Located just under a mile north of the quaint town of Suttons Bay, directly off of Leelanau county’s most beautiful roadway M-22, the Harbormaster boasts unobstructed views of the serene Lake Michigan from the front of the property. Walk just twenty steps off the back porch to find the famous TART trail where you can bike, walk, run or cross-country ski safely over 10.5 miles leading to not only Suttons Bay but also portions of Traverse City and all the postcard-worthy sites along the way. The Harbormaster is where Northern vacations begin and lifelong memories are made!
Suttons BayAvg. Nightly Rate: $280 The Harbormaster is where location, convenience and the northern experience meet. Located just under a mile north of the quaint town of Suttons Bay, directly off of Leelanau county’s most beautiful roadway M-22, the Harbormaster boasts unobstructed views of the serene Lake Michigan from the front of the property. Walk just twenty steps off the back porch to find the famous TART trail where you can bike, walk, run or cross-country ski safely over 10.5 miles leading to not only Suttons Bay but also portions of Traverse City and all the postcard-worthy sites along the way. The Harbormaster is where Northern vacations begin and lifelong memories are made!
ColomaAvg. Nightly Rate: $225 Located just down the street from the gorgeous beaches on Lake Michigan, this house was recently and renovated and furnished. The property has a fire pit and fully screened porch to keep out those pesky bugs. A few miles north of St. Joe, this is a great choice for a weekend getaway or family vacation, with shopping restaurants, great golf courses and wineries all nearby.
ColomaAvg. Nightly Rate: $225 Located just down the street from the gorgeous beaches on Lake Michigan, this house was recently and renovated and furnished. The property has a fire pit and fully screened porch to keep out those pesky bugs. A few miles north of St. Joe, this is a great choice for a weekend getaway or family vacation, with shopping restaurants, great golf courses and wineries all nearby.
ColomaAvg. Nightly Rate: $225 Located just down the street from the gorgeous beaches on Lake Michigan, this house was recently and renovated and furnished. The property has a fire pit and fully screened porch to keep out those pesky bugs. A few miles north of St. Joe, this is a great choice for a weekend getaway or family vacation, with shopping restaurants, great golf courses and wineries all nearby.
ColomaAvg. Nightly Rate: $225 Located just down the street from the gorgeous beaches on Lake Michigan, this house was recently and renovated and furnished. The property has a fire pit and fully screened porch to keep out those pesky bugs. A few miles north of St. Joe, this is a great choice for a weekend getaway or family vacation, with shopping restaurants, great golf courses and wineries all nearby.
ColomaAvg. Nightly Rate: $225 Located just down the street from the gorgeous beaches on Lake Michigan, this house was recently and renovated and furnished. The property has a fire pit and fully screened porch to keep out those pesky bugs. A few miles north of St. Joe, this is a great choice for a weekend getaway or family vacation, with shopping restaurants, great golf courses and wineries all nearby.
Benton HarborAvg. Nightly Rate: $307 Enjoy the comforts of staying in this truly original 19th century home. Each bedroom offers a new vantage point to relax in and check out the grounds surrounding the house. Take a walk on the half mile trail that starts and ends right in the front yard near the house for easy access. Perfect for Cross Country skiers in the winter, or for an evening stroll in the summer. This is a chance to stay in a lovingly restored historical house. This house is referenced in the Berrien bicentennial as the Dickinson farm and is where the first automobile of the area resided.
Benton HarborAvg. Nightly Rate: $307 Enjoy the comforts of staying in this truly original 19th century home. Each bedroom offers a new vantage point to relax in and check out the grounds surrounding the house. Take a walk on the half mile trail that starts and ends right in the front yard near the house for easy access. Perfect for Cross Country skiers in the winter, or for an evening stroll in the summer. This is a chance to stay in a lovingly restored historical house. This house is referenced in the Berrien bicentennial as the Dickinson farm and is where the first automobile of the area resided.
Benton HarborAvg. Nightly Rate: $307 Enjoy the comforts of staying in this truly original 19th century home. Each bedroom offers a new vantage point to relax in and check out the grounds surrounding the house. Take a walk on the half mile trail that starts and ends right in the front yard near the house for easy access. Perfect for Cross Country skiers in the winter, or for an evening stroll in the summer. This is a chance to stay in a lovingly restored historical house. This house is referenced in the Berrien bicentennial as the Dickinson farm and is where the first automobile of the area resided.
Benton HarborAvg. Nightly Rate: $307 Enjoy the comforts of staying in this truly original 19th century home. Each bedroom offers a new vantage point to relax in and check out the grounds surrounding the house. Take a walk on the half mile trail that starts and ends right in the front yard near the house for easy access. Perfect for Cross Country skiers in the winter, or for an evening stroll in the summer. This is a chance to stay in a lovingly restored historical house. This house is referenced in the Berrien bicentennial as the Dickinson farm and is where the first automobile of the area resided.
