The Family Vacation You're Looking for on Birch Lake

See all properties

Entire home

Plenty of space to put your toes in the sand...

Shallow, clear, kid-friendly water entry

Remodeled kitchen with full range, microwave, and dishwasher.

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

3 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 674.3 sq m

Popular amenities

Parking available
Pet-friendly
Dryer
Washer
Fireplace
Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Kewadin, MI

Elk Rapids Golf Club
‪5 min drive‬
Torch Lake
‪7 min drive‬
Torch Lake Park
‪16 min drive‬
Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
‪25 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Outdoor play area

Dining area

About this property

Just 20 miles north of Traverse City, Birch Lake is the family friendly lake. Warm water, sandy shore, gently sloping shallows, great for families, fishing, boating, water skiing, swimming, playing and relaxing.

The water front cottage is on the south side of Birch Lake, just 3 miles north of Elk Rapids. Cottage has 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, cathedral ceiling, full kitchen, washer.dryer, outdoor deck with charcoal grill. It has cable TV, WIFI and CD player. Sheets & towels are provided.

Amenities include: a sandy beachfront location; gently sloping shallows area for children; dock, boat tie out, full kitchen, comfortable great room, deck, picnic table, charcoal grill, fire place, beach fire pit, close to Grand Traverse Bay and Elk Rapids. Pets welcome.

Property manager

Laurie Maddex

Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Pet-friendly

Outdoor space

Parking available

Have a question?

Beta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Ask a question

Similar properties

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)

Pets welcome with $100 cleaning fee.

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

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Elk Rapids

Located in Elk Rapids, this cottage is on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Torch Lake. Guntzviller's Spirit of the Woods Museum and Music House Museum are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking, waterskiing and water tubing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling.

Kewadin, MI

What's nearby

Elk Rapids Golf Club - 5 min drive - 4.1 km
Torch Lake - 7 min drive - 5.3 km
Torch Lake Park - 16 min drive - 17.0 km
Grand Traverse Bay - 28 min drive - 31.8 km
Chateau Chantal - 43 min drive - 50.7 km

Getting around

Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 25 min drive

Restaurants

‪Oasis Red Bull Tavern - ‬15 min walk
‪Dockside-Torch Lake - ‬28 min drive
‪Pearls New Orlean Kitchen - ‬5 min drive
‪Torch Lake Beer Co - ‬18 min drive
‪Chef Charles - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Family Vacation You're Looking for on Birch Lake pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at The Family Vacation You're Looking for on Birch Lake?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Family Vacation You're Looking for on Birch Lake?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Family Vacation You're Looking for on Birch Lake located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is within 1 mi (2 km) of Elk Lake and Lake Michigan. Elk Rapids Golf Club is 2.7 mi (4.3 km) away.

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.0/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Filip C.

1 October 2024

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

Stayed 11 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michele P.

16 September 2024

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

The BEST cottage with the BEST hosts on the BEST lake!

From the moment you arrive you can see how much this cottage means to the family that owns it. Every detail has been considered and you are welcomed like a member of the family. Bring your clothes and food and just be ready to completely relax on this beautiful, peaceful lake. Our group ranged in age from 2 to 68 and all had a fantastic time. The Red Cottage is also a perfect base for exploring wineries, breweries, bike and hiking trails, sand dunes, small towns, museums, galleries and so much more. But at the end of the day it is a special place to gather around a fire and enjoy beautiful Birch Lake.

Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Orin L.

23 July 2024

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

Perfect Up North MI Vacation

As life-long Michiganders, we felt it was time to give our kiddos the essential Up North experience. We’ve stayed in VRBOS throughout the states, and have had pretty decent experiences throughout. This cabin and its hosts were great! The lake is perfect for kids to swim and enjoy water sports-it’s warm, shallow, and the kayaks/paddleboard/sand toys provided offered plenty of family fun. We were able to drop and anchor our Waverunners and play, having the lake mostly to ourselves. The cabin’s proximity to so many wonderful MI adventures kept us busy-Traverse, Torch Lake, and Mackinac to name a few. We were pleasantly surprised by the spaciousness of the home. There was plenty of room for everyone. When we had a minor setback with the electronic lockbox not working upon our arrival, the host answered our call immediately and found a solution in no time. We highly recommend this rental and would love to stay here again!

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kara D.

