Lovely Lakefront House Rental- Big Crooked Lake / Sister Lakes

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Entire home

Front view of house with driveway, right off the street

Angle of Living Room showing the Hallway when you first walk in.

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 8

Popular amenities

Parking available

Outdoor space

Barbecue grill

Kitchen

Air conditioning

Fireplace

Explore the area

Dowagiac, MI

Magician Lake

5 min drive

Lake Michigan College

14 min drive

Surfari Joe's Indoor Wilderness Water Park

16 min drive

Benton Harbor, MI (BEH-Southwest Michigan Regional)

24 min drive

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

2 Double Beds and 1 Single Bunk Bed

Bedroom 2

3 Single Beds

Convertible bed(s)

1 Single Murphy Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Kitchen

Dining

Living area

Exterior

About this property

Our Lovely Lake House is in an ideal location; overlooking 2 lakes. Out the kitchen door is the huge upper deck overlooking Big Crooked, which is your Lake Access only 40 feet away. Across the street is an Ice-Cream/ Souvenir Shop and a Wake Boarding Store. 1 Block away is a Restaurant, Roller Rink, miniature golf and Spa. 3 Blocks away is a Dollar Store, Gas Station, Restaurants, Bank, Boat Rental, Video Store and more. Downtown Dowagiac (newly renovated) is a captivating town with restaurants and shops. Worth an afternoon stroll to look around and shop. Farms and Fruit Stands all around. Don't forget to pick fresh fruit, Michigan's Best!!

This is truly a get-a-way back to nature. You will find plenty of ducks, geese, different types of birds and wildlife. Just don't bring any frogs home in a shoe box, please! We like to keep all creatures in their natural habitat.

Whether you like to enjoy relaxing with a morning cup of coffee watching the fish jump out of the water or watching the tranquility of the waves or just want the excitement of tubing, water skiing, fishing, fruit picking, sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing or just simply watching the excitement of your child finding water creatures, this is the place for you.

Snowmobilers welcome! Because of being in the Snow Belt, winter brings great snow packed trails for Snowmobilers. Trails are marked.

Keywords: Year Round, Single Family Ranch, Lakefront, 35' of Sandy Beach, All Sports Lake, Kid Friendly.

Amenities

Kitchen

Air conditioning

Outdoor space

Parking available

Barbecue grill

Lake view

Similar properties

Private sandy beach with pier ,paddleboat and rowboat

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Children welcome

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Non smoking 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

About the area

Dowagiac

Located in Dowagiac, this holiday home is in the city centre and on a lake. Karma Vista Vineyards and Winery and Contessa Wine Cellars are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Silver Beach and Sarett Nature Center. Surfari Joe's Indoor Wilderness Water Park and Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and hiking/biking trails.

Dowagiac, MI

What's nearby

Magician Lake - 5 min drive
Lake Michigan College - 14 min drive
Surfari Joe's Indoor Wilderness Water Park - 16 min drive
Silver Beach - 24 min drive
Andrews University - 24 min drive

Getting around

Dowagiac Station - 20 min drive
South Bend, IN (SBN-South Bend Intl.) - 49 min drive

Restaurants

‪TJ's Sports Bar & Grill - ‬8 min drive
‪Lakeview Inn - ‬17 min walk
‪Dockside Dan's - ‬1 min walk
‪Wright Place - ‬12 min walk
‪Sister Lakes Brewing Company - ‬9 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Lovely Lakefront House Rental- Big Crooked Lake / Sister Lakes pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Lovely Lakefront House Rental- Big Crooked Lake / Sister Lakes?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Lovely Lakefront House Rental- Big Crooked Lake / Sister Lakes?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Lovely Lakefront House Rental- Big Crooked Lake / Sister Lakes located?

Located in the heart of Dowagiac, this holiday home is 1.7 mi (2.7 km) from Magician Lake and within 12 miles (20 km) of Surfari Joe's Indoor Wilderness Water Park and Four Winds Casino Hartford. Lake Michigan College and Karma Vista Vineyards and Winery are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Exceptional

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

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Michael P.

29 Aug 2024

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

Wonderful Lake Cottage

Lovely cottage on Big Crooked Lake with a nice little beach. We had a great time and were quite pleased with our stay

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anne G.

28 Aug 2024

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

Lovely lake house

We had a lovely stay on Big Crooked Lake. Easy communication with our hosts as well as kayak and paddle boat for our use. The house was a nice size for us and the kitchen well equipped.

Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Homer C.

21 Aug 2024

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

Get-a-way

Everything we wanted, beach with toys for kids, access to area and friendly and helpful owners.

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

joan h.

14 July 2021

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

Cottage

The owners are lovely and the location is great

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Katie F.

11 Sept 2020

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

Perfect getaway

Great house for a great price. Super close to Driftwood which our kids loved.

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Renee H.

26 July 2020

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

Great time

This is a cute house in a great location on a Great Lake! My family and I had so much fun this week at this house. It’s very clean and well kept by the owners. I would defiantly stay here again! Thank you so much Chris! Please tell Veronica thank you as well!

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Nicole C.

13 Sept 2018

Had a blast. Cute little house.

