Gateway to Pictured Rocks & Seney NWR 2BR Cottage located on Manistique River

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Entire home

Gateway to Pictured Rocks Cottage overlooks the Manistique River

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

9.0

Wonderful

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 1084 sq m

Popular amenities

Barbecue grill

Washer

Outdoor space

Kitchen

Air conditioning

Dryer

Check-in time

3:00 PM

Check-out time

10:00 AM

Explore the area

Germfask, MI

Seney National Wildlife Refuge15 min walk
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore38 min drive
Oswald's Bear Ranch50 min drive
Escanaba, MI (ESC-Delta County)88 min drive

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Master

2 Queen Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Master

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Garden

Dining Area

About this property

Two bedroom, two bathroom home on the Manistique River is less than an hour from either end of Pictured Rocks.

Handicap accessible, dog friendly, and backs up the Manistique River.

Sleeps 6 in bedrooms with an additional 4 on fold out bed/couches.

Located in Germfask at the beginning of a snowmobile trail 43, it is walking distance to grocery store and the Jolly Inn. This property is adjacent to the Gateway to Pictured Rocks Lodge (3beds, 2 baths) and you can combine the two facilities, along with the hiker hostel for a large family gathering or group outing.

Owner is an avid birdwatcher and can help you plan your trip. We are less than five minutes from Seney National Wildlife Refuge.

Property manager

Tom Funke

Languages

English

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Air conditioning

Outdoor space

Water view

Hot tub

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

It is a violation of Michigan State Law to smoke within 25 feet of any entrance to this building.

Snowmobilers must enter through mud room (side door, not sliding door or front door) and leave suits there before entering house.

Don't use the fireplace, for looks only.

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 and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Germfask

Located in Germfask, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Seney National Wildlife Refuge and Milakokia Lake. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Germfask, MI

What's nearby

Seney National Wildlife Refuge - 15 min walk
Manistique Boardwalk - 29 min drive
Milakokia Lake - 29 min drive
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore - 38 min drive
Oswald's Bear Ranch - 50 min drive

Restaurants

‪Jolly Inn - ‬11 min walk
‪Eagles Nest - ‬6 min walk
‪Toveys Jolly Inn - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Gateway to Pictured Rocks & Seney NWR 2BR Cottage located on Manistique River pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Gateway to Pictured Rocks & Seney NWR 2BR Cottage located on Manistique River?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Gateway to Pictured Rocks & Seney NWR 2BR Cottage located on Manistique River?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Gateway to Pictured Rocks & Seney NWR 2BR Cottage located on Manistique River located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 0.8 mi (1.2 km) from Seney National Wildlife Refuge and within 32 miles (52 km) of Lake Michigan and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Milakokia Lake and Newberry Country Club are also within 32 miles (52 km).

9.0

Wonderful

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

Learn more

8.6/10

Cleanliness

7.4/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Check-in

9.2/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

8/10 Good

Jeannine D.

19 June 2024

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

Disliked: Communication

Good location

It was sufficient. We had everything we needed. The lock/key didn’t work for the door. We were unable to contact the manager. The house was in a good location for sightseeing. We would consider staying again.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Jon & Carolyn G., Permanent Travelers

8 Sept 2023

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

Ok due to location but...

The location was excellent but a few things were lacking. The AC was completely inadequate to deal with hot days. It's just a portable unit that is probably capable of dealing with room less than half the size of the property. Thus we had to run it far more than we - and the owner - would have liked, during the hottest days of summer. The portable AC vented through a window, which made the home insecure. We would have gladly opened the windows because the outside temp was cooler, but the blinds were broken and some of the screens were missing, so we couldn't rely on outside overnight air to cool the property. At least one of the beds lacked a mattress cover under the bottom sheet. The "security stick" for the sliding rear door was broken, so it would have been easy for someone to enter the property through that door. It took two days for the owner to respond to a message via VRBO when we inquired if we could get a late checkout. The side door lock was broken. There was hair in 1 of the shower drains that the water wouldn't go down. We had to clean it out Hopefully the owner will switch the internet from satellite to newly-available internet service. We were unable to use the internet when it rained, and it was always very slow and connections were very "iffy." The instructions for connecting to the internet were posted on the refrigerator in a type font that was tiny and blurred, so it was difficult to read. We had to guess at what the password was.

Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Vincent W.

13 Aug 2023

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

Great stay

Very happy with property. Had a wonderful time, would have liked to stay longer. Clean and well maintained . Would have liked more outdoor chairs (white stackable ones would work). Not a big thing though. Pretty centrally located to see the sights.

