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Kalkaska Getaway: Splash into Summer – Walk to Manistee Lake from Kalkaska Getaway

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Huge wrap-around deck to kickback after a day on the trails, river, or lake.
Kalkaska Getaway welcomes you!
Plenty of things to do on a rainy day in the lower level
Plenty of parking, so bring your toys
Up for a spirited game of air hockey?

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 6204.4 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Kalkaska, MI
  • Grandview Golf Club
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Torch Lake
    ‪42 min drive‬
  • Torch Lake Park
    ‪42 min drive‬
  • Gaylord, MI (GLR-Gaylord Regional)
    ‪54 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Master Bedroom on Main Floor

1 Queen Bed

upstairs

1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

upstairs

3 Queen Beds

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Main Bathroom on Main Floor

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

upstairs

Toilet · Shower only

Walk-out Basement

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Kalkaska Getaway: Splash into Summer – Walk to Manistee Lake from Kalkaska Getaway

KALKASKA GETAWAY
SLEEPS: 6 Adults max - NO ADDITIONAL GUESTS
BEDROOMS: 3
BATHROOMS: 2.5
*MANISTEE LAKE (sandy bottom) is a 1000 feet walk through the neighborhood
*KAYAKS (ONLY AVAILABLE Memorial day - Labor Day)
*SNOWMOBILE and ATV trails nearby
* No Smoking Allowed inside the property
*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 Kalkaska Getaway.

Kalkaska Getaway is perfect for quiet groups looking to vacation, ideally for 6 people to enjoy. This home is perfect for fishing families and explorers alike. Bring your ORV's or Snowmobiles and ride from the front door! With plenty of parking, Kalkaska Getaway allows for truck/trailer combos and multiple cars to park on-site. So, grab your buddies or the kids and fish, swim, or ride until dawn!

Kalkaska Getaway is a 3-level home: Main floor (with GE kitchen appliances), upstairs bedrooms and a walk-out basement that is geared for fun with a shuffleboard table, foosball table and air hockey table for your enjoyment! Although you can barely see the lake in the summertime from this property, you are only a 150 yard walk to the water, where you can swim, lounge around, or launch a kayak. Manistee Lake is a shallow lake, and from the shore has a gradual slope so it is great for smaller kids (max depth is 16 feet). Kalkaska Getaway is located on the northeast corner of the lake.

If you would like to take a short 5 minute drive to Manistee Lake Sands Park, you will find a playground, public beach, picnic area, and public boat launch.

THIS COTTAGE HAS OUTSIDE VIDEO SECURITY MONITORING.

As an extra layer of security, we do have outside cameras mounted on the cottage. There are no cameras inside the cottage.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A/C: No. Each bedroom has a ceiling fan and the dining room has a ceiling fan. There is an attic fan in the upper level that moves the air effectively! There are also a few oscillating floor fans which can be used throughout the home.

Animals: Variety of birds, squirrels, turkey, coyotes, fox, deer and bear.

ATV/Snowmobiles: Yes. You can drive from the front door to nearby trails. Leetsville Trail is the closest. Here is a map of ORV trails nearby.

Bathrooms:

Bathroom #1: main floor Full-bath with tub and shower

Bathroom #2: upstairs Half-bath

Bathroom #3: walk-out basement shower stall, sink, toilet; connected washer/dryer

Beach/Swimming: Only 150 yards away is the access to the lake. It is shared access with 6 other homes. There is about a 12 x 4 ft. patch of sand in which kids can play. Manistee Lake is a sandy-bottom lake, very shallow with a gradual slope. The average person can walk out about 75 yards with the water only reaching your neck. The public beach and playground is on the southwest side of Manistee Lake.

Bedroom Configuration:

Bedroom #1: main floor: King size bed

Bedroom #2: upstairs: 3 Queens and a crib

Bedroom #3: upstairs: 1 Queen and a full over full bunk bed

Boats: (ONLY AVAILABLE Memorial day - labor day) 5 Kayaks with paddles with a variety of Adult-size life jackets. There is also a canoe trailer that can be attached to your own vehicle if you want to explore the Manistee River. Guests - simply walk a kayak the 150 yards away and jump on in.

