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The Caboose

Apartment near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Empire

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Photo gallery for The Caboose

A narrow hallway leading to a room with a bed, a window, and a door with a sign indicating air release.
A room with a dining table, chairs, a bench, a door with a handle, a window with curtains, and a wall-mounted shelf.
A forested area with a single orange train car on a track, surrounded by tall trees and a gravel path.
A picnic area with a grill, table, and benches surrounded by trees.
A wooden bench in a wooded area with a lake in the background.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire apartment

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2260 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Empire, MI
  • Place, Little Glen Lake
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Glen Lake
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Crystal River
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪48 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Empire

In Empire .Stay at this Empire apartment and you'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Little Glen Lake and 2 miles (3 km) of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum are also within 3 miles (5 km).
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What's nearby

  • Little Glen Lake - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 3 min drive - 1.8 miles
  • Glen Lake - 6 min drive - 4.3 miles
  • Crystal River - 7 min drive - 5.7 miles
  • Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum - 8 min drive - 4.1 miles

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cherry Republic - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Art's Tavern - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Boonedocks - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪River Club Glen Arbor - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Leelanau Coffee Roasting Co. - ‬6 min drive

About this property

The Caboose

Summary:

Historic, updated caboose with a fire pit, central air conditioning and heating, and grill. With public access to Little Glen Lake nearby, this unique and historic abode offers all the conveniences of home. Inside, the space includes a convenient queen bed, bathroom with shower, a sitting area, and a well-equipped kitchenette that features a fridge, microwave, toaster, Keurig, and an electric percolator.



The Space:

With public access to Little Glen Lake nearby, this unique and historic abode offers all the conveniences of home with all the adventure of vacation. Surrounded by trees, the renovated caboose features a picnic area, grill, firepit, and beautiful nature views. Inside, the space includes a convenient Murphy bed, a sitting area, and a well-equipped kitchenette that features a fridge, microwave, toaster, Keurig, and an electric percolator. Access to the Sleeping Bear Dunes is just steps away from the Caboose!



Guest Access:

A key will be provided



The Neighborhood:

Forest/ Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore



Getting Around:

Driving or walking to the beach or to hike the trails and dunes.



Interaction with Guests:

We are available if guests need any assistance, but we prefer to give everyone their privacy.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the apartment: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

Bedrooms

  • 1 bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Location highlights

  • In a rural location

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Property does not allow children
  • Unit size: 260 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 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

Rules

No smoking, pets, or fireworks in the Caboose or anywhere on the premises. Grill tools are in the kitchen drawer. If you need a new propane tank c...

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • This property does not allow children.
  • Note from host: Ladders could be dangerous

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
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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 professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

65049db0a7487500391903db

Frequently asked questions

How close is The Caboose to the airport?

This apartment is 33.5 mi (48-min drive) away from the Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at The Caboose?

As of Oct 3, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Caboose on Oct 18, 2026 start from $380, 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.

Does The Caboose have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this apartment.

Does The Caboose offer free breakfast?

This apartment does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at The Caboose?

No, there is no casino at this apartment.

What time is check-in at The Caboose?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

Is there free parking at The Caboose?

Free parking is not available at this apartment.

Does The Caboose have a pool?

This apartment does not have a pool.

Does The Caboose have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this apartment.

How close is The Caboose to downtown Empire?

This apartment is 4.6 mi away from Empire.

The Caboose Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 24 out of 28 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 28 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 28 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 28 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 28 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We love this place! Beautiful property close to everything!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cozy little caboose, walking distance from the dunes and a great launch pad to the surrounding scenic areas.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic location for hiking through Sleeping Bear Dunes! We love the Caboose itself and the history behind it. It’s always great staying here.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great as always! Perfect for glamping to hike Sleeping Bear Dunes NP.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Empire Get Away

Unique and cozy stay, just what we were looking for.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

We LOVED the caboose!

What an awesome experience, staying in an authentic, restored train caboose on our vacation! Very clean, all amenities we might need were there, nice shower, cool air, fluffy towels even! Perfect location. Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect location. Bike trail and Dune Climb walking distance. Just 10 minute drive to both the town of Glen Arbor and also the scenic Sleeping Bear Dunes drive. Bonfires at night, visits from deer & wild turkeys. What a unique place to stay. We enjoyed the Caboose !!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great location

Location was perfect for what we wanted to do and where we wanted to go. Also, was in between Empire and Glen Arbor. Close to the dune climb and pierce stocking scenic drive.The historical caboose looked really cool in the woods.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great stay

