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Lakefront Northern Michigan Retreat, Dock, Kayaks, Sleeps 6-Near Petoskey

Enjoy the free WiFi at this beachfront Alanson cottage

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Photo gallery for Lakefront Northern Michigan Retreat, Dock, Kayaks, Sleeps 6-Near Petoskey

Property grounds
On the beach, sun loungers
Smart TV, books, offices
Property grounds
Exterior

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms1 bathroom

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View in a map
Alanson, MI
  • Place, Pickerel Lake
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Odawa Casino
    ‪34 min drive‬
  • Place, Boyne Mountain
    ‪49 min drive‬
  • Airport, Pellston, MI (PLN-Pellston Regional)
    ‪25 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Alanson

On the beach.At this Alanson cottage, you'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Pickerel Lake and 3 miles (5 km) of Crooked Vine Vineyard and Winery. Also, Crooked Lake is within 3 miles (5 km) and Seasons of the North Winery is within 6 miles (10 km).
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What's nearby

  • Pickerel Lake - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Nub's Nob Ski Area - 25 min drive - 14.9 miles
  • McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital - 30 min drive - 19.9 miles
  • Odawa Casino - 34 min drive - 21.2 miles
  • Boyne Mountain - 49 min drive - 37.7 miles

Getting around

  • Pellston, MI (PLN-Pellston Regional) - 24 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Burt Lake Brewery - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Dutch Oven Yarn Shop - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Vivio's - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Northwood Restaurant - ‬14 min drive

About this property

Entire place

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

Lakefront Northern Michigan Retreat, Dock, Kayaks, Sleeps 6-Near Petoskey

Welcome to your Lakefront Northern Michigan retreat! This Pickerel Lake home sleeps up to 6 guests and features private dock access, kayaks, and a rowboat for endless days on the water. Enjoy shallow sandy swimming right from your yard, cozy evenings around the firepit, and stunning sunsets from the deck. Less than 30 minutes from Gaylord, Petoskey, and Harbor Springs, you get peaceful lakeside privacy with easy access to dining, ships, golf, and local attractions.

Nestled on the serene shores of Pickerel Lake, this vintage-meets-modern cottage is the perfect Northern Michigan summer escape. Set on 235 acres of peaceful woodland, at the end of a private road, the home offers rare privacy, calm waters, and uninterrupted lake views -ideal for families, couples, and nature lovers.

Lakefront Highlights
*Private dock
*Kayaks and rowboat included
*Shallow swimming area
*Fire-pit near the water
*Peaceful, no wake lake atmoshpere

Pickerel Lake is ideal for families, paddling, fishing, and quiet enjoyment - not a party lake.

Property Highlights
Accommodations:
*2 bedrooms
*Bedroom 1: Double bed
*Bedroom 2: Double bed and twin bunk bed
*Sun porch with full-size sofa sleeper
*1 full bathroom

Safety & House Rules
*Maximum Occupancy: 6 guests
*No parties or events
*Quiet hours: 10 pm-8 am
*Primary renter must be 25+
*Children must be supervised near water and dock
*Life jackets required for minors

Nearby
*Petoskey & Harbor Springs (15–20 min): Shopping, dining, wineries, festivals
*Mackinaw City & Mackinac Island Ferries (30 min)
*Golf nearby: Bay Harbor Golf Club, Hidden River Golf, and Crooked Tree Golf Club
*Hiking trails, scenic drives, and local beaches

Similar properties

Exterior
Charming Waterfront Cabin on the Inland Waterway
  • Washer
  • Dryer
Charming Waterfront Cabin on the Inland Waterway

Property amenities

Beach

  • On the beach
  • Beach loungers

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby
  • Snowboarding nearby

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Office

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Front entrance ramp
  • No elevator
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

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

Things to do

  • Kayak
  • Water sports equipment
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Ice skating nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Winery tours 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)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Garden

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 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 complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
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

Advance notice: At least 2 days No same day bookings Only guests with positive booking history Minimum stay (2-3 days)
Within 24 hours of booking, guests must provide the requested information and confirm that they understand the house rules.

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

No events 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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm 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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

Pet Friendly Cozy Beachfront Cottage on Pickerel Lake

Frequently asked questions

How close is Lakefront Northern Michigan Retreat, Dock, Kayaks, Sleeps 6-Near Petoskey to the airport?

This cottage is 13.8 mi (24-min drive) away from the Pellston, MI (PLN-Pellston Regional) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Lakefront Northern Michigan Retreat, Dock, Kayaks, Sleeps 6-Near Petoskey have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this cottage.

