Entire home

The Mackinaw House on Lake Huron

Lakefront cottage in Mackinaw City with a water park

Photo gallery for The Mackinaw House on Lake Huron

TV, DVD player - The Mackinaw House on Lake Huron (Mackinaw City)
Exterior - The Mackinaw House on Lake Huron (Mackinaw City)
Dining - The Mackinaw House on Lake Huron (Mackinaw City)
Property grounds - The Mackinaw House on Lake Huron (Mackinaw City)
Property grounds - The Mackinaw House on Lake Huron (Mackinaw City)
Escape to the Mackinaw House, a charming lakefront cottage nestled on Lake Huron, just 3 minutes south of Mackinaw City. Enjoy incredible views of Mackinac Island and the Mackinac Bridge from the spacious sun room with seating for 10. Unwind in this peaceful retreat decorated with family heirlooms and native wood paneling.

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8130 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Lake view

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

The Mackinaw House on Lake Huron

We would like to assure you that every precaution has been taken and the housekeeping staff follows the CDC guidelines for cleanliness.

This lovely lakefront cottage is located on Lake Huron, 3 minutes south of Mackinaw City. Away from the hustle and bustle of town but close enough for a quick trip for your evening guilty pleasure of Mackinaw fudge or a fresh churned ice cream cone. Enjoy the incredible views of Mackinac Island, Bois Blanc Island and the Mackinac Bridge from the privacy and comfort of the spacious sun room. With seating for 10, it will be the focal point for your family gatherings. There is space for everyone and the room welcomes you to sit back and relax. Play a game of cards, or tell ghost stories - it's a perfect place to reconnect with your family or friends. The cottage was completely remodeled in 2010. Note that the cottage was just painted Blue - we are working on getting those new photos posted.

The Mackinaw House is an opportunity to find peace, tranquility, joy and adventure. With a view of one of the world’s most beautiful bridges, and Mackinaw Island which is majestically set between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas our home is a perfect vacation destination. Nestled in Northern Michigan, the Mackinaw House is a safe and charming location for your next visit to the shores of the Straits of Mackinac.

The Mackinaw House is a two story structure with an interior decorated with family heirlooms and paneling made from native species of wood. The first floor is inviting and calming with one bed room, a mud room including a washer and dryer, a full kitchen and dining room, a small den, and a full bathroom. The Mackinaw House is a getaway, a true oasis away from the rat race, with stunning sunrises and a palette of colors at sunset.

The second floor has a rustic feel with log walls in the family room, two bedrooms and a second bathroom. The walls in the bedrooms are a combination of light cheery colors and knotty pine wood. The family room has a television, couch, and an additional dining room table and hutch. There is a very small kitchenette in the back of the family room. The Mackinaw House was built with our own hands with the intention of creating a lake house with that “welcome home” feel. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

They say “location is everything” and you won’t find a better location to enjoy all that Northern Michigan has to offer.

If you are interested in star-gazing, the night sky over Lake Huron is beautiful. You can also drive 10 minutes to the Headlands - recently designated as a 'DARK SKY PRESERVE' - one of only 10 locations in the USA! This is given to a few special areas that are free of artificial light. The night sky is breathtakingly beautiful!

If you love to hike, the area offers the Headlands, Wilderness State Park or Mill Creek - all minutes away. The beautiful Mackinaw to Midland bike trail is easily accessed from the driveway of the cottage. Interested in a little more adventure? Try a kayak tour on the Big Lakes or Parasailing!

In the spring, birdwatchers gather from all over the country to catch a glimpse of the incredible hawk migration.

Lake Michigan,Historic Fort Michilimackinac and the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, the ferry docks to Mackinac Island - are all minutes away.

In the fall, take the color tour through the “tunnel of trees” or enjoy spectacular scenery in the Upper Peninsula, an easy drive across the mighty Mackinac Bridge. There’s nothing quite like the sound of bugling elks during mating season at Pigeon River or the mysterious call of the loon on a quiet lake. It’s all here! Hunt, fish, hike, canoe, bike – you can do it all or you can just relax with a good book.

A vacation at the Mackinaw House is an opportunity for family fun. There is something for everyone where the waters of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron meet. The area is rich in natural beauty, history, and unique opportunities on Mackinaw Island; to visit a place that really is “somewhere in time.”

Activities within a few miles include golf, hiking, guided tours, jet skiing, parasailing, bicycle paths, sightseeing, lake cruises, local cuisine, Fort Mackinac, horse- drawn carriage rides, historical treasures, state historic parks, butterfly conservatory, ferry boats, and much more…

Activities within forty-five minutes or less of the house include downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snow mobile trails, the historic downtowns of Petoskey and Harbor Springs and all of the opportunities of music, entertainment, and culture available year – around in Northern Michigan.