15 August 2023

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

Perfect Family Retreat

We love the Red Cottage! Spent an amazing week with perfect accommodations and gorgeous weather. Enjoyed the water with our young child and loved exploring the area. Great stay!!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan M.

13 July 2023

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

Great time on birch lake

We had a great time on sandy bottom birch lake. Thanks

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

David W.

24 June 2023

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

Week in june

A very clean and comfortable stay for a family of 4 with two teenagers. Enjoyed the kayaks and sitting by the water. Neighboring houses are very close but everyone in the area was very nice. Would stay here again.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Robert H.

11 June 2023

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

The Red Cottage

We had a wonderful time at the Red Cottage. Birch Lake is beautiful and relaxing. All was provided for a fun time at the beach and it's location is perfect (Traverse City, Petoskey, Mackinaw). The hosts were awesome and very quick to respond to a couple questions we had upon our arrival. We look forward to our return!

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

2/10 Terrible

Lynn f.

15 September 2022

Liked: Check-in, location

Disliked: Cleanliness, communication, listing accuracy

Horrible conditon

The condition of this property is not suited for rental due to the hazardous conditions and uncleanliness. This is a liability hazard. The floor are sagging and there is plywood and rugs on the floors. we kept tripping over and almost fell. This WAS NOT disclosed ,in fact the photos of the listing are not accurate, As they do not show the condition of the floors and the dirt on everything in the cottage from dog hair to mold growing in showers and a hazard on the bed with the frame bent over. Window were filthy along with the patio chairs and washing machine The fans had so much dirt on them it blew out when you turned them on. There was no screen on the bedroom window. The microwave has on three legs and when you put food it it it spill. I can go on and on. Please clean this property and fix it. Had I know these conditions existed I would not have rented. These conditions were not revealed on this site or in photos.

Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2022

8/10 Good

Kathleen S.

28 August 2022

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

Beautiful shallow beach

The beach is beautiful and shallow the length of the dock. The beds are comfortable. The cabin needs some tlc. The floors are uneven, they had plywood and mats on kitchen floor during our stay. The kitchen chairs, couch, and arm chairs need help. The neighbor next store came midweek, and frequently let his large dog roam wherever, and it came over and was going to fight my dog. The kayaks are a plus. The cable tv/internet was also a plus

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

Monalu P.

18 July 2022

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

Plus and Minus

Great location and lakefront property. Cabin needs some TLC.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Pamela G.

6 July 2022

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

Great location

Nice sandy beach area. Wonderful amenities (kayaks, grill, cable TV, Wifi, stocked kitchen), central location to area. Bathrooms kind of small, uneven floor could be trip hazard for elderly or small children.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Julie E., Hamilton, US

2 July 2022

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

Red Cottage

Peaceful and relaxing week. Nice waterfront with lots to do in the area. House was clean and comfortable and 2 bathrooms was a bonus for 5 adults. Lovely sunsets.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Laurie K., Venice Florida

8 September 2021

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

Great house - great location

Cute cottage in Elk Rapids located very close to the beach and town. Owner was very accommodating and reachable. House was clean and had everything you need - back yard nice with chairs, table and barbecue . Thanks for a wonderful vacation.

10/10 Excellent

Nancy L.

23 August 2021

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

Michigan Summer

Loved staying at this cottage. Pure northern MI feels. Great sandy shallow lake. Golf and activities close by.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kara D.

17 August 2021

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

Perfect Family Vacation

This was our second year renting the Red Cottage. We love it! The cottage itself is comfortable for a family of of 5. Plenty of kitchen essentials to cook at home and enough room to play card games inside. Super location near plenty of things to do. Even though we spent the majority of our days in the water. With a young child, the shallow water and sandy bottom are perfect. Plan on returning next summer. Thank you!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Cindy W.

17 July 2021

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

Perfect Family Cottage

This is the perfect cottage for families to enjoy. The beach area is a great way to relax and spend your days-both for the adults and the kids. The location is central to our day trips to Charleroix, Traverse City, and Old Mission Peninsula. Having multiple fans available in the cottage was much appreciated for the humid days/nights. Plenty of room for our family of 4 adults and 2 children. We look forward to staying here again.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Sally H.

3 July 2021

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Red Cottage

The beach and bottom of the lake are awesome! Cottage has everything you could ask for. Having a fan in every room was great! Close to Elk Rapids where there’s lots of great things going on. We plan to rent again.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Stacy B.