How close is Lakefront Northern Michigan Retreat, Dock, Kayaks, Sleeps 6-Near Petoskey to the beach?

This cottage is on the beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Lakefront Northern Michigan Retreat, Dock, Kayaks, Sleeps 6-Near Petoskey offer free breakfast?

This cottage does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Lakefront Northern Michigan Retreat, Dock, Kayaks, Sleeps 6-Near Petoskey?

No, there is no casino at this cottage.

What time is check-in at Lakefront Northern Michigan Retreat, Dock, Kayaks, Sleeps 6-Near Petoskey?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Lakefront Northern Michigan Retreat, Dock, Kayaks, Sleeps 6-Near Petoskey?

Free parking is not available at this cottage.

Does Lakefront Northern Michigan Retreat, Dock, Kayaks, Sleeps 6-Near Petoskey have a pool?

This cottage does not have a pool.

Does Lakefront Northern Michigan Retreat, Dock, Kayaks, Sleeps 6-Near Petoskey have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this cottage.

How close is Lakefront Northern Michigan Retreat, Dock, Kayaks, Sleeps 6-Near Petoskey to downtown Alanson?

This cottage is 3.6 mi away from Alanson.

Lakefront Northern Michigan Retreat, Dock, Kayaks, Sleeps 6-Near Petoskey Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 90 out of 114 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 22 out of 114 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 114 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 114 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 114 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Shawn E., Grandville, MI, USA

Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jessica W.

Liked: Cleanliness
House was beautiful and very peaceful/quiet... still close enough to get to all the activities we wanted to do. Perfect set up for us and our pup. Vickie and Scott were great hosts - communicative and extreamly accomidating.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very clean! We loved the location! It was very quiet and peaceful. Thank you for sharing your place!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rich P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great communication. Clean, rustic cabin at the end of a private road. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Jenna Z.

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Courtney V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

joanna b.

Liked: Cleanliness
We loved our stay at this charming lakeside cottage. It was perfect for our family which includes 2 Aussie shepherds too. I have family near Petoskey and have spent many summers in the area so I wanted to do all my favorite things and spend time with my relatives, but it was hard for us to leave this relaxing retreat! We especially enjoyed the kayaks and the fire pit and appreciated that there was a convenient little self-serve firewood business along the drive to the cottage for us to grab more firewood.(5 a bundle!) There's so much to see and do in this area, great restaurants within 10-20 minutes, and my fav beach of all beaches, Petoskey State Park (there is now an area on the beach where dogs are allowed too!). We had a wonderful vacation at the cottage and would stay here again. Thank you, Scott and Vickie!
Morning coffee with a fire, the dogs, and watching my daughter toodle around the lake in the kayak. Life is good!
If you look closely, you might see the tiny red speck which is my daughter kayaking. :)
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brandee W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Loved the privacy and having our own "beach" in the backyard. We enjoyed the kayaks and fire pit, and fishing off the long dock. The cabin was homey and had all the amenities we needed, despite being a bit dated. The hosts were responsive and kind.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ann L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Cute dog friendly waterfront cottage!

Really wish I could give more than 5 stars. The cottage has no neighbors on one side of the property and sits at the end of a dead end road. It was sooo peaceful. Wildlife abounds. We saw all kinds of butterflies, loons, mergansers, ducks,geese, herons, and a couple of eagles! The lake is super clean and clear. The dock was great to walk out on and fish from. My husband caught a big bass within seconds of casting his line out at the end of it. We brought our 9 month old boxer pup with us on his very first vacation. The beach area was perfect and the lake is shallow for quite a ways. He had fun splashing and playing in the water. The owners have thought of everything to make the stay wonderful - beautiful flowers and landscaping, fire pit, hammock, kayaks, canoe, and lighted deck. The cottage is well appointed with a sunroom and has a kitchen stocked clean pots, pans, a kuerig coffee pot/one cup machine that owners were kind enough to have kcups available along with a little basket of goodies and bottled water. Nicely appointed full bath. Plush towels. The interior was very, very clean considering it’s a pet friendly place. Decorations in the cottage are quaint with some vintage Knick knacks. Brought back a lot of great memories for this gen-xer. Beds were comfortable and clean also. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brianna D.

Liked: Cleanliness

The northern dream

We stayed for 3 days during Father’s Day weekendAnd it was perfect. The bathroom is kinda small and tight so if you’re a bigger person just make sure u check that out. Other than that it was great andThe owners were awesome!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Collette M.

