Bear Lake Cottage

SLEEPS: 6
BEDROOMS: 2
BATHROOMS: 1
*Back patio just added!!
*Pet friendly(1 dog under 20 lbs)
*Open year round!
*NEAR Bear Lake-public access beach down the street from home 
*ATV/ORV trailhead 6 minutes from property!
*Low-toxic home- no fragrances, non-toxic detergent, cleaning supplies
*Surveillance camera facing driveway



Nestled near the serene Bear Lake in northwestern Michigan, Bear Lake Cottage offers a cozy retreat for up to six guests across two bedrooms and one bathroom. This charming home is not only pet-friendly, accommodating one small dog under 20 lbs, but it is also open year-round, making it a perfect getaway regardless of the season. Just a short stroll from the cottage, guests can enjoy easy access to Bear Lake's public beach. Adventure enthusiasts will appreciate the ATV/ORV trailhead, located just 6 minutes from the property.

Bear Lake Cottage is dedicated to maintaining a low-toxic environment, utilizing fragrance-free products and non-toxic detergents and cleaning supplies. For added security, there is a surveillance camera facing the driveway. Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape or an adventurous exploration, Bear Lake Cottage promises a memorable stay.
 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Air Conditioning: There is not central air

ATV's: Welcome to bring with you, the trail head is just 6 minutes from property!

Bathrooms: Shower, sink, toilet

  
Beach/Swimming: Public access just down the street! 4 public access points to the lake

Bedroom Configurations:
Master Bedroom- 2 Full size beds
Second bedroom- Full size bed
*optional pull out couch for additional sleeping

 
Boats: You are welcome to bring your kayaks or canoes and launch from nearby public launch. 
 

Boat Launch:  7 minutes away(2.3 miles) on Southeast side of lake at end of East Bear Lake Road

Cable: No traditional cable but TV capable of streaming
 
Cell Phone Service: Can be spotty, best to connect to WIFI when at property

Coffee Maker:  Keurig and coffee pot available- filters, pods, and coffee provided

Distances:
* Boyne Mountain Resort: 45 minutes
* Crystal Mountain: 1 hour 14 minutes
* Schuss Mountain: 30 minutes
* Higgins Lake: 33 minutes
* Torch Lake: 33 minutes
* Traverse City: 52 minutes
* Mackinac Bridge: 1 hours and 20 minutes away
*Interlocken Music Camp - 39 miles
            
Dock: No

Drinking Water: Drinkable well water

Drugs/Smoking/Fireworks: Freshwater does not permit illegal drugs of any kind on the property. Due to the location of the properties, smoking is strongly discouraged around the home and strictly prohibited in the home. Fireworks are prohibited at a Freshwater location for the safety of all persons in and around the property, even if it is legal in that city.

Fireplace: No

Fire-pit: Yes

Fishing: Yes! Bear lake has all types of Bass, Perch, and Trout

Fishing License:  A license is required in order to fish in Michigan.

Golf: 
Timber Wolf Golf Club - 7.5 miles (10 minutes)
Grandview Golf Club -  9.9 miles (15 minutes)
Twin Birch Golf Club - 14.3 miles (18 minutes)
The Chief Golf Course - 26 miles (35 minutes)
LochenHeath Golf Club - 33.5 miles (40 minutes)
Elmbrook Golf Course - 38.6 miles (47 minutes)
                              

Grill: Propane grill available for use

Grocery Store:
Dollar General- 5 min(2.4 miles)
Family Fare- 18 min(14.5 miles)

Heat: Natural Gas
 

Hunting: Not on property

Internet: Yes, capable of speeds to work from home

Linens: Yes, we provide your sheets and linens. Just like a hotel, the beds will be made for you upon arrival. We have just the basic sheets, pillows, pillowcases, and bath towels.
 

Parking: 3 to 4 cars

Pets: 1 dog under 20 lbs allowed. Freshwater Vacation Rentals currently charges $75/per pet for your entire stay. Yes, we do accept dogs, yet we do ask that you please clean up after them both inside and outside the cabin. Plus, if you allow them on the furniture, we do ask that you please bring your own linens/blankets for them to sleep on.  Just let us know which bed you will be using with them, and we’ll make sure it is ready for your sheets when you arrive. Plus, if the pet hair starts to build, we do ask that you please run the vacuum. Generally, dogs love the water and places to explore. Pet food does tend to attract mice, so vigilance is needed.

Privacy: Neighbors within site

Snowmobiles: a person (resident and nonresident) that operates a snowmobile in Michigan is required to purchase a snowmobile trail permit. The trail permit enables snowmobilers to ride state-designated trails and thousands more miles of public roads and on public lands (where authorized). It is valid for one year, which begins Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30 of the following year. State-designated trails are open Dec. 1-March 31 and grooming occurs when there is enough snow on the ground.
* Kalkaska County Trails
Distance: About 5-10 miles (direct access to local trails).
* Vanderbilt Snowmobile Trails
Distance: Approximately 20 miles (short drive).
* Manistee County Trails
Distance: Roughly 25-30 miles (accessible with a short drive).
 

Space: One level home- steps going in( the upper floor is inaccessible as it is storage only)
 

Seniors: Welcome, 8 steps in

Televisions: 55" Smart TV capable of streaming

Towels: All bath and kitchen towels will be provided during your stay. Please bring beach towels with you!

Washer and Dryer: Yes

Winter Activities: 
*Snowmobiling
Distance: About 5-10 miles (direct access to Kalkaska County trails).
*Cross-Country Skiing
Distance: 10-15 miles (local trails in Kalkaska State Forest).
*Ice Fishing
Distance: 5-10 miles (local lakes like Lake Skegemog).
*Downhill Skiing
Distance: 35-40 miles to Crystal Mountain Resort or Shanty Creek Resorts.
*Winter Hiking/Snowshoeing
Distance: 10-15 miles (local trails in Kalkaska State Forest and nearby parks).

Wood: Yes, wood is provided

Amenities