Benton HarborAvg. Nightly Rate: $307 Enjoy the comforts of staying in this truly original 19th century home. Each bedroom offers a new vantage point to relax in and check out the grounds surrounding the house. Take a walk on the half mile trail that starts and ends right in the front yard near the house for easy access. Perfect for Cross Country skiers in the winter, or for an evening stroll in the summer. This is a chance to stay in a lovingly restored historical house. This house is referenced in the Berrien bicentennial as the Dickinson farm and is where the first automobile of the area resided.
Brevort LakeAvg. Nightly Rate: $303 This pristine lakefront, log home is nestled on 100 feet of beautiful sandy bottom Brevort Lake. Minutes from Mackinaw Island, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and the Hiawatha National Forest.
Brevort LakeAvg. Nightly Rate: $303 This pristine lakefront, log home is nestled on 100 feet of beautiful sandy bottom Brevort Lake. Minutes from Mackinaw Island, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and the Hiawatha National Forest.
Brevort LakeAvg. Nightly Rate: $303 This pristine lakefront, log home is nestled on 100 feet of beautiful sandy bottom Brevort Lake. Minutes from Mackinaw Island, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and the Hiawatha National Forest.
Brevort LakeAvg. Nightly Rate: $303 This pristine lakefront, log home is nestled on 100 feet of beautiful sandy bottom Brevort Lake. Minutes from Mackinaw Island, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and the Hiawatha National Forest.
Brevort LakeAvg. Nightly Rate: $303 This pristine lakefront, log home is nestled on 100 feet of beautiful sandy bottom Brevort Lake. Minutes from Mackinaw Island, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and the Hiawatha National Forest.
New BuffaloAvg. Nightly Rate: $176 Although this home is in southern MI, it still encapsulates the northern spirit of Lake Michigan. For only $176 a night, New Buffalo is a great place for any lake goer.
New BuffaloAvg. Nightly Rate: $176 Although this home is in southern MI, it still encapsulates the northern spirit of Lake Michigan. For only $176 a night, New Buffalo is a great place for any lake goer.
New BuffaloAvg. Nightly Rate: $176 Although this home is in southern MI, it still encapsulates the northern spirit of Lake Michigan. For only $176 a night, New Buffalo is a great place for any lake goer.
New BuffaloAvg. Nightly Rate: $176 Although this home is in southern MI, it still encapsulates the northern spirit of Lake Michigan. For only $176 a night, New Buffalo is a great place for any lake goer.
Traverse CityAvg. Nightly Rate: $167Old Mission Peninsula family-friendly cottage with 3 bedrooms and beds for up to 8, just north of Traverse City, Michigan.
Traverse CityAvg. Nightly Rate: $167Old Mission Peninsula family-friendly cottage with 3 bedrooms and beds for up to 8, just north of Traverse City, Michigan.
Traverse CityAvg. Nightly Rate: $167Old Mission Peninsula family-friendly cottage with 3 bedrooms and beds for up to 8, just north of Traverse City, Michigan.
Traverse CityAvg. Nightly Rate: $167Old Mission Peninsula family-friendly cottage with 3 bedrooms and beds for up to 8, just north of Traverse City, Michigan.
Traverse CityAvg. Nightly Rate: $167Old Mission Peninsula family-friendly cottage with 3 bedrooms and beds for up to 8, just north of Traverse City, Michigan.
Lake LeelenauAvg. Nightly Rate: $347 This newly restored Lumberman’s home is the perfect authentic Up North experience. Nestled on approximately 2.5 acres, with views of The Lake Leelanau Narrows, boasting stunning sunsets vista and a path to explore – Mosier cottage is a retreat for your body, mind and soul.
Lake LeelenauAvg. Nightly Rate: $347 This newly restored Lumberman’s home is the perfect authentic Up North experience. Nestled on approximately 2.5 acres, with views of The Lake Leelanau Narrows, boasting stunning sunsets vista and a path to explore – Mosier cottage is a retreat for your body, mind and soul.
Lake LeelenauAvg. Nightly Rate: $347 This newly restored Lumberman’s home is the perfect authentic Up North experience. Nestled on approximately 2.5 acres, with views of The Lake Leelanau Narrows, boasting stunning sunsets vista and a path to explore – Mosier cottage is a retreat for your body, mind and soul.
Lake LeelenauAvg. Nightly Rate: $347 This newly restored Lumberman’s home is the perfect authentic Up North experience. Nestled on approximately 2.5 acres, with views of The Lake Leelanau Narrows, boasting stunning sunsets vista and a path to explore – Mosier cottage is a retreat for your body, mind and soul.
Lake LeelenauAvg. Nightly Rate: $347 This newly restored Lumberman’s home is the perfect authentic Up North experience. Nestled on approximately 2.5 acres, with views of The Lake Leelanau Narrows, boasting stunning sunsets vista and a path to explore – Mosier cottage is a retreat for your body, mind and soul.
Fair PlainAvg. Nightly Rate:$249 Come enjoy the island neighborhood’s fully-equipped clubhouse, pool, hot tub, children’s playground, gazebo, fire pit, grills, picnic tables, boat docks, and walking paths. Or sit on the deck, put up your feet, and watch the boats go by. This is a truly special with all the access you could want to Lake Michigan only a short walk, 3-minute drive, or boat ride away.