Mackinaw Getaways is now able to offer cottage accommodations to sleep up to 40 people. With many cottages to choose from, this is the perfect location for wedding parties, family reunions or other small gatherings. If you're planning a Mackinac Island wedding and need accommodations for your guests, we have the perfect solution.

Enjoy charming cottages, all with fully equipped kitchens (some even include a washer/dryer), screened-in porch, picnic area and firepits for evening campfires with friends and family - all a stones throw from the Mackinac Island ferries. Call us for more information.

Book your perfect Northern Michigan getaway today!

The waterfront is rocky so bring your water shoes. The water levels are up this year so we can't guarantee a sandy beach.

Property amenities

Ski

  • Close to skiing

Parking and transport

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Porch/lanai

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo
  • Near the marina
  • On a lake
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Water park
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Parasailing nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Unit size: 1,399 square feet

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Rules

No parties, smoking, vaping, or pets.

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number 27-4082290
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

Property is also known as

Wonderful Lakefront Family Cottage Mackinaw City
Wonderful Lakefront Family Mackinaw City
Wonderful Lakefront Family
Wonderful Lakefront Family Cottage
Lakefront, Minutes to Ferry Cottage
Lakefront, Minutes to Ferry Mackinaw City
Lakefront, Minutes to Ferry Cottage Mackinaw City
Wonderful Lakefront Family Cottage 25% discount!!
25% Early Bird discount; Lakefront minutes to Ferry
1012

About the area

Located in Mackinaw City, this cottage is on the waterfront. Mackinaw Bridge Museum and Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse. Animal Tracks Adventure Golf and Murdick's Fudge - St. Ignace are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching. Visit our Mackinaw City travel guide
View more Cottages in Mackinaw City
Map
Mackinaw City, MI

What's nearby

  • Informative and fun for all ages. Watch sawmill demonstrations. Rock climbing, zip line, and hiking. Pack the bug spray.
    Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park
    13 min walk - 1.2 km
  • The Ferry Terminal for the craft plying between Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island Michigan
    Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal
    9 min drive - 8.8 km
  • Mackinaw City Dock
    11 min drive - 10.3 km
  • Headlands International Dark Sky Park
    14 min drive - 13.9 km
  • The Jewel at the Grand Hotel
    59 min drive - 22.0 km

Getting around

  • Mackinac Island, MI (MCD)
    39 min drive

Restaurants

  • Keyhole Bar & Grill
    9 min drive
  • Dixie Saloon
    9 min drive
  • Wienerlicious
    8 min drive
  • Darrow's Family Restaurant
    9 min drive
  • Starbucks
    8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Mackinaw House on Lake Huron pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at The Mackinaw House on Lake Huron?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Mackinaw House on Lake Huron?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Mackinaw House on Lake Huron?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Mackinaw House on Lake Huron located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is within a 15-minute walk of Lake Huron and Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park. Jack Pine Lumberjack Show is 2.9 mi (4.6 km) away.

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The Mackinaw House on Lake Huron Reviews

Reviews

Exceptional

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 100 out of 135 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 30 out of 135 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 135 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 135 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 135 reviews

9.4

Cleanliness

9.8

Location

8.0

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

olivia r.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved the location, close to the things we wanted to do. being on the lake was awesome
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We all (wife and two friends) had a great stay at the Mackinaw House. Rooms and living areas were all clean and well supplied. Especially enjoyed the privacy of our little stretch of the Lake Huron shore for cookouts and stargazing. Would gladly return or recommend the house to any future guests.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

John O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy

Great stay

Overall we really enjoyed our stay. I was a bit unsure when we arrived because it looks completely different then the online pictures (which need to be updated) but after unloading and opening up all the windows we really got to enjoy the views and cozy atmosphere of the cabin.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Natasha K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We truly loved our stay here. The cabin is so cozy and you cannot beat being on Lake Huron. The sunroom was our favorite place to cuddle and play games. Our kids loved swimming and jumping waves in the clean lake water. Just an FYI- no AC and not many windows have screens but being on the lake made it comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan S.

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

Great place!

We were looking to stay in the Mackinaw area so this place was perfect! Secluded but close by.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Great place! Would stay here again.

Plenty of room. Good location. Right on the water with chairs and a fire pit. Easy check in and out.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

HerbMeg H.

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

Great Stay

Recommend this property. Great beach with a view of islands and bridge.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Andrea R.