21 June 2021

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

Location location location

Being so close to the water was absolutely amazing. My kids lived at the beach! We did not have to leave because our entertainment was purely being at the lake. Will be back for years to come! Thank you for making our vacation wonderful!

Stayed 14 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Brian J.

1 October 2020

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

Very nice little house.

Spent the entire trip playing the water and sand with our 3 year old boys and visiting the numerous parks in the area.

10/10 Excellent

Mindy T.

29 September 2020

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

Love the Little Red Cabin

Had a great time staying at the Little Red Cabin with my family. It has everything you need and great location! The lake is so clean and great sandy beach. We’d definitely like to stay here again!

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Laura F.

25 September 2020

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

Red cottage review

The only complaint I have is the living room furniture was not comfortable. Once you sat down it was hard to get up because it was old and sunk down..

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Christine S.

22 August 2020

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

Can't wait to return!

This is our second year staying at the Red Cottage. Once again it did not disappoint! The lake is crystal clear and the water temp was perfect. Plenty of toys for the water (kayaks, SUPs, kids toys). The cottage itself was very clean. It has EVERYTHING we needed. Beds are comfy! Having all the linens provided is a perk for packing. Elk Rapids is just down the road so it's easy access to cafes, the bakery, and the grocery store. So glad we found this gem!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth R., Manchester, mi

18 August 2020

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

Red cottage experience

We have vacationed at the red cottage several times and always had a great experience . Birch lake is crystal clear with a sandy bottom. The cottage is very comfortable and clean with every thing you need for a great stay. Extra bonus this year were the kayaks for our use.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Christine S.

7 September 2019

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

Delightful Cottage on the Lake

This property is everything we hoped for and more. The close proximity to Elk Rapids made dinner and getting groceries a breeze. The kitchen is the best stocked setup we've seen. All the beds were comfy. We literally wanted for nothing. The Wi-Fi and cable were a bonus as the weather was not ideal. Neighbors were nice too! Having all the "little things" at our fingertips made our stay so comfortable. The lake was crystal clear. Each day on the water was peaceful. We would love to return again! Thank you for sharing your home with us!!

8/10 Good

Kayla K.

24 August 2019

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful lake!

My family and I just got back from a week stay at birch lake and it was beautiful! The cabin was a bit small but honestly with the beautiful beach and sandy, clear lake, it didn’t matter. We spent most of our time outside and didn’t really notice the close quarters as we originally thought we would. This cabin is a bit older so there is normal wear and tear for an older up north cabin. The beds were very comfortable and there were a lot of unexpected perks. Firewood was provided for bon fires, lots of towels for the beach and bathing, kitchen utensils, lots of chairs, 3 kayaks, a row boat, reserve osmosis water (a game changer for those not used to well water) and many other amenities were provided. Having a dishwasher on site was a game changer so we could cook large meals and not have to waste precious vacation time doing dishes lol it was also very nice to have the option to wash clothes in the cabin! We enjoyed the ability to go into traverse city so easily but then still come back to elk rapids and escape the crowds. Charlevoix, torch lake, and Bellaire are all super close as well which was really nice. There was so much to do if the weather wasn’t right for being in the water! All in all this was a wonderful stay and my family would like to thank the Maddex family for allowing us to experience birch lake and make memories of our own at their cabin!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

About the host

Hosted by Laurie Maddex

We are from the East Lansing area. This has been our family cottage for 60 years. As the 5 sons travel farther away, we want to let others enjoy the wonderful experiences we had growing up at this lake.

Why they chose this property

The warm lake and family access first drew our parents here. Over the years the lake has proven to be a wonderful place for creating family memories. The lake and area are beautiful, and invites you back year after year.

What makes this property unique

It was the safe, friendly, family atmosphere that drew us to Birch Lake. The clean, warm water and shallow sandy bottom makes the lake ideal for families and children. Evening campfires, beautiful sunsets, playing splash football and throwing a Frisbee in the shallows, learning to fish and water ski. These are just some of the memories you'll take home, as we did.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests

Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback

The Family Vacation You're Looking for on Birch Lake

Photo gallery for The Family Vacation You're Looking for on Birch Lake

Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

Bedroom 2

Bedroom 3

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

About this property