Fair PlainAvg. Nightly Rate:$249 Come enjoy the island neighborhood’s fully-equipped clubhouse, pool, hot tub, children’s playground, gazebo, fire pit, grills, picnic tables, boat docks, and walking paths. Or sit on the deck, put up your feet, and watch the boats go by. This is a truly special with all the access you could want to Lake Michigan only a short walk, 3-minute drive, or boat ride away.
Fair PlainAvg. Nightly Rate:$249 Come enjoy the island neighborhood’s fully-equipped clubhouse, pool, hot tub, children’s playground, gazebo, fire pit, grills, picnic tables, boat docks, and walking paths. Or sit on the deck, put up your feet, and watch the boats go by. This is a truly special with all the access you could want to Lake Michigan only a short walk, 3-minute drive, or boat ride away.
Fair PlainAvg. Nightly Rate:$249 Come enjoy the island neighborhood’s fully-equipped clubhouse, pool, hot tub, children’s playground, gazebo, fire pit, grills, picnic tables, boat docks, and walking paths. Or sit on the deck, put up your feet, and watch the boats go by. This is a truly special with all the access you could want to Lake Michigan only a short walk, 3-minute drive, or boat ride away.
Fair PlainAvg. Nightly Rate:$249 Come enjoy the island neighborhood’s fully-equipped clubhouse, pool, hot tub, children’s playground, gazebo, fire pit, grills, picnic tables, boat docks, and walking paths. Or sit on the deck, put up your feet, and watch the boats go by. This is a truly special with all the access you could want to Lake Michigan only a short walk, 3-minute drive, or boat ride away.
Hagar ParkAvg Nightly Rate: $123Meticulously restored cottage nestled in a wooded area. Comfortably stocked with premium amenities to make you feel at home. A small isolated town near the lake, complete with various amenities including television and Wifi.
Hagar ParkAvg Nightly Rate: $123Meticulously restored cottage nestled in a wooded area. Comfortably stocked with premium amenities to make you feel at home. A small isolated town near the lake, complete with various amenities including television and Wifi.
Hagar ParkAvg Nightly Rate: $123Meticulously restored cottage nestled in a wooded area. Comfortably stocked with premium amenities to make you feel at home. A small isolated town near the lake, complete with various amenities including television and Wifi.
Hagar ParkAvg Nightly Rate: $123Meticulously restored cottage nestled in a wooded area. Comfortably stocked with premium amenities to make you feel at home. A small isolated town near the lake, complete with various amenities including television and Wifi.
Hagar ParkAvg Nightly Rate: $123Meticulously restored cottage nestled in a wooded area. Comfortably stocked with premium amenities to make you feel at home. A small isolated town near the lake, complete with various amenities including television and Wifi.
Harbor VillageAvg. Nightly Rate: $126 This Harbor Village destination sleeps four, and includes all the amenities of a large hotel. Complete with gas stoves, and internet TV, this $126 option is great for the casual weekend jaunt.
Harbor VillageAvg. Nightly Rate: $126 This Harbor Village destination sleeps four, and includes all the amenities of a large hotel. Complete with gas stoves, and internet TV, this $126 option is great for the casual weekend jaunt.
Harbor VillageAvg. Nightly Rate: $126 This Harbor Village destination sleeps four, and includes all the amenities of a large hotel. Complete with gas stoves, and internet TV, this $126 option is great for the casual weekend jaunt.
Harbor VillageAvg. Nightly Rate: $126 This Harbor Village destination sleeps four, and includes all the amenities of a large hotel. Complete with gas stoves, and internet TV, this $126 option is great for the casual weekend jaunt.
Harbor VillageAvg. Nightly Rate: $126 This Harbor Village destination sleeps four, and includes all the amenities of a large hotel. Complete with gas stoves, and internet TV, this $126 option is great for the casual weekend jaunt.
Green Lake Township Avg. Nightly Rate: $149 This quaint, rustic cabin is a true snippet of the Up North lifestyle. It’s wood grain build, low price, and various lake activities make this Green Lake Township home a great option for vacationers.
Green Lake Township Avg. Nightly Rate: $149 This quaint, rustic cabin is a true snippet of the Up North lifestyle. It’s wood grain build, low price, and various lake activities make this Green Lake Township home a great option for vacationers.
Green Lake Township Avg. Nightly Rate: $149 This quaint, rustic cabin is a true snippet of the Up North lifestyle. It’s wood grain build, low price, and various lake activities make this Green Lake Township home a great option for vacationers.
Green Lake Township Avg. Nightly Rate: $149 This quaint, rustic cabin is a true snippet of the Up North lifestyle. It’s wood grain build, low price, and various lake activities make this Green Lake Township home a great option for vacationers.
Green Lake Township Avg. Nightly Rate: $149 This quaint, rustic cabin is a true snippet of the Up North lifestyle. It’s wood grain build, low price, and various lake activities make this Green Lake Township home a great option for vacationers.

Have something to share?

Since 1980, Metro Times has been Detroit’s premier alternative source for news, arts, culture, music, film, food, fashion and more from a liberal point of view.