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

Location Location Location!!

Beautiful outdoor space and right on Lake Huron with beautiful views of Mackinaw bridge and Mackinaw Island. Quiet neighborhood. Close to town.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lauren O.

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

Awesome

Great location. Great view. House was clean and was a good size. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Russell G.

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

Beautiful view

We stayed for 4 nights. The location was great. It is just as it appeared in the listing.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelly H.

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

Great place for family with beautiful view!

Seven of us enjoyed family time with the fire pit, games in the sunroom, and a movie upstairs. Private beach with amazing views! We could see the Grand Hotel and the bridge was beautiful at night. Close to town, so easy to catch the ferry to the island. Quiet neighborhood.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Daun M.

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

Girls Trip Getaway

We loved the location, coffee by the water, campfires in the evening and plenty of space to lounge and tell stories. The water was pretty chilly but we dipped our toes in, the sounds of the waves can’t be beat. We visited the island, the upper peninsula and spent a day wandering the stores in town.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tracy K.

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

Such a wonderful trip!

We had an amazing weekend at the house. The kids didn’t get out of the water (which was the perfect temperature). The house is a great setup for families with young kids. Highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

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

Cute house, location can’t be beat

We greatly enjoyed our stay here. It was just as advertised and the lake access and view were wonderful. Nice stockpile of wood for the fire pit and the kitchen was decently equipped for food prep, including with a few oils and spices. The showers had good water pressure and nice towels provided. If you’re good with rustic charm and a few spiders in the corners (we were, they eat mosquitoes), highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ashley M.

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

Peaceful getaway

Me and a few of my friends had a great girls weekend away here!! Cleanly, everything we needed, and an amazing waterfront with awesome views. Both shade and sun to relax in which was a welcome surprise. Wish the water would have been easier to access as the rocks in the water were really slippery and it is shallow for a long ways. would stay here again and would be great for a family with kids!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie P.

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

Beautiful!

This was an absolutely beautiful house, just as described and as the pictures show! Our family loved the stay (my kids didn't want to leave haha). Being right on the water and the view of Mackinaw island and the bridge was phenomenal. We didn't need anything with our stay but when we did speak with the property manager was really quick to respond.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Family vacation

This property was perfect for our family get a way. We spent 1 day on the island and the other days playing games & sitting around the fire. It was perfect. Only downfall was…we have a family of 6 & a toddler and we were only able to find 5 towels & 2 washclothes. We made due though.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly S.

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

Gorgeous View

Direct view of Mackinac island from a nice wooded Lake Huron waterfront. Enjoyed nightly campfires with nice firewood at the site. The rustic knotty pine porch was so perfect for games, coffee, sleeping, reading, listening to the waves and viewing the lake. Minutes to Mackinac City for movies, shopping, ferry, bridge to UP, whitefish but the location of the house is wooded and peaceful. The manager answered texts promptly. A lovely rental. Hope to return someday.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carrie J.

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

Just Wow....

I don't believe there's a way to be, or get, more relaxed than at this property. Beautiful scenery, no disruptions, peace and quiet with views of the Mackinac Bridge all while you get to sit by the lake and watch the waves roll in. Plenty of games and movies to entertain kids, or for rainy days. Close to shopping and the ferry to Mackinac Island. It was perfect. The homeowners have made sure that the kitchen is fully stocked with cookware and utensils. All of the beds were comfortable. Everything was clean. It was just a really nice place to stay and get reacquainted with our extended family.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Jason K.

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

Great host and home with an excellent location.

This house was just right for our family of 7. There was plenty of space for everyone to sleep (though if you have to share a bed it’ll be cozy!) and lots of space throughout the home to sit and relax if needed. The collection of movies and games were great and our kids enjoyed them when the weather wasn’t perfect and in the evenings when our adventures had ended. The view from the beach to the bridge was fantastic and there was enough seating to all be able to sit outside and enjoy watching the water. Communication with the host was excellent and any questions/concerns we had were taken care of/answered with little delay. The location of the home was perfect, close enough to the city yet far enough out that you didn’t feel like you were in the middle of everything. It was a perfect in the woods cottage feel and a home that our family would stay in again if we were travel that way again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Crystal W.

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

Family getaway

We had a great stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was amazing! We loved the location and it was affordable!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Rodger H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location. Fantastic view. Loved our stay and plan on booking again!!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

michael s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful time celebrating our 15th anniversary!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarah D.

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

Mackinac Trip

Great place to stay, clean, with accurate descriptions!Loved how close it was to everything we needed.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025