We had a great time. The house is small, but perfect for sleeping eating and spending all other time outdoors. There is no wifi, which wasn't too big of an issue but we had one person who needed to connect to do some homework. The bar and Driftwood are literally are across the street, and the Strand (a nicer restaurant with a huge beer garden) is about a blocks walk. Beach is nice and wide enough for kids to play. We also had access to use a small paddle boat and canoe. The only downside to the property is all of the glass. We had a small child, and always had to keep an eye out to make sure all of the glass tables, and curio cabinets weren't going to be accidently run into. We would stay again, but the glass was a major concern so it's something to consider if one has small children. Overall it was great and we would recommend 100%. The owners are right next door so if anything went wrong, they could be there.

Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

20 Aug 2018

Relaxing

Great location.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Ryan G.

9 Aug 2018

Outstanding trip, will definitely be back!

Had a wonderful time on the lake with my family. The house was in great shape and very comfortable. We will be back!

Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2018

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte H.

11 Aug 2017

26 days

Enjoyed the comfort of the home. My mom couldn't enjoy much due to so many stairs but that was great for the younger bunch. Within walking distance to several spots we enjoyed. Since we had family close by we were able to enjoy alot of time together on the deck & enjoyed the great weather. The owners made sure we had everything we needed. I appreciated their efforts to make our stay an enjoyable one. Thanks for all their understanding with our circumstances.

Stayed 25 nights in Jul 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Alexandra G.

17 July 2017

Great place!

We enjoyed our stay. Kids loved to swim out to the raft, play in the sand and they made good use of the kayak. Spacious deck. Well kept and clean cottage. Water pressure in the shower wasn't very good. It was a quiet and relaxing vacation, just what we were looking for!

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

9 July 2017

Immaculate!

Best place on the lake!

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

25 July 2016

Quite Comfortable

This house lacks nothing. We rented a pontoon and they quickly accommodated the pier space and bumpers. There were about 35 of my family members down the street at another resort. It was a nice walk, boat ride, car ride over to visit. The whole week was wonderful being with my family and my new granddaughter. The deck gets plenty of sun, and with the beach a few steps away, take a nice swim out to the raft. I will be back. The owners are just really good people. All the best.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

MaryJo G.

19 July 2016

Fantastic!!!

Property was everything promised and more. The home is very well maintained and very updated. Wonderful view of 2 lakes and huge deck with lots of sun. Nice beach area and swim platform for swimming. Location is great as it is right across the street from a restaruant and ice cream shop. Owners were great. We are already booking our stay for next year. Strongly recommend!!!!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Patricia B.

5 Aug 2015

2015 Vacation

Just got back from spending a week at this cottage. It was a perfect place for my husband and I and my daughter, her husband and their two young children. I picked this cottage as I wanted a location on a beach so that my older grandson could walk into the water and the cottage was close enough whereby we could easily check on the younger grandchild when he was sleeping. The owners, Chris and Terry, were great landlords and the cottage was clean and well maintained. The cottage was equipped with everything you needed to make your stay pleasant and we got to enjoy plenty of time in the sun on the beach.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Christina B.

11 July 2015

Summer Vacation

Wonderful time on our vacation at a different place then we normally stay. Had a great time being on Big Crooked with the sight of Round Lake. Wonderful accomodations with a professional way in handling our reservations. Kids loved the cottage and location. Looking forward to going again next summer!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Dan G.

22 Aug 2014

An amazing place with unbelievable views and service!!!!

My family and I recently rented this house for a week and it was awesome! The view from the deck is spectacular (can view 2 lakes while sitting on the deck - big crooked and round lake(s). The photos do not do this rental justice....the house is clean, well maintained and the owners, Chris and Terry, are amazing! My kids were calling Terry...."uncle Terry" by the end of the trip. Terry was around throughout the week due to construction on their property next door and couldn't have been more accommodating and friendly. We swam and fished all week (sandy beach w/ pier and floating dock....kids swam & played in well-maintained sandy beach all week), rented a pontoon for a day (very inexpensive - delivered and pick-up on the lake), picked strawberries, miniature golfed, walked to Driftwood (ice cream parlor across the street) several times throughout the week and walked to an awesome restaurant (pizza) about 2 blocks away! However, the kitchen has all modern amenities and there is no need to leave the property. We have already decided to return next summer....kids are already asking "how long until we go back to Michigan".

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Dorinda S.

12 Oct 2013

Outstanding, by far the best family vacation ever

Traveling from Florida to these beautiful lakes in the July was absolutely one of the most relaxing vacation our family has had. We even brought our own TiKi torches. Our son age 7, made friends quickly, enjoyed the fresh water lake and sand. The home was immaculate and fortunate for me, my husband had every possible grilling tool needed. Plenty of shade when hot, and lots of sun and fun.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Patty H.