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

6/10 Okay

Martha K.

2 Aug 2023

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

Disliked: Cleanliness

Martha

The cabin was amazing and centrally located. Not the cleanest place.

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

6/10 Okay

janice w.

18 Sept 2022

The place was very convenient for us

Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022

2/10 Terrible

john b.

19 Aug 2022

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

Very comfortable house

This house had everything we needed and plenty of room for 6 people. Communication with the owner was very good. We would stay there again.

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Charlene B., Westminster

11 Aug 2022

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

Great place to gather!

This was the perfect location for our family reunion - it was near where all the activities were taking place. We thought we could bring a dog and found out after we booked it that we couldn't. We made it work anyway, but it was an extra expense to board our dog at home. The host was great at communicating and very prompt! We'd definitely stay here again!

Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brad A.

7 Aug 2022

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

Great location

Place was between Mackinac Island and Picture rocks. Location worked perfectly for us to visit both locations.

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Maria M.

29 July 2022

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

Great Location

The location of this property was perfect. All the locations that we wanted to travel to were about the same distance. Even though the location seems isolated, it is not. Down the road you’ll find a small supermarket, a restaurant across the street and a kayaking/canoeing/campground facility to travel down the Manistique River. It was super easy to check into the home. The home was exactly as the listing displayed. We had plenty of space for our kids to play and they loved unwinding/watching tv when we came back after a long day of activities. It was a plus having a washer/dryer. There was no AC but the temperature was tolerable with the windows open and running the ceiling fans/other fans provided.

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

valerie b.

18 July 2022

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

Clean home, was our base for day trips in the UP.

Clean property and thankful for the ramp into the home. I think the home needs some maintenance as we had some difficulty with the lock and most of the screens are in need of repair or replacement. With no Central Air, it would have been nice to have enjoyed open doors and windows, but during the time of our stay the mosquitos were a real problem! The owner was responsive and again, it was a good location to enjoy the UP.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

Kelly

7 July 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication

Central location to make as a base camp. Everything we wanted to do was only about an hour away. The house was very clean, roomy and well equiped. The down side were the uncomfortable beds. They were very firm and noisy. We were not able to have the windows opened because mosquitoes kept getting in through holes in the screens. Even with the windows closed they somehow still got in. If the screens and beds were updated I would definitely stay here again.

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

6/10 Okay

Nick P., Oakland, MI

14 Mar 2022

Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy

Disliked: Cleanliness, communication

Needs to be cleaned better

Rented for a snowmobile trip. 6 guys so the sleeping set up was perfect. We got there and trash bags were piled up at the door. Beds weren’t made, there wasn’t enough bed sheets, the dust was disgusting. Nothing was wiped down. The fans had fur on them. Water pressure was really bad as well. We had to finish cleaning before we brought our stuff in. Dirty laundry in the washer. Great house and location. Just needs much better housekeeping.

Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Pamela K.

28 Sept 2021

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

Up north getaway

Close to all of the attractions

Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Daniel J.

23 Sept 2021

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

Worth the drive!

A small cabin in the middle of nowhere, but on the way to everywhere! This place was an excellent point from which to explore almost all of the U.P., and just a few hours drive was worth it to see places like Copper Harbor, Porcupine Mountains, De Tour Village, and everywhere in between!

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Darryn B.

14 Sept 2021

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

Great getaway spot in UP

We really enjoyed staying in this home. It was roomy, comfortable and cozy. It had everything we needed for a terrific stay in the Upper Peninsula. The rooms were clean and well-lighted. The furniture was nice and homey. The washer/dryer came in handy. The only drawback was the water pressure in the home was a bit low, but with just two of us we were able to coordinate it. Also it's a great location. From here in Germfask we were able to get to a bunch of places within 30-45 minute drive, such as Tahquamenon Falls, Pictured Rocks, Munising, Manistique and other places. And the best part was, at night we could see a million stars. Coming from a big city, that was like a miracle for us! We would definitely stay here again if we have the chance.

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Crystal M., Lincoln Park, Michigan

8 Sept 2021

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

In the middle of everything

Our stay was awesome. Central location to all of the things you would want to do and the river behind the property was beautiful. We loved the soaking tub which we enjoyed after the long hikes. Thanks again for having us.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

4/10 Poor

Alice Y.

