Mackinac Vista Hessel

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Mackinac Vista (Hessel, MI)--Lake Huron: Sleeps 10, Dog Friendly, on St. Martins Point with view of Bridge. ATV Friendly

Pets Welcome

Bedrooms

3

Baths

2.5

Sleeps

10

Mackinac Vista
SLEEPS: 10 Comfortably
BEDROOMS:  3
BATHROOMS: 2.5
*LAKEFRONT (Lake Huron)
*SWIMMING ON PROPERTY
*DOG FRIENDLY
*VIEWS OF MACKINAC ISLAND, THE MACKINAC BRIDGE, and ST. IGNACE
* SLOW DRIVING (25 MPH) IS ESSENTIAL from the subdivision gate to the house. Neighbors are vigilant at having the speed limit enforced.
*FIREPLACE CURRENTLY NOT OPERATIONAL FOR SAFETY REASONS


With approximately 200 ft. of shoreline on St. Martins Point, your family will be submerged in nature. Surrounded by national forest on one side and Lake Huron on the other, enjoy hiking, swimming, and nearby tourism (St. Ignace, Mackinac Island). Mackinac Vista is a true custom log cabin built with huge natural logs(not with milled logs). There is zero drywall in this home. Marvel at the large timbers as you sip your coffee at the breakfast bar in the modern, fully equipped kitchen.   

From the backyard, you can see the Mackinac Bridge, Mackinac Island, and the St. Ignace fireworks every Saturday night in the distance. At night you can see the lights of St. Ignace. Some will gather their friends and enjoy cooking on the propane grill, while folks rest along the wrap-around deck. The national forest is a great feature for those who love to hike and explore. Mackinac Vista sleeps 8 comfortably in beds and has 2 ½ bathrooms.  There is also a futon and pull-out couch if needed. Two additional twin beds are also available during the Summer months.

*QUIET TIME: We ask that guests be respectful of our great neighbors by keeping quiet hours between 11:00 pm and 9:00 am. NO EXCEPTIONS-- Freshwater Vacation Rentals has many other places if you need a space where you can be loud with your music, voices or fireworks. Just NOT at Mackinac Vista.

*This home is located in a private subdivision. The entrance is clearly marked, and speed limit signs are posted. SPEED LIMIT IS 25 MPH. Please adhere to the speed limit-there are kids and residents who walk this road daily. Failure to follow the speed limit on the private road, could result in the rental being shut down and therefore you will need to leave immediately. 


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Air Conditioning: No air conditioning. There are ceiling fans in great room and 3-4 portable fans that you can place wherever you wish.
 
ATV's: Yes. You are able to park your trailer and jump on your gear from the front door. There is an ORV trail nearby on the Point itself which goes to Search Bay.


Bathrooms:
                  Bathroom #1= connected to master bedroom with jetted-tub and separate shower
                   Bathroom #2= upstairs with a shower, no tub
                   Bathroom #3= half bath on main floor—no tub or shower

Beach/Swimming: Grass to rocky shoreline to rocky water. Water shoes are seriously suggested. It has a gradual decline into the water (so it is shallow for a while). The lake bottom is rocky. Swimming is sometimes rough because of the winds around the point in the afternoon. There are life jackets hanging inside.  Another location for swimming is Search Bay:  Forest Road 3436, Hessel, MI 
 
Bedroom Configuration:
         Master Bedroom= main floor with King Bed
         Bedroom #2= upstairs with Queen Bed
         Bedroom #3= upstairs with 2 sets of twin bunk beds
General Sleeping Areas = upstairs loft has a full-size futon also there is a pull-out couch in a nook off the great room.
Also, on the main floor, the porch with 2 twins is ONLY for use in the summer. It is NOT insulated.


PORCH CLOSED IN THE WINTER-The fourth room(or porch) is long and narrow.  It is actually an enclosed deck that is  carpeted and has two beds in it.  It has windows all around facing the lake.  These two beds do not have box  springs - they are mattresses on slats. Due to the frames of the beds they cannot be converted to a king size bed. The upstairs loft also has a full-size futon as well as a pull-out couch in a nook off the great room.


Boats:  No boats are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.
 
Bugs: Typical UP bugs, but the Mayflies (in June) can be thick, depending on the year.
 
Cell phone service: AT&T has good service, along with Verizon.