Boat Launch: Public launch, Manistee Lake Sands Park, southwest end of lake. You will need to pull boat in/out, however, you can park your truck/trailer combo right in front of the house.

Bugs: Typical flies, mosquitoes, spiders, and ants.

Cable/Satellite TVs: No cable. 1 Samsung Smart TV on the main floor. Next TV is in walk-out basement and has the Chromecast and a DVD. (Netflix/Prime Video included)

Cell phone service: Verizon/AT&T - Good!

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

Distances (approximate):

*Higgins Lake: 45 minutes

*Torch Lake: 55 minutes
*Traverse City: 40 minutes
* Lansing: 2 hours 36 minutes
* Crystal Mountain: 1 hour 18 minutes
* Mackinac Bridge: 1 hours and 37 minutes away
*near to Forbush Corner Cross Country Ski Resort

Dock: There is not a dock for use at this property.

Fire Pit: YES! Please keep fires manageable and extinguish completely.

Fishing: Bring your poles. Jumbo Bluegill, Jumbo Perch, Crappie, Pike and Walleye! The best fishing is from a boat.

Fishing License: You can purchase your fishing license online

Grill: Gas grill (and spare propane tank) is in the garage. We ask that it be used on the driveway area and returned to the garage each night. Bears, coyotes and foxes are active in the neighborhood and love to get their paws on greasy grills

Grocery Store: Convenience store & Gas Station (with recreational fuel!) is a mile and half away on the south end of Manistee Lake - The Cove. Main grocery is in Kalkaska which is 12 miles away:
Family Fare Supermarket - 784 S Cedar St, Kalkaska, MI 49646 (231) 258-2101
Northland Food & Family Center - 2101 U.S. 131, Kalkaska, MI 49646 (231) 258-911

Handicap Accessible: Guests must be able to navigate stairs.

Hunting: Not onsite

Internet: Wi-Fi for guests to use. Strong service.

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.

Neighbors: 11 PM QUIET TIME--Please be conscientious of the nearby neighbors, especially on your walk down to the beach. You are within a quaint cottage community. Please, no loud music, booming fireworks, or outside smoking of substances, other than cigarettes. We have other places for you if you would like to blast your favorites while on vacation. Per our contract, guests who can't adhere to the quiet time restrictions will asked to leave, without a refund.

Parking: 3 cars are ideal or 2 trailer/truck combination.

Pets: 2 dogs allowed, there is a $75.00 per pet fee.

Privacy: Homes are to the left and the right of the cabin.

Space: 3-Level home. Main floor, upstairs, and walk-out basement.

Towels: Yes, we provide towels. Please bring your own beach towels to take to the water.

Washer and dryer: Yes. Laundry soap is provided.

Winter Activities:
* Snowmobiling
- Kalkaska County Snowmobile Trails – Just 5 miles away, offering access to a variety of trails.
- VASA Pathway – About 10-15 miles from Kalkaska, this multi-use trail system accommodates snowmobiles in winter.
* Cross-Country Skiing
- VASA Pathway – Known for cross-country skiing, located about 10-15 miles away.
- Timber Ridge Resort – About 20 miles away, offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
* Ice Fishing
- Lake Kalkaska – 5-10 miles away, offering opportunities for ice fishing in the winter months.
- Torch Lake – About 20 miles (25-minute drive) south of Kalkaska, popular for ice fishing.
* Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding
- Crystal Mountain Resort – Located 40-45 miles (about a 1-hour drive) to the west, offering downhill skiing and snowboarding.
* Winter Hiking & Scenic Views
- Timber Ridge Resort – Offers winter hiking, located about 20 miles from Kalkaska.
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – About 50 miles (1 hour drive), known for winter hiking and scenic views.

Winter Time: Depending on the weather, and the slope of the road, a 4 x 4 vehicle may be the only vehicle that will be able to get to the cottage.

