8 cozy lakefront cabins in the U.P. to book this fall & winter

Book one of these cozy lakefront cabins in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula for the ultimate fall getaway or idyllic winter retreat. 

Whether you’re looking for a last-minute fall retreat or looking ahead to book some rest and recharging time over the holidays, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula—fondly known as the “U.P.” to most in the mitten—makes for the ultimate quiet getaway. 

The U.P. boasts some of the most scenic and close-to-untouched natural beauty in the entire country, with a little something for everyone. There are forests, beaches, waterfalls, hiking trails, and plenty of historical and local attractions. Most people who visit the U.P. aren’t interested in the latest and greatest advancements but instead visit as a retreat from the stressors of busy modern life. 

To help you make that relaxation happen for yourself, here are some of the most recommended cozy cabin rentals on the water in the Upper Peninsula. Consider booking a relaxing retreat for yourself, a romantic getaway for you and your partner, or to create the ultimate Hallmark setting for the holidays. 

Ontario @ Kimar’s Resort Lk SUP

2BR, 2BA cabin in Au Train, MI

Photo courtesy of Janna Compau.

Janna Compau and her husband, Jason, are frequent vacationers to the U.P.—”It’s our favorite place to be!” Compau exclaims—and last weekend, they rented this quaint cabin that’s situated directly on the shores of Lake Superior. 

While Compau notes that the resort is on the older side, she also adds that the “cabins were clean, beds were comfy, and it was right on Lake Superior!” The cabin is conveniently located between Marquette & Munising, home of Pictured Rocks, and a booking gives you access to free on-site kayaks. 

Lakeshore Resort, The Whitetail Cottage, #4

2 BR, 1 BA cabin in Gould City, MI

Photo courtesy of Janna Compau.

As a U.P. expert who has traveled all over the peninsula, Compau provided several recommendations on places she has actually stayed and enjoyed. “I keep telling my husband I should have my own show on things to do in the U.P.,” she laughs. “It’s so beautiful and there are so many things to do, I just love it!” 

The Whitetail Cottage #4, Compau says, is right on beautiful South Manistique Lake in Curtis. “It is a quiet, calm lake, and they provided kayaks to use, which was fun! The cabin was a bit older, but it was such a nice location, and they had everything we needed to be comfortable during our stay,” she adds. 

Sunrise House Sweet Dreams Room #12

1 BR, 1 BA in Saint Ignace, MI

Located in Saint Ignace on the Lake Michigan side, this cabin is part of a resort that frequently hosts weddings through Elope Up North. The cabin is private, but there is a shared covered porch entrance. According to Compau, the Sunrise House boasts a “really pretty setting.”

“There are trails, a long dock, a gazebo, and an incredible sunset view,” she adds. However, be aware that there is no TV in this rental, so if that’s a dealbreaker for you, you may want to book elsewhere. (And honestly, who needs a TV when you have the sunset over Lake Michigan to look at anyway?) And one more caution: This rental also has no kitchen, so you’ll need to plan to eat meals out or pack some ready-to-eat snacks. 

Pictured Rocks Cottage

2 BR, 1.5 BA in Munising, MI

Located just across the street from the South shore of Munising Bay, next door to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, you get access to stunning water views and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. For instance, you could kayak at Lake Superior, set out for a bike ride or hike (the North Country Trail passes by the front door!), or hit the trails with your ORV or snowmobile during the winter months. This rental is also close to fishing spots, restaurants, and beaches. 

“We love Munising because there is so much to do (Pictured Rocks, tons of waterfalls, hiking, biking, etc.), so this is the perfect place to use as a jumping point for many UP adventures,” Compau comments. “The house is old but very well kept and full of charming details. It’s also very well-stocked and comfortable.”

#5 Doe Log Cabin

2 BR, 1 BA in Au Train, MI

Photo courtesy of Janna Compau.

According to Compau, AuTrain is a great location because it’s right between Munising and Marquette, so there is “tons” to do in the area. 

“This was a super cute little cabin and we really loved staying here!” Compau says. “The cabins are family-owned, and there are several on the property, which is right on the lake. The owners were super nice and very attentive. It’s just a really beautiful area and a perfect setting for a fall retreat.”

Superior A-Frame

3 BR, 2.5 BA in Marquette, MI

With room for 8 guests, larger families may want to consider this modern yet rustic that sits on a bluff overlooking Lake Superior. Guests to this U.P. Airbnb can look over Marquette, catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, or just enjoy strolling the beach. 

Check out the cabin’s Instagram page at @superioraframe for inspiration for your trip. There, you’ll see plenty of nature-inspired scenes to guide your own trip. There’s a full kitchen, and pets are allowed at this rental, but the owners caution that due to the A-frame design, there are some steep steps in the home, so plan accordingly for older guests, no matter their species. 

The Eh Frame Cottage

3 BR, 1 BA in Big Bay, MI

Another A-frame option, the Eh Frame Cottage is an authentic 1960s build that holds all that is magical about Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, from the sweeping water views to the outdoor access. Guests delight in the little bridge you have to cross to access the cabin and appreciate the pellet indoor fireplace to cozy up to when the weather turns chilly. 

There are no on-site laundry units, so if you’re booking a long stay (long-term stays are available!), you’ll need to plan on visiting the local laundromat just down the road.

The Garden Cabin on Lake Fanny Hooe

2 BR, 1 BA in Copper Harbor, MI

The name may be a bit funny, but if you’re looking to travel to the very tip of the U.P., this Airbnb is about as far north as you can book. The cabin is open for rentals year-round and located on the beachfront of Lake Fanny Hooee, where the owners promise you will find “peace and happiness.” 

The cabin has everything you or a family group needs, from a washer and dryer to a full kitchen to access to the great outdoors. Despite being in the tip of the U.P., you can also step into the nearby town of Copper Harbor, which you’ll swear was dropped right out of a Hallmark movie with quaint shops and fine-dining restaurants to enjoy. And, of course, there’s also a cozy wood-burning fireplace to curl up in front of with a cup of hot chocolate. 

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.