Distances:
              * Pictured Rocks: 2 hours and 18 minutes ( 134 miles)
              * Marquette: 3 hours and 5 minutes ( 177 miles)
              * Tahquamenon Falls State Park: 1 hour and 32 minutes ( 86 miles) 
              * Mackinac Bridge: 35 minutes (31 miles)

Fire-pit: There is a fire-pit in the backyard on the water side half way between water and house.

Fishing: The cottage location is NOT  an easy fishing spot- it’s not traditional dock fishing— it’s a rocky shoreline. You would be able to fish from there w long cast, yet the average fisherman would not be able to.
Best nearby fishing options are at:
Nearby Hessel Marina you can go fishing off the pier (Lake Huron). 
Salmon fishing can be done in the Carp River (20 minutes away).
Les Cheneaux Islands is about 20 minutes away which are boater and fishing friendly.

Grill: Propane grill. Propane is provided.

Grocery Store:  The Narley Whale Fish Market- 54 W M-134, Cedarville, MI 49719
                           Family Fare - 699 US-2, St Ignace, MI 49781
                           Cedarville Foods- 30 N M-129, Cedarville, Mi 49719


Heat: Forced air heater and baseboard heating.

Internet:  YES! Satellite internet requires optimal weather conditions to perform its best. Wind, snow, and rain will affect internet speed.

Linens: Yes, we provide your sheets and linens. Just like a hotel, the beds will be made for you upon arrival. If you would like to use your own sheets just let me know, and I’ll make sure we leave a bed open for your sheets. We have just the basic sheets, pillows, pillow cases and bath towels.

Parking: There is room for about 2-3 cars or 1 truck/trailer combos.

Pets: 2 dogs are welcome! 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: You can see the national forest on one side of the home and on the backside of the home you can see a neighbor’s home.

Snowmobiling: The closest trail to Mackinac Vista is Trail 47. Ideally, you do need to trailer your sleds to the trailhead.


Space: Main floor and upper floor.

Televisions: Smart TV in the great room with cable. Also, there is a TV in the loft which only plays DVDs.

Towels: Yes, we provide towels.  It's always good to bring extra though.

Washer and dryer:  YES! Laundry soap is provided.

Winter Activities: 
* Snowmobiling
Hessel is part of the Upper Peninsula snowmobile trail network, offering direct access to various trails. There are trails that connect you to Hiawatha National Forest and the surrounding region, where you can enjoy miles of snowmobiling paths. ~Please trailer to trails~
* Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
Distance: 10-15 miles
- The Hiawatha National Forest is located approximately 10–15 miles from Hessel. It offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails. Popular trails include those around Big Island Lake and Indian Lake.
* Ice Fishing
Distance: 5-10 miles
- Lake Huron (including Les Cheneaux Islands) is very close to Hessel, providing excellent ice fishing opportunities. You can find spots in nearby waters, such as Lake Michigan and Mackinac Island, around 10 miles away.
* Skiing & Snowboarding
Distance: 70-90 miles
- If you're looking for downhill skiing or snowboarding, the nearest resorts are Shanty Creek Resorts (about 75 miles) and Boyne Highlands (around 90 miles). These resorts offer a variety of runs and winter activities, including snowboarding and tubing.
* Winter Hiking
Distance: 10-20 miles
- Mackinac Island is about 15 miles from Hessel by boat (though ferry service is seasonal and limited in winter). In winter, you can take a ferry to the island and enjoy peaceful, snowy hikes along the Mackinac Island State Park trails.
* Dog Sledding
Distance: 50-60 miles
- You may need to travel around 50–60 miles to find dog sledding operators, often based in areas like Tahquamenon Falls or Marquette. You could explore this activity in nearby forests, depending on availability.
- Mackinac Island Winter Charm
Distance: 15 miles (by ferry in winter)
The Mackinac Island winter experience includes carriage rides and trails for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. It's 15 miles from Hessel by ferry, though winter access is limited.


Wood: Please bring your own for the firepit. Check out Family Fare - 699 US-2, St Ignace, MI 49781
 

Amenities

Property/Indoor Amenities
  • Basic Paper Products (Paper Towel & TP)
  • Blow Dryer
  • Board Games
  • Books
  • Cable- Satellite TV
  • Carbon Monoxide Detector
  • Ceiling fans
  • DVD player
  • Heat - Propane Forced Air
  • Internet/ WiFi
  • Linens & Towels included
  • Log Cabin
  • Oscillating Fans
  • Pets allowed
  • Screened-in porch
  • Smart TV w/ streaming
  • Smoke Detectors
  • Washer & dryer
Kitchen Amenities
  • Cleaning Supplies
  • Coffee maker
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
  • Mixer
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Standard Kitchenware & Utensils
  • Stove
  • Toaster
Outdoor Amenities
  • Deck/Patio
  • Fire Pit
  • Good Fishing
  • Grill-Propane
  • Patio Chairs
  • Swimming on Property
Special Features
  • ATV allowed

Season Period Min.Stay Nightly Weekly
Fall 2024 09/09/2024 - 12/31/2024 2 $399.00
01/01/2025 - 05/14/2025 2 $399.00
05/15/2025 - 09/14/2025 3 $399.00
09/15/2025 - 12/31/2025 2 $399.00
01/01/2026 - 05/14/2026 2 $399.00
05/15/2026 - 09/14/2026 3 $399.00
09/15/2026 - 12/31/2026 2 $399.00

Reviews

Wonderful Time
We had a fantastic time here, the home is beautiful. We noticed a little maintenance needs done such as cleaning the gutters, just as a heads up for the owners, there are some trees growing in them. Customer service was above and beyond when we called to inquire about potential burn bans/incliment weather that would prevent us from having an outside fire in the fire pit. We like to cook with local ingredients on vacation and this was the best equipped kitchen we have ever used, we really appreciated it and didn't want for any pans or cooking equipment. Also the coffee filters saved us because we forgot ours and we definitely needed coffee that first morning after our long drive! The view is spectacular and everything we hoped for, we would come back again in a heartbeat. Thank you for having us!

FVR RESPONSE:

Thank you so much for your thoughtful and detailed review of Mackinac Vista, Jenna! We're thrilled to hear that you had a fantastic time and enjoyed the beautiful home, equipped kitchen, and spectacular view. We also truly appreciate the heads-up about the gutters — we'll make sure the owners address that. It's great to know that our team's customer service was able to add to the experience and give you peace of mind about the fire pit and weather. We're so glad you found everything you needed in the kitchen, and are happy the coffee filters saved the day! We’d love to host you again anytime and look forward to welcoming you back in the future. Thanks again for choosing to stay with us! -Jessica FVR
Jenna
Oct 2024
Perfect
Absolutely gorgeous! The cabin was impressive with the views, the layout and the comfort. It was obvious the host considered the guest when putting everything together. I was also impressed at how clean the cabin was. Everything was made extra special by allowing me to take my dogs. Thank you, and I will definitely do this again.
Laura
Sep 2024
5 stars
We had such a wonderful time at the cabin!! It was a perfect place to hibernate for a week. The cabin was clean, it had every amenity we could wish for, and was exceptionally beautiful.

 FVR RESPONSE:

Thank you so much for the wonderful review of your stay, Scott! We are so delighted to know you enjoyed your stay, and found the cabin to provide a beautiful, clean environment to get a bit of hibernation in! Hopefully we will have a chance to host you again! 
Scott
Jan 2024
Great experience
We had a great time. Very peaceful.



FVR RESPONSE
Mark, we love hearing that you had a great stay, and we hope that you come back again to experience the peacefulness.
Mark
Oct 2023
Excellent rental
This is a great place if you are trying to get away from the noise of life, and take time with your spouse or family! Beautiful & spacious, with all the amenities that you could wish for. The lake is right in your back yard & the view is excellent. We would rent it again!

FVR RESPONSE:

Thank you for reviewing your stay, Glenn! We are so thrilled to know you enjoyed your stay, and felt the property provided a great space to get away from the more hectic noise of life! It's great to know you and your family were able to enjoy the home and provided amenities, and hope we can host you again in the future! 
Glenn
Aug 2023
Fantastic place
This place was fantastic. Lots of room to stay. Fully equipped kitchen and plenty of kitchen space. Located at lake with amazing views and beautiful decorated house. Lots of living and sleeping space. Good for large family and friends get together. We were there after our 30th class reunion and had wonderful time.

FVR RESPONSE: 

Thank you for taking the time to review your stay, Amir! It's great to know that the home was large enough to accommodate your group well for your reunion, but also that you found the home to be well equip with everything you might've needed during your time with us! Hopefully we will have a chance to host you again in the future!
Amir
Jul 2023
Amazing Getaway on the Lake
The cabin was beautiful and full of amenities so you had the comforts of home! The cabin was clean, very well maintained. Communication with owner and rental company was very quick. The sunsets on the beach were spectacular and we even saw the Northern Lights! I highly recommend this location!!

