The Lodge in Manistee

Lodge on riverfront Manistee location

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Photo gallery for The Lodge in Manistee

Terrace/patio
TV, books
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Exterior
1 bedroom, bed sheets

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Manistee, MI
  • Place, Manistee Lake
  • Place, Little River Casino
    ‪30 min drive‬
  • Place, Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse
    ‪31 min drive‬
  • Airport, Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker)
    ‪29 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Manistee

On river.At this Manistee lodge, you'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Huron-Manistee National Forest and 12 miles (20 km) of Manistee Lake. Timmerman Lake and Lake of the Woods are within 16 miles (25 km).

What's nearby

  • Orchard Beach State Park - 29 min drive - 18.5 miles
  • Little River Casino - 30 min drive - 21.0 miles
  • Manistee National Golf Course - 31 min drive - 19.6 miles
  • Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse - 31 min drive - 20.3 miles
  • Portage Lake - 39 min drive - 28.5 miles

Getting around

  • Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker) - 31 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Little River Casino Resort - ‬26 min drive
  • ‪The Buffet - ‬25 min drive
  • ‪Northern Natural Cider House & Winery - ‬38 min drive
  • ‪Little River Sports Bar and Grille - ‬25 min drive
  • ‪Douglas Valley Winery - ‬34 min drive

About this property

The Lodge in Manistee

The unique 1930 train caboose is nestled over looking the Big Manistee River in the heart of the Manistee National Forest. The caboose has been converted into a cabin, that offers sleeping of up to 6. It's location is close to hiking, canoeing, and fishing. Owners Michael & Jenni Tilmann have worked hard to make this a cozy and clean place to stay while enjoying your next rustic adventure. Capt. Michael is a river guide as well as a Charter Boat Captain, which makes for a great place to stay prior and post fishing trips. North West Michigan offers lots of activities such as Sleeping Bear Dunes, casinos, as well as the wonderful beaches of Lake Michigan! For further details please visit www.visitmanistee.com !

Similar properties

Property amenities

Things to do

  • Books

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Shower
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dining table
  • Kitchen
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Separate dining area
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Policies

Check-in

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

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • No pets allowed

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
Cashless transactions are available
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector
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. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector in each accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Property is also known as

The Lodge in Manistee Lodge
The Lodge in Manistee Manistee
The Lodge in Manistee Lodge Manistee

Frequently asked questions

How close is The Lodge in Manistee to the airport?

This lodge is 14.1 mi (31-min drive) away from the Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at The Lodge in Manistee?

As of Oct 23, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Lodge in Manistee on Oct 24, 2025 start from $112.5, excluding 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 Lodge in Manistee have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this lodge.

How close is The Lodge in Manistee to the beach?

This lodge is 16.8 mi (31-min drive) from First Street Beach and 19.6 mi (34-min drive) from Manistee County Beaches. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does The Lodge in Manistee offer free breakfast?

This lodge does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at The Lodge in Manistee?

No, there is no casino at this lodge, but Little River Casino (4.1 mi) is nearby.

What time is check-in at The Lodge in Manistee?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

Is there free parking at The Lodge in Manistee?

Free parking is not available at this lodge.

Does The Lodge in Manistee have a pool?

This lodge does not have a pool.

Does The Lodge in Manistee have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this lodge.

How close is The Lodge in Manistee to downtown Manistee?

This lodge is 8.5 mi away from Manistee.

Reviews

The Lodge in Manistee Reviews

7.8

Good

7.6/10

Cleanliness

6.8/10

Staff & service

6.8/10

Amenities

6.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.8/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 15 out of 30 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 30 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 30 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 30 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 30 reviews

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Eric J.

Overwhelming smell of a mold problem, a/c was a window unit that didn’t work, was in a side yard with barking dogs. Would not recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ron F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very nice made a great fish camp
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Derek C., New Albany Indiana

Liked: Cleanliness
Accommodations for fishing trip
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Scott R.

Liked: Cleanliness
It was good
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Jeremy B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Giid stay for a couple guys in to salmon fish.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Joe S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Sleeping accommodation

Sleeping accommodations were only good for two male adults Bunkbeds were for midgets or children
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Karen L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Quiet beatiful view

Cute little cabin in manistee with decent view down to the river.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Ethan M.

Disliked: Cleanliness

Hot weekend

It was a hot weekend, and AC wasn’t running upon arrival had to turn it on to cool off the place. Old empty beer cans on back porch, and around fireplace. No hot water, and the floor is rotting in front of the shower. I came into town for a business meeting, and ended up driving home the same night. Wasn’t expecting it to be basically in the backyard of someone’s property too.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dave S.

Liked: Cleanliness

great time

quiet. beautiful view.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

natasha m.

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen L.

Fishing cabin

Decent accommodation for a cabin fitting 6
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

chris s.

Liked: Cleanliness

Weekend trip

Really loved the location, Nice location over looking the Manistee River.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jason P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Roy A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

2/10 Terrible

Michelle N.

Disliked: Cleanliness

Slept in the car

I knew going in this had not-so-great reviews, but the property condition forced us to stay outside for the evening while the owner of the property next door within 30 feet had extremely loud music and yelling until 1:00 am. I know this because I slept in the car to get away from the mold. Evidence of extreme water damage within the walls.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

6/10 Okay

Dan M.

It was OK

This is an ok property for a few guys for a fishing trip. Not a great place for a family stay. It is on the Manistee River, but you can barely see the river and there is no access to it. It is pretty clean inside, but definitely has a musty smell and the blakets and futon were damp from humidity. It worked ok for us(my wife, daughter and I) because we mostly just slept there and spent most of our time in Manistee, but we probably would not plan to return. It just depends on what you plan to use it for.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Caden H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great weekend of fishing with friends

Best fishing cabin we’ve stayed in on the manistee. We were very delighted to find the ohio state game on the tv! We will definitely be back! Thanks mike for letting us stay at your wonderful place!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Robert C.

fishing and friends

The purpose of this trip was fishing, friends, and relaxing. We fish first with our friends enjoying the water and area. We eat real good and have time to relax, sleep and then more fishing. This is not a place my wife would stay at but for us it worked out just fine. Thanks Mike.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Eric A.

Liked: Cleanliness

Very Relaxing

This trip was great, the lodge was fantastic. If you want to relax this place offers that. Loved the whole atmosphere out there. The owner is very nice and friendly, would absolutely book again
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

2/10 Terrible

Mike R.

Disliked: Cleanliness

Musty ran down and nasty

Crusty
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nate L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fish Camp

We had an excellent stay at fish camp! It is the perfect arrangement if you’re planning to visit Manistee and hit Lake Michigan. It is approximately 20 mins from the launch and has plenty of room to accommodate boat parking. We will definitely be staying again!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

8/10 Good

tammy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

Susan C., Grand Ledge, MI

It was okay

The bed is not comfortable and the place smells like mildew and musty. Mike was super nice!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

Mat D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Nice quiet getaway

Enjoyed our stay. Property manager was very helpful and made sure we were taken care of the entire weekend
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Robin H., Kalamazoo

Liked: Cleanliness

our stay.

We enjoyed our stay. We looked at the river every morning and enjoyed the view. It was quite which we liked.We would recoommend this to anyone.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021