13 Aug 2021

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy

Not as described

My kids said that for the U.P., the place was very good; indicating there's a different/lower standard for U.P. rentals. The sticking point for me however, is that the list of amenities was not as described and it should be more accurately described. It indicated 3 queen beds but they are either full or 3/4 and need to be replaced. Every time someone moves in the bed, it makes a lot of noise. Queen size sheets are way too large for the beds. The older hide-a-bed in the living room should be replaced; the mattress was filthy and thin. The standing lamp in the living room won't stand on its own; it has to lean against something else or it will fall over and only one of the three lights on it had a bulb. The description indicates AC but it's a "portable" unit which is not very effective and there were high humidity days during our stay. The house needs central AC. The house needs intense and thorough cleaning. The deck had one hole in it upon arrival and after a torrential downpour, another appeared. That entire board was soft and spongy; an accident waiting to happen. There were only two outdoor chairs provided. The house wasn't prepared for us prior to our visit; I had to do all the laundry and cleaning before family arrived, the previous occupants trash and empty returnables were still there and remained there during our stay. One box fan had broken blades and was inoperable. We took apart the other and cleaned it; it was filthy. We had to take apart the vacuum cleaner and remove the hair and fibers around the roller and clogged in the tube. The manager made things right with me but all that work was not part of my vacation plan. The list of problems is too long to list. The homeowner should live there for a while and start fixing all of the problems with the home. No one appears to be investing in the routine maintenance and upkeep of the property.

Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Sherri G.

23 June 2021

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

Quiet

The property was a good size for our group of 10. 5 adults and 5 children. The access to the river was not ideal for swimming but would work for fishing it seemed. We had a nice fire in the fireplace, and enjoyed being able to walk across to the little restraunt in town. We enjoyed being close to the Seney wildlife refuge and saw a good dozen sand cranes in various areas throughout our stay. Overall, I think we will come back and enjoy this piece of quiet living.

Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Robert O.

3 Dec 2020

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

Perfect place for us

We wish we could take this place with us wherever we go hunting.

Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2020

8/10 Good

BJ E.

30 Oct 2020

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

Staying with dogs

Great place if you are staying with your dogs.

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Nicole W.

28 Oct 2020

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

Great stay, economical, central location

We had a great time, easy to find, walk across the street to the local restaurant. Grocery store on corner. Our only concern was the house is right on the Main Street which meant an xtra eye on our 2 dogs due to the fast traffic. Centrally located for UP destinations. Easy checkin and checkout. Polite and responsive owner. There were pet stains in main bedroom but that is expected with a pet friendly rental. Otherwise very clean and soft new towels.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Mark R.

12 Oct 2020

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

THE BEST!!!

A must for your next getaway to the great U.P. of Michigan. Property is centrally located to all the great attractions and the best fishing lakes. House is just like home. Everything you need is there. Can't thank the owner and property manager enough for a great vacation!

10/10 Excellent

april k.

14 Sept 2020

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

Northern getaway

Great location. Not far from all the hot spots to visit.

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

David R.

8 Sept 2020

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

Upper Peninsula get away

Nice property and centrally located in the upper peninsula. Minutes from nice boating and fishing lakes. We enjoyed our stay.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020

8/10 Good

David S.

29 Aug 2020

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

Great central location

Overall, a great place, will definitely stay again. Big kitchen with everything you need. Washer and dryer if you want to wash clothes. Great central location for visiting Tahquamenon Falls, Munising, Marquette, Kitch-iti-kipi. Jolly Inn is a great restaurant just across the street. Small window fan above kitchen sink does a good job of cooling off the house at night, plenty of extra fans. Couldn't tell from pictures but both bathrooms have a shower. Only negatives: tough to use both showers at the same time with the water pressure. Couldn't find a very clear path to the river but I didn't try very hard. Wifi was not very great but worked. A bigger TV mounted on the wall would be nice for people who aren't out exploring all day like me. Other than that, everything was great. I look forward to visiting again.

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2020

About the host

Hosted by Tom Funke

I am the author of 50 Hikes in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, biologist, career outdoor educator, & avid backpacker. I have hiked over 2000 miles of the North Country Trail.
I am the owner of Trailspotters & Upper Peninsula Outfitters, which is headquartered next door.

I also an avid birdwatcher, having worked for Michigan Audubon for 25+ years as a volunteer, board member, and staff. If you like to birdwatch, I can help you plan your trip and get those lifers!

Why they chose this property

Our long term plan is to build a community of lodging in Germfask, on the Manistique River. This is our second property which compliments the Gateway Lodge nextdoor.

What makes this property unique

Tap into our expertise and let us help you plan your trip! Onsite managers Rebecca and Brian are experts at helping you plan things to do in the UP.

You also can tap into our outfitting program. We have canoes & kayaks for rent, spotting services and gear for rent. We have access to the Manistique River as well.

We can help you plan a birdwatching trip as well.