Wood: Please plan bring your own or have your own delivered. You can purchase wood at the convenience store a mile and half away on the south end of Manistee Lake

Property manager

Freshwater Vacation Rentals
Premier Host

Languages

English, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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

About the area

Kalkaska

Kalkaska is home to this cottage. Grandview Golf Club and Timber Wolf Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Hartwick Pines State Park and Au Sable River. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Kalkaska, MI

What's nearby

  • Grandview Golf Club - 14 min drive - 8.8 km
  • Timber Wolf Golf Club - 17 min drive - 12.5 km
  • Schuss Mountain - 37 min drive - 29.6 km
  • Torch Lake - 42 min drive - 39.7 km
  • Torch Lake Park - 42 min drive - 38.2 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 58 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Hide-A-Way Bar - ‬26 min drive
  • ‪Dingman's Tavern - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪Manistee Lake Inn - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Kiootees Bar & Grill - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Lalone's Restaurant - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Kalkaska Getaway: Splash into Summer – Walk to Manistee Lake from Kalkaska Getaway pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Kalkaska Getaway: Splash into Summer – Walk to Manistee Lake from Kalkaska Getaway?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Kalkaska Getaway: Splash into Summer – Walk to Manistee Lake from Kalkaska Getaway?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Kalkaska Getaway: Splash into Summer – Walk to Manistee Lake from Kalkaska Getaway located?

Located in Kalkaska, this family-friendly cottage is 5.5 mi (8.8 km) from Grandview Golf Club, and within 12 mi (20 km) of Timber Wolf Golf Club and Twin Birch Golf Course. Au Sable River and Hartwick Pines State Park are also within 20 miles (32 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 23 out of 29 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 29 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 29 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 29 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 29 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Freddy S.

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

Great accommodations!

Very nice clean rental with plenty of room for guests. This property is quiet and has access to all of the northern Michigan activities one could desire. Outfited properly with all of the utensils and equipment to enjoy long stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris S.

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

ATV riding

My daughter, nephew and I stayed at the house for our atv adventure. The house was clean, cozy and the best supplied vacation house I have ever stayed in. The beds were comfortable and so many of them. We have already decided that we are coming back next year. Thank you for everything you did to help us have a great time.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alan M.

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

Review

Stayed 4 nights on a golf trip & enjoyed the cabin. Mgt was quick to respond to a minor issue. Top floor has a half bath, but there is a shower on the first & lower level. We reqlly enjoued the outdoor deck.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matt S.

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

Great Cabin

We used the cabin as a basecamp for hunting. It was great.
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

John K.

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

Great house near Manistee Lake

This property had everything we were looking for. Three bedrooms with room for way more than the six we had including kids. The crib was a nice bonus meaning we didn’t have to bring a pack-n-play for my daughter to sleep in. The house was very clean and offered all the amenities and more. All of the adults in our group agreed that we will book this listing again in the future. Having relatives in Kalkaska, this location works great for us.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Heather T.

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

Manistee Lake House

My family shared the rental with my lifelong friend and her family. It was absolutely beautiful. Short walk to the water where the kids had a great time playing in the water and sand. We took a road trip to torch lake which was absolutely gorgeous. Definitely recommend this home it was clean, had lots of beds, lots seating inside and out, and space for us all to stay comfortably.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rosanna J.

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

The house was great! Worked out perfectly for us!

Great property with everything you need for a great vacation!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Allison B.

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

Great House in Kalkaska

The house was very nice and had great space for young children. We appreciated the crib and game areas for the kids to play.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Justin G.

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

Snowmobile riding trip

Perfect place to stay clean and only a few miles to the trails.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth M.

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

Great getaway!

We enjoyed this quiet getaway between the holidays. The home layout was great with plenty of space to enjoy together. Lots of games and indoor activities and only an hour drive to either Petoskey or Traverse. We hope to come back in the summer to enjoy the lake and other outdoor activities.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Gary W.

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

Family Christmas

What a welcome view when we pulled in, the home very cozy with the Christmas lights strung up, when we opened the front door there was a great view of the Christmas tree, we left Christmas at home and had a perfect place to have a few more days of Christmas with the family, the house was very well furnished and labeled well, maintenance was very good, the only issue was the rocking chair was broke, was a short drive over to shuess Mt for the day
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kelly C.

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

Kalkaska getaway

What an amazing house and location! We really enjoyed our stay in the house was equipped with everything we could’ve asked for. Even lots of games to play on the rainy days. Loved how spacious the rooms are in generous closet space. Will definitely return again!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Heather T.