Liked: Cleanliness
The whole family enjoyed this gem right on the lake. The shallow area was perfect for the small children and the adults enjoyed the kayaks and canoe. The cottage had everything we needed
Stayed 12 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erika B., Birmingham, MI

Liked: Cleanliness

Quiet! loved the lake and privacy

Lakeside escape was perfect for us and our family with two dogs. We were looking for a quiet place for Memorial Day weekend and it worked out perfectly! The lake views are fabulous. We saw gorgeous sunsets and close to a number of small towns with restaurants, etc. Also enjoyed the fire pit and nice kayaks, life jackets, etc. The cottage was a perfect size for us. One bedroom is “cozy” - but still very charming and comfortable : ) thank you to Vickie and Scott for their excellent communication!
Sunset view from the deck stunning!
The kayaks were very nice, including lifejackets
Big fire pit with woods beyond to gather firewood
View from the back deck, the lights are a nice touch as well
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeff T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Best experience in years

The property and the hosts are phenomenal. It is a "cozy" cottage, but that's what we wanted. We loved our 10 days!!!
Stayed 14 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Tad K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Location 30 minutes from all our points of interest.

Pickeral lake front cabin, very functional, quiet with a terrific hi speed internet tv connection.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jamie J., Clio, MI

Liked: Cleanliness

Absolutely beautiful sunsets!

We had a great stay! The house is a typical up north cottage but very clean and peaceful! The bed was comfortable too. It’s a perfect location if you want to boat the inland waterway. We had a nice little fire when we were done boating. Just an all around perfect weekend!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dana E.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fabulous location!

Great peaceful location! Easy day trips to beautiful parts of Michigan!! Especially enjoyed seeing the swans on the lake each morning!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Liza A.

Liked: Cleanliness

Peaceful and calming retreat.

Beautiful secluded property that is quiet and peaceful. Cool cabin that suits the area perfectly. Very nice kitchen and accommodations. Thank you for a wonderful relaxing week.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Meredith S.

Last summer vacation

The privacy and peacefulness of the location are paramount. The cleanliness of specifically the bathroom (moldy shower mat & curtain) & kitchen (mouse droppings in multiple drawers) was disappointing. The rest of the cottage was clean and comfortable, however. My oldest daughter cut her foot open badly on a nail on the wooden dock, requiring immediate medical attention to close the wound. My husband and youngest daughter suffered from swimmer's itch on our first full day here. Communication with property owners was speedy.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rhonda C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Stay

Thoroughly enjoyed our stay - everything was exactly as described w/some bonuses not expected but wonderful touches.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jim T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Little Getaway

Perfect getaway for my family of 4. This was our second time staying at this location, and we plan on returning! Cabin is small and quant, so if you know that going in, this place is perfect. Property is at the end of a road and has wooded forest on one side, which makes it feel more secluded than most lake cottages. Lake is clear, sandy bottom, is also shallow a long ways out, which is perfect when you have small kids. It is a great home base for going anywhere up north. Spent most of our time fishing, kayaking, swimming, and sitting by campfires. Highly recommend this place for a peaceful stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Tranquil

Beautiful older cottage on a sandy bottom lake. No muck to walk through like many other Michigan lakes. The views over the surrounding area is stunning, especially in the morning when the lake fog rolls over the hills. Very close to Michigan's Gold Coast and all of its attractions. Would definitely visit again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kerry M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Relaxing Getaway

This is a quintessential up north cabin. Loved the homey feel, the patio overlooking the lake, and the privacy of the property. Direct access to the water and having kayaks available was a great touch. It’s also close by many other areas to explore.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mike Z., Arlington, VA

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Camp

Great lake front camp. Well appointed and an excellent spot for those with dogs or small kids. Would rent again if back in the area
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Krishna M., Durango, CO

Liked: Cleanliness

Quiet and private lakefront getaway

We LOVED to proximity to the lake and how wonderful the water was. Being outside by the fire pit and lake was wonderful. The hosts were very responsive and helpful and the cottage was well appointed with everything we needed-including fast wi-fi and a little desk area to work. The only drawback for me was the musty smell, thankfully it aired out, but it was a bit off-putting when we arrived.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sage W.

Liked: Cleanliness

A weekend Up North

My husband, parents, and 2 dogs wanted to go Up North for the weekend. This was the perfect alternative to 2 hotel rooms. We visited Mackinac Island and Petoskey and enjoyed some time on the lake! Worked well for 4 adults and 2 small dogs. Wi-fi worked really well too.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023