Hemingway's Hideaway on Bear Lake

Bedrooms: 3
Baths: 1.5

Sleeps: 8

*LAKEFRONT (Bear Lake)

*SWIMMING ON PROPERTY

*NO PETS

*GREAT FISHING

*Wi-Fi

*NOT ideal for anyone with mobility concerns.  The spiral staircase leading to the bedrooms and the steps down to the water can be challenging.
*PARKING- TIGHT- 2 CARS MAX- NO TRAILERS (I wish we had more space!)

*Only 2 off-street parking spots available* No trailer or RV's permitted*
 

Ernest Hemingway once said of Northern Michigan, “It is beautiful country... and nobody knows about it but us.” Discover what this famous writer loved about the Mitten State at “Hemingway’s Hideaway” atop a bluff on Bear Lake, just minutes from Lake Michigan and the hottest attractions. Enjoy a cup of coffee or a Hemingway daiquiri from your private deck with the best views of the lake—only a few dozen steps from your private waterfront on this sandy-bottom all-sports 1,800-acre lake.  Lake is crystal clear with approximately 60 yards of shallow water... perfect for young kids wanting to swim.

Minutes from Sleeping Bear Dunes, world-class golf at Arcadia Bluffs, and Little River Casino, this 3-bedroom cottage is perfect for both fun and relaxation. Easily explore the breweries, wineries, restaurants and shops of Northern Michigan during your stay, with an easy drive to Traverse City, Frankfurt, Crystal Lake, and Manistee.

Paying homage to Hemingway’s homes throughout the world, three bedrooms await your stay, and can sleep up to eight guests. The Spanish-inspired “Madrid Master” bedroom has a king bed, en suite half bathroom, a writing desk overlooking the lake, and even a small balcony. The “Key West Wing” bedroom also holds a queen bed and channels the tropical vibes of the Florida Keys. And finally, the “Chicago Loft” bedroom holds two sets of bunk beds: twin over twin + a twin over full. If needed, the main living room has a twin daybed that could be used for a guest or someone who may have trouble navigating the circular staircase. The fully equipped kitchen will suit your needs and the four-season porch overlooking Bear Lake is an idyllic setting for a morning cup of coffee (or an evening cocktail!) and your family’s meals. 

***Winter Time- 4 season porch turns into a 3-season porch with a space heater to heat the room. The space heater heats the room well, and you can leave the door open for more air flow. 

**We ask that our guests be respectful of our great neighbors by keeping quiet hours between 11:00 pm and 9:00 am.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Air Conditioning: There are remote controlled air conditioning units on the walls of the rooms.

Animals: Expect to see small wildlife like squirrels, birds, and waterfowl.

Bathrooms:

       Bathroom #1: On main level, located off of the kitchen, FULL BATH with shower.

       Bathroom #2: Attached to the Master Bedroom on second floor – HALF BATH with no tub/shower.

Beach/Swimming: You can swim in the lake directly from the property. While kids generally love to swim in front the cottage, they do need to climb down the stairs from the cottage to the dock.  There are rocks along the shoreline. There is not a sandy beach on the shoreline, though our lake access is shallow and has a sandy bottom.

Bedroom Configuration:

        Bedroom #1: Madrid Master (upstairs) – king bed

        Bedroom #2: Key West Wing (upstairs) – queen bed

        Bedroom #3: Chicago Loft (upstairs) – two sets bunk beds- twin over twin + a twin over full

Boats:  There are none at property 

Boat Launch: There is a public boat launch on Bear Lake, however there is no space for trailer parking on the property, nor is there a boat lift available for use.

Boat Rentals:  bearlakefun.com

Bugs: Typical Michigan bugs!

Cable/Satellite TVs: No Cable, but we have a smart TV in the family room area… Bring your Netflix/Hulu/AmazonPrime account information!

Cell phone service: Good!

Coffee Maker: Coffee pot/carafe style, with coffee grinder. Bring your own coffee.

Distances:

* Golf:

     Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club –8 mins

     Crystal Mountain Resort – 15 mins

     Manistee National – 25 mins

     Bear Lake Highlands – 3 mins

* Traverse City – 50 mins

*Manistee – 20 mins

* Airports:

     Cherry City Airport (Traverse City) - 50 mins

     Gerald R. Ford Airport (Grand Rapids) - 2 hours & 15 mins

* Little River Casino – 10 mins

* Sleeping Bear Dunes – 50 mins 

Dock: Yes there is a 60ft. private dock, for swimming or tying your pontoon or water vessel. It is anywhere between 3-5 ft deep.  