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

Lake cabin

We had a great time. Very clean, well equipped, great location!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Great cabin

We stayed in the cabin for a couple nights and we loved our experience. Our favorite part was wrap around deck, which gave us that up-north feel that we were craving.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michele M.

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

Great House and Location

We had an amazing stay and a fun filled Girls week at the house. Every amenity you could ask for. House was perfect.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

8/10 Good

Shannon N.

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

Unplugged

We wanted a place to disconnect from the world. This home was perfect.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Staci K.

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

We loved it!!

Everything was so clean and just as expected. It was a beautiful cottage in the Woodland area and the walk down to the beach was actually not bad at all. We thought it would be further but it was a short walk and carrying the kayaks was a short trip that we went back for more because the distance to the lake was so short. The lake water was gorgeous! It had a sandy bottom all the way up to your chest which went about 100 feet. It was beyond beautiful. This was our first girls trip and we will definitely be using a freshwater vacation rental again soon!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021

6/10 Okay

Sandra S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Disliked: Location

Cabin

Nice place but, a lot of steps, up/downstairs. next time closer to lakes. Had huge leak on kitchen floor, Tuesday plumber came out replaced kitchen faucet ........ rained hard on wednesday dining room carpet by doors got wet and stained. All All not bad place other than those issues. The property was listed as 150 yards to beach. This wasn't the case.........
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Patrick G.

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

Great House in Great Location

Perfect place to get away and have some seclusion but still be near the water!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2020

8/10 Good

Brandon S.

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

Family Get Away Together

The house is perfect for multi-Family groups. We had 6 children from 3-13 and 6 adults without feeling crowded. The rooms are big and the property has adequate gathering areas, inside and out. The neighboring properties are far enough away that there is a semblance of seclusion. all of the appliances are modern and the property was well maintained. The lake is nice for swimming and boating. The vessels at the property worked well.

10/10 Excellent

Sarah S., Where do you live?

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

Wonderful stay

The place is beautiful, clean and welcoming. The rooms are bigger than we expected. The beach was small but very nice. Would recommend the stay. Even though it was hot the trees kept it nice and cool.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2020

8/10 Good

Loretta S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Nice home. Plenty of sleeping space.

This is a nice property. If you prefer right on the water, this is not the best choice. There is lake access but it is not directly on the property and a bit difficult to decipher on the map. Everything was in working order. Kitchen is stocked with a lot of dishes, glasses, and utensils.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Ken G.

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

Snowmobile trip

The place was great and we like the area, will probably go there again!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020

8/10 Good

Rachelle B.

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

Winter weekend

We really enjoyed our stay. The house was clean and comfortable. There was lots of snow for the kids to play. On that note, it would be a good idea to have 4 wheel drive. My husband had to shovel the path to the deck and by the door of the house. Not a huge deal for us but it might be for others. Down in the game room the DVD player was missing the cables and the shuffle board table need leveling but the air hockey was great. These things didn’t affect our stay but I thought I should mention them since I’m giving a review. We had a great time at a great place with lots of snow. We would rent again. The property managers were GREAT and responded quickly to our needs. Thank you again for letting us enjoy your home.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Terri V.

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

everyone in our group loved the place

We had a great time especially since it snowed when we were there. Everyone had a great time.

About the host

Hosted by Freshwater Vacation Rentals

Host profile image
Freshwater Vacation Rentals
• Established in 2005
If you are looking for a vacation rental, you have come to the right spot! We specialize in vacation rentals throughout Michigan. From your own private island to a lodge big enough to host your family reunion or a relaxing getaway on one of the Great Lakes. If you feel like a social vacation where you have neighbors to enjoy the evening fires together, to remote places where you won't see another soul, give us a call and we'll find the right place for you.
Our philosophy
We work hard so you don't have to. Our goal is for guests have a wonderful vacation experience and assist our owners in maximizing their investment. We started this business 13 years ago, with the purchase of Republic Island, and added the Rapid River Lodge. We have a unique perspective, as we are both owners and property managers. We love the business and are enjoying it as it grows.

Languages:

English, Spanish

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests