Summer is almost here, but it’s not too late to plan a getaway. Luckily, Michigan is home to eco over 22,000 vacation rental listings across Airbnb, VRBO, and other sites. From the bottom to the top of the mitten, there’s plenty to discover, whether it’s a historic lighthouse on Lake Superior, a barn in Three Oaks near Lake Michigan, or a cottage in downtown Charlevoix. And as far as relaxation, many of these rentals provide the perfect setting for swimming in a lake, sitting by a bonfire, or going for a walk in the woods or along the beach.
1. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Eppstein House in Galesburg
This midcentury-modern house was designed by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright and was updated in 2017 after 20 years of neglect. It can sleep up to five people in three bedrooms with four beds and two bathrooms. Other amenities include floor heating, a firepit, two living rooms, a kitchen, a laundry room, a dedicated workspace, three terraces, a washer and dryer, and garden views. This rental is not suitable for kids under 12. With the exception of a few private closets, guests will have access to the entire house. Book through Airbnb.
2. A Pebble in Rock City: A ‘Tiny Home’ in Detroit
Don’t let the exterior fool you — this tiny home offers everything you need for a quality stay, including a kitchen, bathtub, television, washer and dryer, and even a backyard. It’s built in what looks like a train car and can sleep up to four guests in two beds. There are also chickens cooped on the property that provide fresh eggs. This little gem is located in Piety Hill, just a few blocks from the historic Boston-Edison district and not too far from downtown Detroit. Book through Airbnb.
3. Riverfront Cabin in Thompsonville
This 1,700-square-foot cabin south of Traverse City features three bedrooms that can sleep up to 12 as well as 2.5 bathrooms, a kitchen, a living room, and a patio. The cabin sits on the Betsie River and provides some great views and a supply of games for rainy days. It’s also near the Freddie B Sport Fishing Charters, Iron Fish Distillery, and Crystal Mountain resort. You’ll find a hot tub and woodburning fireplace, too. Book through Vrbo.
4. Cottage in Suttons Bay
This beautiful getaway cottage, with three bedrooms, four beds, and two bathrooms, can host seven guests, who will have access to the entire space and a private beach, where kayaks are available to use. Some pets are allowed, but not on the furniture; otherwise, additional cleaning fees will apply. There is a washer unit, Wi-Fi, a kitchen, a TV, board games, and more. Book through Airbnb.
5. Northwind Llama Retreat ‘Farm House’ in Sawyer
The farmhouse can sleep up to six guests in two full furnished bedrooms with five beds and two bathrooms — plus, it has a full kitchen. It’s located just half a mile from Warren Dunes State Park and 15 minutes from New Buffalo and St. Joseph. Guests will have access to the entire home and 5-acre private park with firepits, a pond, and a meditation area, and because the property is a working llama farm, you can even add some time with the llamas to your experience. Book through Airbnb.
6. Earl Young Cottage in Charlevoix
In the late 1920s, architect Earl Young, of “mushroom houses” fame, transformed this 1800s cottage with some of his distinctive design details, including using boulders on the exterior. The rental is just a short walk to Lake Michigan and the Charlevoix lighthouse and a few blocks from downtown shopping and dining. The recently renovated cottage has four bedrooms, two baths, and a cozy patio and can accommodate four adults and three children. Book at mushroomhouses.com.
7. Postcard Cabin in Grand Junction
Immerse yourself in nature by staying at a cabin in the woods while only two hours from Chicago. This one-bed, one-bathroom rental for two features a private outdoor area with a firepit; complimentary s’mores fixings; a kitchenette with a stove, a mini-fridge, and cooking utensils; and a picnic table. There are also nearby trails available so you can truly enjoy the outdoors. Book through Postcard Cabins.
8. A-Frame in Harbor Springs
This cozy rental makes the list of Moody Cabin Girl’s favorite Michigan vacation rentals. It has two bedrooms and one bathroom and can sleep up to four people. It’s located just five minutes from downtown Harbor Springs and 20 minutes from Petoskey, so there are plenty of recreational opportunities in addition to a chance to drive through the famous Tunnel of Trees. The renovated A-frame offers a living and dining room, woodburning stove, full kitchen, washer and dryer, large front porch, and firepit out back. Book through Airbnb.
9. Historic 1850 Lighthouse on Lake Superior
Staying in a lighthouse is cool enough, but the 1,200-square-foot deck and four-season sunroom that overlook Lake Superior put this rental over the top. It sleeps six and features three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, one half bathroom, a gourmet kitchen, and a living room. Find everything you need here, including a washer and dryer, cooking equipment, and of course a lake view. Book through VRBO.
10. The Art Gallery Suite at the Art House Inn in Suttons Bay
Enjoy original works by living international artists on display at this eclectic rental suite within a bed-and-breakfast that dates back to the late 19th century. It’s just a five-minute walk from the nearest swimming beach and about 40 minutes from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Guests will enjoy new luxury bedding, a private attached bath, a mini-fridge, a television, Wi-Fi, and more. Wake up to a complimentary breakfast and grab a coffee from the Keurig. Sleeps up to two guests. Book through Airbnb.
11. The Store House Inn in Charlevoix
Built on the property of a favorite town store in the heart of Charelvoix, this guesthouse is a new build that opened one year ago. It has five bedrooms and six baths and sleeps 10. Book at thestorehousecharlevoix.com.
12. The Jewell of Michigan A-Frame in White Lake
This newly remodeled 1964 midcentury A-frame is a brisk walk away from Cedar Island Lake. It features an outdoor firepit, dining area, barbecue grill, and hot tub as well as two bikes. This home accommodates four guests and has two bedrooms, three beds, and one bathroom. Close by are White Lake Oaks Golf Course and Union Lake Golf Course, destinations for golfing and cross-country skiing. Other features include a private sauna, pool table, foosball table, shuffleboard, and more. Book through Airbnb.
13. The Barn of Three Oaks in Three Oaks
This charming barn was renovated and turned into a vacation rental that sleeps eight and features a full kitchen, a washer and dryer, three bedrooms, and 2.5 baths. Located between Three Oaks and New Buffalo, the barn is near Lake Michigan as well as restaurants, distilleries, wineries, breweries, and shops. In the barn, guests will find a variety of books, games, and puzzles; a selection of records; a television; a woodburning fireplace; shuffleboard; and more. Guests have the entire barn to themselves. Pets are allowed. Book through thebarnthreeoaks.com or Airbnb.
14. Serenity Now Treehouse in Whitehall
This intimate treehouse north of Muskegon is built in four oak trees and can sleep two guests with one bedroom and bath. The treehouse has DirecTV, a full kitchen, a gas grill, and games, but no Wi-Fi. There’s also access to Schneider Lake, a hammock, and an outdoor shower and a chapel for guests to enjoy. Book through Airbnb.
This story originally appeared in the May 2025 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Our digital edition will be available on May 5.
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