Fireplace: Wood-burning stove available for guests to use. You must bring your own wood.

Fire-pit: Yes. There is a fire pit.  Please keep fires manageable and extinguish completely. Provide own wood.

Fishing: Bear Lake is known for its excellent fishing.  Please be sure to bring your own poles as there are none at this property. Also, in order to fish in Michigan lakes and rivers, one is required to hold a fishing license. Click here to purchase your fishing license online.

Grill:  Blackstone griddle (and spare propane tank) available.

Grocery Store: Saddle Up Convenience Store and Bear Lake Market are both located less than a mile away. There’s a Meijer in Manistee (15 min drive).

Handicap Accessible: Guests must be able to navigate circular staircase to access bedrooms on second floor, and several dozen deck stairs to lake access. It is NOT an easy place for anyone with mobility challenges.

Internet: YES!

Linens: Yes, we provide you with basic sheets and linens. Just like a hotel, the beds will be made for you upon arrival. If you are particular about the thread count of your sheets, let us know, and we will make sure we leave a bed open for your sheets.

Parking: 2-car MAXIMUM. 2 cars are able to park in the grassy driveway in front of the house. In addition, there is 1 designated spot for street parking (must be small). NO CAMPERS/TRAILERS. VERY tight parking.

Pets: Pets are not welcome at this home.

Privacy/ Neighbors: There are houses on both side of the home. Neighbors are close-- about 50 ft. away. This is NOT considered a "secluded" property. (If you need something more private and secluded, please ask.) The cottage is alongside a busy road.  While we have not had any complaints of street noise, that is always a possibility.

Smoking: No smoking allowed of any kind, on the property. Due to the close proximity of the neighbors, it is strictly prohibited.

Space: Two floors, with a circular staircase as the only access to the upstairs. All bedrooms are located upstairs.

Towels: Yes, we provide bath towels, hand towels, washcloths, and beach towels. It's always good to bring extra though.

Washer and dryer (Clothes):  YES. Laundry is provided.

Winter Activities: 
1. Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
- Lake Michigan Recreation Area: This area offers trails that are perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The park provides a scenic environment with forested areas and views of the lake.
Distance: About 5 miles, 10-15 minutes by car.
- Manistee National Forest: A large forest area with miles of trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Many trails are groomed for these activities in the winter months.
Distance: About 15 miles, 25 minutes by car.
2. Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding
- Crystal Mountain Resort: A full-service resort offering skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports.
Distance: About 55 miles, 1 hour 15 minutes by car, located near Thompsonville.
- Caberfae Peaks Ski Resort: Another ski resort located in the nearby region, offering skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing.
Distance: About 45 miles, 1 hour by car.
3. Ice Fishing
- Bear Lake: Known for its ice fishing in the winter months. You can enjoy ice fishing here for various species, including perch, bluegill, and walleye.
Distance: The lake is right next to your location, offering immediate access to ice fishing in winter.
4. Snowmobiling
- Bear Lake Snowmobile Trails: The Bear Lake area is known for its great snowmobiling routes, connecting to other regional trail systems in Manistee County.
Distance: Snowmobile trails are accessible from within a few miles, approximately 10-15 minutes by car.
5. Winter Hiking & Sledding
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: Offers a variety of winter hiking trails that provide scenic views of the dunes and Lake Michigan, perfect for a winter hike.
Distance: About 35 miles, 45 minutes by car.
- Tight Lines Trail: A local trail for winter walks, snowshoeing, and nature hikes.
Distance: About 12 miles, 20 minutes by car.
6. Holiday Events & Light Displays
- Manistee Christmas Parade and Winterfest: Located about 25 miles from Bear Lake, this event features festive lights, ice sculptures, and family-friendly activities.
Distance: About 25 miles, 30 minutes by car.
- Ludington Winter Festival: A nearby festival that includes winter sports, ice sculptures, and family activities.
Distance: About 30 miles, 40 minutes by car.

Winter Considerations: There is no standard indoor dining in the winter.  The only options are the bar stools for 4 in the kitchen, the coffee table in the living room, or the sun porch (space heater for the sun porch is available and heats the space well) We do not provide daily shoveling of the walkways unless by special request.  We snow-blow/shovel prior to your arrival.  During your stay, if you need the walkway shoveled or snow-blowed, you will need to call/text for assistance. A shovel and salt will be at the property for you to use as well.

Wood:  Guests need to bring their own wood for fire pit and wood-burning stove.

Amenities