This was a perfect stay for my wife and I. The first day we walked down to the Dune Climb from The Caboose. Easy walk on the rail trail from there. The rest of the weekend we visited Glen Arbor, Suttons Bay, Leland, and all points in-between. It was nice after to get back to The Caboose, have a fire and enjoy the night. We would stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

DTI 107

We had a lovely time staying in the caboose. Very nostalgic and perfect for the train enthusiasts! Right in the middle of nature and abutting to the national park. Beautiful!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Peaceful getaway

The caboose was very well laid out and clean, with many modern amenities at our disposal. The location is superb: back from the road and fairly secluded, but very close to Glen Arbor and right next to the dune climb. It was so much fun to enjoy morning coffee in the cupola of the caboose!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Beautiful Romantic Getaway

My wife and I had the privilege of staying here for a weekend to celebrate our anniversary. If you are looking for somewhere quaint, beautiful, secluded and surrounded by nature, this is the place. The Dunes are within walking distance. Downtown Empire and downtown Glen Arbor are both only a ten minutes' drive; while these towns are both small, there's no shortage of good food and wine.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Was a very pleasant stay. Thought the add reflected what you got. Internet connection wasn’t the best for our phones.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Quite, Clean and Private

We enjoyed a fabulous time in the caboose. It’s very clean and a well organized space. All appliances work as they should and we had no issues what so ever. Great communication with our hosts. Highly recommended!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Amazing!

What a gift it was to stay here...thank you! Can't imagine the logistics & process it took to get a caboose stationed on this lovely property, refurbished & functioning as rentable accommodations. Loved the historic memorabilia found within. It was clean, well-stocked with accoutrements & soft linens. Perfect for 2 people for a few nights in beautiful northern.MI.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Cute, cozy and wonderful tucked in the woods!

This is a fantastic cozy stay! The owners have kept most of the caboose in its original state. The location is perfect for a dune climb. I have family in Glen Arbor and it was an easy drive to their place. I would definitely recommend this to anyone. The owners are very accommodating and friendly as well. Thank you very much
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Enchanting Caboose in the Woods

We loved our weekend in the Caboose. This beautifully refitted and comfortable railcar had everything one needs. Close to the beach and hikes. Privacy. Peace and quiet. And the magic of staying in a slice of railroad history. Excellent hosts, easy communication. Everything was perfect.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Hansel and Gretel meets Polar Express

Very unique cozy cottage in the woods. The cottage aka Train Caboose is situated in a perfect spot in the woods at the foot of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Shoreline adjacent to the 20 mile Sleeping Bear Heritage bike trail. The cottage is very clean, has everything you need. A great place to read a book are the upper deck seats of the caboose. The hosts had great communication and ensured we had everything we need.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Very cute and unique experience. The set-up was so fun and we had a wonderful time.Could just be the time of the year but the bugs were very rampant but thankfully went away when the lights were turned off. Had a bit of an unpleasant smell we figured it was from whatever is used to prevent rust.The sound of the summer rain was soothing, a perfect way to spend a weekend celebrating my partners birthday. Highly recommended.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Amazing getaway

Stayed here for a solo birthday trip to explore sleeping bear dunes and the surrounding areas. Brooke and Robin were amazing hosts, great communication. The Caboose was so charming, well equipped with anything I may have needed. Waking up and having breakfast and coffee here was a great start to the day before going sightseeing. Returning after a long day and relaxing was peaceful. The location is second to none, minutes walk from the dune climb or Glen lake access. Within a 40 minute drive of all the key spots to see in that area, which seems endless. Who wouldn't want to stay in a train caboose? It was amazing!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Beautiful and Unique with the ideal location

This caboose is right where you want to be if you have come to this area to enjoy the outdoors. A few miles from Empire, Glen Arbor and Glen Haven and walking distance to the Dunes hike. My partner and I had the most amazing time here and the caboose is super cool and well appointed. The grill is really nice and there is a nice kitchen set-up so we were able to prepare some pretty great meals and didn't feel cramped. I can't express enough how good of a location this is. Immediately off the bike path, sandwiched in between everything, it's just awesome. There are two houses on the sides of you, but some woods in-between to give you decent privacy. It made it really easy to enjoy the stars on the dunes too since it was either a very short drive or a short walk to the dune hike.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Unique stay close to the dunes.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very unique and cool place to stay at for two nights. Now I can say I slept in a caboose. Even though it's a caboose in the middle of a forest, it comes with all the conviences you need. Comfortable bed too! It was the perfect location for us, you're basically in Sleeping Bear Dunes Park, and it's a quick drive to Glen Arbor or Empire. Definitely recommended especially if you're looking for a unique place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

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