FVR RESPONSE:

Hi Wendy! I have to say, I am definitely jealous of your Northern Lights spotting! We love knowing that you enjoyed your stay, and found the home to be comfortable, clean and well equip! Hopefully we will have a chance to host you again!
Wendy
Sep 2022
Fantastic Home
This cottage is gorgeous and exactly as described. Only regret is that we couldn’t stay longer. The views are spectacular and that front porch- I could sit there all day!

FVR RESPONSE:

Thank you Jody, for sharing your review! We hope we can have you back for a longer stay in the future! The home truly is magnificent and offers the kind of porch and setting worth spending a full day just taking it all in. 
Jody
Sep 2022
5 stars
The house is beautiful and was very clean. The view of the lake from the deck is amazing! We very much enjoyed our stay here and would love to return in the future.

FVR RESPONSE
Gabrielle,  isn't it just the best to sit on a porch and look out over the water!  We're glad that you had a good stay, and we look forward to your return. 
Gabrielle
Jun 2022
The best stay on the lake
Awesome place for the weekend. Very clean and all the things were present as mentioned. Ample amount of space for 10 people. Best part is the sunset view.

FVR RESPONSE
Heramb, the sunsets are amazing, we agree!  We're glad that you had a great weekend, and we hope that you come back again.
Heramb
May 2022
Amazing Stay
The house was perfect. It was clean, big and put together. Beautiful location. I would for sure stay there again.


FVR RESPONSE
Martin, we love hearing that you found Mackinac Vista to be perfect for you!  We agree the location id lovely, especially in the winter.  We're so glad that you will be coming back.
Martin
Jan 2022
Snowmobile trip with no snow
Cabin was nice and the staff was quick to respond to concerns. Thank you for a great weekend. Cabin worked great for our group.

FRESHWATER RESPONSE
Jonathon, too bad there was no snow, but we're glad that you enjoyed your stay anyway!  We'd love to work with you again.
Jonathon
Jan 2021
PARADISE IN HESSEL
Everything was lovely. We appreciated the quick and helpful response to our concern about the thermostat. Everything else worked fine, although we couldn't run the dishwasher because there wasn't any soap. We washed once by hand but left the rest of the dishes in the dishwasher and a load of towels in the washer. Everyone enjoyed your place and we enjoyed roaming the area. We found wonderful hikes along the water and in the woods. Would love to come back in the summer. Thank you so much.

FVR RESPONSE
Alison, we love hearing that you had a great stay.  Please accept our apologies about the soap, and know that in the future, if issues like that arise, you can call us and we will get whatever you need right out to you.  We would love to host you again in the summer!
Alison
Oct 2020
Macinac Vista
Beautiful, spacious, clean home, far enough away from everything for privacy but close enough to everything for great day trips around the U.P. We had a wonderful time. I will definitely be going back as well as using Fresh Water Vacation Rentals for future vacations!


FVR RESPONSE
Pam, it's great knowing you had a wonderful time, and we look forward to your return!  It was a pleasure hosting you.
Pam
Sep 2020
Vista Family Vacation
This property was wonderful.. Great location and perfect for our family vacation. The home was very clean and had everything needed. We will be back every year hopefully. Thank you for providing a perfect home for our family getaway. The water was so peaceful and we loved our stay. Thank you again.

FVR RESPONSE
Carmen, the best review a guest can give is to say that they will be returning, so thank you for that!  We enjoyed having you as our guest and look forward to your return
Carmen
Jul 2020
5 stars
Best place we have ever been. Very clean and lots of space for the family. The closest gas station is only 8 miles away and the cabin is not that far away from I-75 . Beautiful view at sunset and you can see Mackinac bridge and also you can see st Ignace at night. I would definitely come back next time to this cabin .

FVR RESPONSE
Hadi, wow, we love hearing that Mackinac Vista was the best place you have ever been!  It is pretty spectacular to be on Lake Huron, with a national forest next door and and have a view of the Mackinaw Bridge,the Island and St. Ignace. Plus,it's big enough to sleep 10 - 14, and it's dog friendly .  We look forward to your return!
Hadi
Jun 2020
Cousin Fest 2020
It was a perfect spot to bring a bunch of children ages 9-23. Lots of room to roam and it never felt over crowded. They loved the lake and the big yard as well!

FVR RESPONSE
Shari, we are glad that Mackinac Vista was perfect for your family!  It sleeps  10 - 14 and is dog friendly.  It is lakefront to Lake Huron and the national forest is right next door.  Perfect for roaming around.  We hope to see you again!
Shari
Jun 2020

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