Historic Cottage on the Best Beach in the Mackinaw Area
Mackinaw City, Cheboygan County, United States View On Map
About this Rental
Historic Cottage on the Best Beach in the Mackinaw Area This 1925 beach cottage was the first cottage to be built on beautiful Cecil Bay. The sand beach directly in front of it has no stones or weeds, only sand stretching over a mile in length. It faces due west, so cool breezes and full sunsets are the norm. The cottage is very well preserved for that quintessential Northern Michigan experienc...
Historic Cottage on the Best Beach in the Mackinaw Area This 1925 beach cottage was the first cottage to be built on beautiful Cecil Bay. The sand beach directly in front of it has no stones or weeds, only sand stretching over a mile in length. It faces due west, so cool breezes and full sunsets are the norm. The cottage is very well preserved for that quintessential Northern Michigan experience.Walk out your back door down the sandy path to swim in the warm water that pools in Cecil Bay. The sand extends out two hundred yards and at 50 yards is only 2 feet deep, perfect for sandcastles and the little ones who build them.A four minute drive puts you at the ferry dock to Mackinac Island. Wilderness State Park, the Headlands Preserve, French Farm Lake Wildlife Refuge, Fort Michilimackinac, waterparks, golfcourses and the auto-free 'Crossings' retail development are within 3 miles.This beach has warm water blown in by the prevailing winds. It is crescent shaped and captures the warmed surface water. It is not uncommon for this water to be 10-15 degrees above that of the open lake. The prevailing winds also bring cool breezes off the lake on hot days.The 30 foot long front porch is screened, but also has one 12 foot screen panel hinged at the top to hook the screen out of sight. This is where the hanging dual seat and a small couch are located. On most days you will not have to lower this screen because the breeze keeps bugs from entering. The porch is relatively high up from the ground (higher than what is commonly built today), so the view of the lake is improved.Lake Huron or Lake Michigan?: Go to the local real estate office and you will find that the average lake Huron footage goes for less than $1,000The average sales price of Lake Michigan footage on the mile of beach in the middle of Cecil Bay goes for over $4,000 per foot, when it is available.This is because on Cecil Bay we get: Full direct West Sunsets Sandy beach, no weeds or stones (not even little ones close to shore), gently sloping out to five foot depth about 150 yards off shore. Perfect sandcastle area at water's edge. These are all related because the prevailing winds make the sandy beach, keep the bushes and trees from growing on the beach, cool the land, etc. Cool prevailing wind breezes off the lake help blow bugs back into the woods The prevailing winds and the shallowness of the two mile wide bay trap warmed surface watersWilderness Park Drive Really is Wild: This corner of Northern Michigan contains more public, undeveloped land than private land. Standing on the beach you can see miles of undeveloped shoreline. Emmet County's Headlands preserve is a short five minute walk down the beach. On the South side of the Cecil Bay Wilderness State Park stretches for miles into the horizon. On the other side of Wilderness Pk Dr there is the undeveloped State Forest, including French Farm Wildlife Refuge, the three mile long inland lake where the locals fish and birdwatch. Its entire shoreline remains undeveloped, but there are plenty of hiking and biking trails, along with a boat launch for fishing boats, canoes and kayaks.But you're not really far from civilization because all the restaurants, shopping and nightlife of Mackinaw City is an easy 3 mile drive. If you haven't been to Mackinaw City in a few years you will be surprised. Of course the Mackinac Island ferry docks are there, but don't miss the historic lighthouses and fort.
Popular amenities
Essentials
- Wireless internet
- Free wifi
- Wifi speed: 25+ Mbps
- Internet
- Towels provided
- Linens provided
- Hair dryer
- Toilet paper
- Paper towels
- Basic soaps
- Heating
- Fireplace
- Desk
- Desk chair
Kitchen
- Kitchen
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Stove
- Grill
- Dishes & utensils
- Dining table
- Coffee maker
- Blender
- Toaster
Outside
- Fire pit
- Outdoor furniture
- Beach chairs
- Beach towels
Laundry
- Iron & board
- Coin laundry
Parking
- Parking
Safety
- Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
- Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
- Deadbolt lock
- Fire extinguisher
- First aid kit
- Exterior lighting
- Emergency exit route
- Fire station contact
- Hospital contact
- Police contact
Nearby activities
- Museums
- Theme parks
- Water parks
- Swimming
- Water sports
- Boating
- Paddle boating
- Kayaking
- Hiking
- Health/beauty spa
- Shopping
- Outlet shopping
- Antiquing
- Golf
- Golf privileges optional
- Ecotourism
- Wildlife viewing
- Birdwatching
- Fishing
- Bay/sound
- Marina
- Hunting
- Gambling casinos
Suitability
- Minimum age limit for renters
Property Amenities
Top family friendly amenities
- Kitchen
- Living/dining area
- Microwave
- Toys/games
Popular amenities
- Pool
- Free WiFi
- Parking available
- Fireplace
- Pet-friendly
- Outdoor space
- Barbecue grill
- Beach view
Property Details
House Rules
- Check-in: After 5:00 PM
- Minimum age to rent: 21
- Check-out: Before 12:00 PM
- Children allowed: ages 0–17
- Events allowed: No
- Pets allowed: Pets allowed
- Smoking allowed: Smoking is not permitted
- No beach fires outside the designated firepit No burning of driftwood No beach parties after 11:30pm: No beach fires outside the designated firepit No burning of driftwood No beach parties after 11:30pm
Important Information
- This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
- 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
About the area
Mackinaw City
Located in Mackinaw City, this cottage is near theme parks and on the beach. Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal and The Jewel at the Grand Hotel are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Spy Quest Laser Maze and Animal Tracks Adventure Golf are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Nearby locations
- Headlands International Dark Sky Park 3 min drive
- Mackinaw Bridge Museum 7 min drive
- Mackinaw City Dock 7 min drive
- Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse 8 min drive
- Mackinaw City Ferry Terminal 9 min drive
Getting around
- Mackinac Island, MI (MCD) 37 min drive
Restaurants
- Keyhole Bar & Grill 8 min drive
- The Hook Lakeside Grill 8 min drive
- Dixie Saloon 8 min drive
- Audie's Restaurant 7 min drive
- Darrow's Family Restaurant 7 min drive
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Historic Cottage on the Best Beach in the Mackinaw Area have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool.
Is Historic Cottage on the Best Beach in the Mackinaw Area pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
What time is check-in at Historic Cottage on the Best Beach in the Mackinaw Area?
Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Historic Cottage on the Best Beach in the Mackinaw Area?
Checkout is at 12:00 PM.
Where is Historic Cottage on the Best Beach in the Mackinaw Area located?
Nestled on the beach, this Mackinaw City cottage is within 2 mi (3 km) of Lake Michigan, Headlands International Dark Sky Park and Mackinaw Heritage Village. Lake Huron and McGulpin Point Lighthouse are also within 3 miles (5 km).