29 Aug 2013

Great spot on Big Crooked

The owners were pleasant to work with and the place was very clean. The deck has nice view of Round lake and Big Crooked. The property has a nice beach which is a nice depth, if it were a rainy summer you'd probably have beach still. We went in August, beach is sunny until about 12-1 then shaded until 5-6. It was cool when we went but that would be nice if it were a hot week. Right across from Driftwood, which we took advantage of each night. You do share a dock with the owners, if you bring a boat there won't be much beach left. We didn't so it was not an issue.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

13 Aug 2013

Mark and Kathy

We came from California to vacation with family in the area and had a wonderful stay. Our kids said it was their favorite vacation ever! The house is very convenient to everything, was very clean, had a great beach and deck, fully stocked kitchen and friendly owners. We would definitely stay here again!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Anna E.

9 July 2013

Relaxing by the lake

nddaughters jump off the raft. They liked feeding the ducks that came swimming around. We had a grand time. We would go back again. My special needs daughter had a great time too.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

3 Aug 2012

Great family getaway

My family enjoyed a lovely week at the lake in this wonderful house, which was very clean and had just about everything we needed. The kids enjoyed swimming in the lake, playing in the sand, fishing from the pier (we caught five fish!), and going to the nearby ice cream shop. We also enjoyed family meals on the spacious deck. The property owners were gracious and provided us with tips on what to do and see in the area. In fact, one day when it rained, we took the kids to the children's museum in St. Joe's, just a short drive away. They loved it! We also enjoyed getting smoothies at Stephie's Cafe on M-152. We would definitely consider staying at this house next summer!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

13 July 2012

Arizona Traveler

We had a delightful 4th of July week at this cottage.. It was clean, well stocked with towels, sheets, chairs, umbrellas, even a paddleboat for the lake. Two great views of Round and Big Crooked lakes gave us beautiful sunsets and cool mornings to enjoy our coffee on the expansive deck. The lake is only steps away from the deck, it was great to be right on the water. The lake was cool and clean and refreshing. My son caught a 13 inch smallmouth bass right off the swimming platform. The owners were very friendly and fair to deal with. I love going a couple of miles down the road to buy fresh corn on the cob, zuchini, tomatoes etc. from farm stands. I'd definitely go back again.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kate G.

7 July 2012

great family getaway!

This cottage is a little gem! We had a wonderful stay. It was clean and well maintained with great beach access and fabulous views of Big Crooked and Round lakes. The owners were very friendly and helpful. The kitchen was well equipped and the living room was cozy. The bedrooms were a decent size and the beds were comfortable. The big deck was a great place to hang out and enjoy our meals. Our two young sons had a blast in the lake, which has a nice sandy bottom and a big stretch of shallow water before dropping off. I highly recommend this rental cottage - I know we will be back next summer!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

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7 July 2012

An amazing view and great place

My family and I recently rented this house for a week and it was amazing. The lake is beautiful and the view is spectacular. I cannot stress enough what a great time we had while at this house. The photos do not do it justice, the house was clean and in great shape and owners are warm and inviting. You would be hard pressed to find a better place to rent for a get away to the sister lakes area

About the host

Your host

Terry and I bought our Summer Home on Big Crooked Lake about 20 years ago when our daughter was about 8 years old. We share a lot of wonderful memories full of fun, adventure and enjoyment. Currently, we live in the South Suburb of Chicago and are still looking forward to many relaxing weekends in our Year Round Michigan Home.

Why they chose this property

Sister Lakes is a very popular area full of vacationers, great for families and nearby attractions. It is only 90 miles from Chicago and easy to find where lots of relaxation and stress-free environment awaits you. When you live in a busy city all your life, you need a quick get-a-way from the rat race. Also, Sister Lakes has many adjacents lakes with Public Access. So, if you want to get adventureous, feel free to hop on to another lake.

We are minutes away from quite a few attractions:

** 15 min -- Movie Theatre in Benton Harbor
** 15 min -- Benton Harbor -- Shopping, Many, Many Restaurants, Go Karts/Batting Cages/Miniature Golf.
** 20 min -- Four Winds Casino in Hartford, MI
** 20 min -- St. Joseph, MI (Curious Kids Museum)and much, much more.
** 30 min -- South Haven, Mi
** 30 min -- Deer Forest (Coloma, MI)
** 30 min -- Wine Touring in Kalamazoo
** 30 min -- Kalamazoo -- Air Zoo Museum
** 45 min -- Warren Dunes
** 45 min -- Shopping at the Lighthouse Mall in Michigan City, IN
** 45 min -- Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo, MI
** 60 min -- Saugatuck, MI
** 90 min -- Battle Creek, MI (Binder Zoo)
** 2 hr -- Muskegon's Michigan Adventure Water Park and Amusement Park
** 3 hr -- Henry Ford Museum

You are so close to many attractions that I cannot list them all.

What makes this property unique

Water sports, fishing, watching the sunset over the lake, outdoor dining, late night marshmallow and wieney roasting, telling stories around the campfire, taking nice long evening walks, taking night boat rides. This is really living.
Sister Lakes is a series of Lakes adjacent to one another. This area starts hopping from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
A 3rd Lake, Little Crooked Lake, is connected to Big Crooked by a tunnel that can be accessed with a canoe, row boat or paddle boat. The tunnel is on 95th Street. Make a right from our pier with the paddle boat and it's about 1/2 mile straight up. This is worth exploring. You could always go to the other lake to fish or swim.