Place, Silver Lake Sand Dunes Area Chamber of Commerce
21 min drive
Michigan's Adventure
Place, Michigan's Adventure
39 min drive
Room options
About the area
Shelby
A family-friendly stay in Shelby awaits you at this cottage. Within steps you'll find Lake Michigan and Little Sable Point Lighthouse within a 15-minute stroll. .You can enjoy Smart televisions with satellite channels, and accommodation features a washing machine, free WiFi and 1.5 bathrooms. In-room dining is easy with a kitchen that comes equipped with a fridge, a microwave and a stovetop. A fireplace, a balcony and a TV with a DVD player are also available. .Spend the day at the beach where you'll find sunloungers, and enjoy the on-site water park. Added amenities include laundry facilities and barbecues.
Craig's Cruisers Family Fun Center - 10 min drive - 7.2 km
Silver Lake Sand Dunes Area Chamber of Commerce - 21 min drive - 19.3 km
Electric Forest - 28 min drive - 32.8 km
Michigan's Adventure - 39 min drive - 59.5 km
Getting around
Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker) - 78 min drive
Restaurants
Frickin' Chicken Shack - 12 min drive
Golden Sands Bucket Bar - 20 min drive
Lighthouse Grill & Gift Shop - 10 min drive
Whippy Dip - 9 min drive
Farmhouse Kitchen - 11 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Private Waterfront Setting on Lake Michigan
Description of ~~ WINDY DUNE ~~
This property is located in Shelby, MI, a small town about equidistant from Muskegon to the south and Ludington to the north, about ¼ mile south of the Little Point Sable Lighthouse, which is a landmark usually shown on maps. The area surrounding the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline is largely an agricultural one, with acres and acres of cherry, apple and peach orchards, many fields of strawberries, blueberries, and vegetables, especially asparagus, and corn, both sweet and feed types, as well as several large family-owned dairy farms.
The cottage is secluded within 24 acres of privately owned woods and has 900 feet of pristine beach. It is accessed by a 1/2 mile long gravel private road which winds through the woods, past 2 other cottages, and culminates in a large sunny meadow where this cottage is sited.
The cottage has 3 bedrooms, 1-1/2 bathrooms (the half bath is upstairs) and it sleeps a maximum of 8 comfortably (with 2 in twin-size bunk beds). Three steps down from the entry-level is a large open concept living space with a large sitting area, a counter height island that seats 7, a small coffee bar (sets 2-3) and a fully equipped all-electric kitchen. The seating area has a cathedral ceiling, a mid-century fireplace, and many windows that flood the space with lots of natural light. Off the living room and kitchen is a Westward-facing deck overlooking Lake Michigan - the prime viewing spot for the many gorgeous sunsets, each one a little bit different, but all stunning! As kids, we used to grade the sunsets 1 to 10. Two bedrooms (1 Queen bed and 1 Full bed) and a full bath are located on the first floor. The upstairs bedroom, with windows and a balcony, faces the Lake and has a twin-size bunk bed and a full-size sleeper sofa. A small powder room is on the second floor. The cottage is equipped with Wi-FI, satellite TV, with built-in DVD player, Cell phone service isn't always perfect, but you can use the landline for local and domestic long-distance calls.
A path through the woods with a total of 30 stairs, separated into 3 sections of 10 steps each (one section has an attached bench for sit-downs if needed) leads you from the cottage to the large private beach.
Entertain yourselves on the beautiful beach, which has very fine white sand - like confectioner’s sugar - great for building sandcastles and beachcombing; enjoy swimming and frolicking in the crystal clear water of the Lake; walking north, about ¼ mile along the beach to the Little Point Sable Lighthouse www.splka.org. Enjoy sitting around a beach fire, roasting marshmallows, telling scary stories, looking out for shooting stars and if you are staying towards the end of the summer be on the lookout for the Northern Lights. You are encouraged to hike in the surrounding woods and dunes; following one of the many deer paths makes the going a bit easier.
If you feel the need for more activity venture out to enjoy the many nearby attractions. • Fifteen minutes away is Silver Lake with its spectacular giant sand dunes. There you can find dune buggy rentals and rides,www.macwoodsdunerides.com, go-carts, arcade games, boat, and ATV rentals, mini-golf, t-shirt shops, pizza, ice cream, and a small park store, that carries limited fresh food, liquor, and ice. • Cherry Point Market, has traditional Scandinavian fish boils, pancake breakfasts, and of course, fresh seasonal fruits, and vegetables, jams, and delicious cherry baked goods www.cherrypointmarket.net, The market owner, Barbara Bull is also the author of numerous books set in this part of MI. • Wine tasting at nearby Fox Barn Winery, www.foxbarnwinery.com, • Biking on the Hart-Montague Bicycle Trail, www.michigandnr.com., bring your own bikes or rent them. • Touring the Country Dairy Farm, eating lunch, and savoring fresh homemade ice cream. New Era, MI, www.countrydairy.com. They also have a great selection of fresh prime meats • Browsing quaint shops and art galleries in nearby Pentwater, www.visitpentwatermichigan.com. • Golfing at nearby courses: www.benonashores.com and www.oceanagolfclub.com in Shelby www.colonialgolfhart.com, Hart www.goldensandsgolfcourse.com, Mears www.doublrjj.com in New Era, • Tubing and a playground at nearby Stony Lake, • Historic White Pine Village in Ludington
Similar properties
Waters Edge Retreat- Private Lake Michigan Frontage
Waters Edge Retreat- Private Lake Michigan Frontage
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)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
General
Unit size: 1,400 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 30
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
On the night before your departure, please wash as many towels as possible, OK to leave them in the dryer.
Last time at the beach, please rinse off chairs and toys in the lake and leave them over the dune in "Stump Valley".
Thank you for taking the time to help, I really appreciate it. have a safe trip home, and please leave a review of your experience at ~Windy Dune.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Rules
NO ATVs or off-road vehicles allowed anywhere on the property.
NO firearms allowed on the property.
NO hunting and/or trapping allowed anywhere on the property!
NO parking along the side of the road!
Pets
No pets allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome.
Note from host: Adult suppervision required on deck and balcony.
Events
No events allowed
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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit in all accommodation.
Property is also known as
Private Waterfront Setting on Lake Michigan
Private Waterfront Setting on Lake Michigan Shelby
Private Waterfront Setting on Lake Michigan Cottage
Private Waterfront Setting on Lake Michigan Cottage Shelby
Frequently asked questions
Are there any beaches close to Private Waterfront Setting on Lake Michigan?
The closest beach to Private Waterfront Setting on Lake Michigan is Silver Lake State Park (3.8 km).
Does Private Waterfront Setting on Lake Michigan have a pool?
No, this cottage doesn't have a pool.
Does Private Waterfront Setting on Lake Michigan have a waterslide?
No, but it has a waterpark and lazy river.
Is Private Waterfront Setting on Lake Michigan family-friendly?
You bet! With amenities such as a water park and laundry facilities, as well as highchairs and children's dinnerware, it's no surprise that Private Waterfront Setting on Lake Michigan is a winner with our family travellers.
Is there a free airport shuttle available at Private Waterfront Setting on Lake Michigan?
No, Private Waterfront Setting on Lake Michigan does not offer an airport shuttle service.
What time are check-in & check-out at Private Waterfront Setting on Lake Michigan?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.
Are pets allowed at Private Waterfront Setting on Lake Michigan?
No, pets are not allowed.
Private Waterfront Setting on Lake Michigan Reviews
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
This is a classic Lake Michigan cottage with very nice upgrades (kitchen and appliances) and complete privacy (no neighboring cottages). We love to cook and found everything we needed. Easy access to local farm markets suppling local fruits and veggies. We had nearly daily visits from white tail does and fawns. With Lake Michigan water levels being down, the beach was huge making for easy beach walks and games.
Mark L.
Stayed 28 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Steve K.
31 Jul 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Secluded getaway
Incredible private setting in the natural dune environment. Lovely walk down to the pristine beach.
Steve K.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Rachel O.
23 Jul 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Exceeded expectations
This home exceeded our expectations in every way. The location was incredible, the views were amazing and the house was so full of character. My girls loved the upstairs kid area and were so happy all week. The house had everything we needed, from cooking to cleaning up after ourselves. The walk to and from the beach might be a bit much for someone who doesn't do stairs, but my young children handled it just fine and it's really not anything unusual for that part of Michigan. The private beach was amazing. We did run into some folks using our part of the beach on our last day and weren't sure how to deal with them, but being our last day decided to let it go. All in all it was an incredible trip. Each of us felt at home the entire time and it was just what we needed.
Rachel O.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Alexis B.
11 Jul 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Beach
We all enjoyed our stay very much. Beautiful beach and property. The host is very helpful.
Alexis B.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Steve K.
5 Sept 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Lake Michigan Beach cottage
Secluded cottage nestled in beautiful Lake Michigan dunes with incredible, clean, private beach. Cottage was perfect for the whole family. We like to cook from scratch and the kitchen was smartly equipped with good quality pans, cutlery, etc.
The walk down to the beach is a lovely stroll and the 30 or stairs are well worth it! The beach is huge and the view of the lighthouse can't be best.
Steve K.
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Kristin C., Westland, Michigan USA
20 Aug 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
A Lake Michigan gem…
We were a group of four 55+ childhood girlfriends who vacation every August on the shores of Lake Michigan together. Our visit to Laura’s beautiful home was a wonderful experience. The view from the front deck was spectacular, along with the cozy 70’s vibe of the home. The pictures do not do it justice. The trek down to the beach was a little bit of a job for us older gals, but holy cow, once you get there you have the entire beach to yourself. It was AMAZING! We loved how secluded and private the home was. The road up to the house was a little more than we anticipated, but we got used to the drive after a day or two. The newer deck in the front of the home was beautiful, along with a new guard rail on the front deck. We had a wonderful week at The Windy Dune and hope to come back next year! Thank you Laura for sharing your beautiful family home with us. We just adore it!!
Kristin C.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Ruth S., Grand Rapids, Mi
29 Jul 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Leisure at the Lovely Lake
My husband and I had a wonderful week of long beach walks, leisurely meals, and wonderful afternoons of swimming and reading on the HUGE beach! We have visited before, and we were happy to return again. The kitchen and entranceway deck have been updated, and a raised guard rail around the big deck make for some nice improvements since our last visit 4 years ago. If you are looking for a quiet vacation with privacy and beautiful scenery, this is the place for you!
Ruth S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
6/10 Okay
Chris L.
29 Jul 2023
Disliked: Cleanliness
Disappointed
When we got here it was great to see some of the deck was replaced. We settled in to what we hoped was a great time. But there was a problem with bugs. First, we just saw a lot of dead bugs, in the window tracks, doorwal track, along the heaters in the bedrooms, and a couple on the kitchen/ living room floor. Then we started seeing more and more bugs! The carpenter ant problem is pretty significant, and we started seeing what we identified as roaches. The bugs became a bigger and bigger problem as the week went on. I did not call the manager because by the time the bug problem was overwhelming, it was time to leave. This place needs a Professional bug program ASAP. We went to the hardware store and bought roach traps and threw out all opened food. We had to take all kinds of measures to make sure we didn't bring them back home. We stayed here last year and it was not like this. Unfortunately, as much as we will miss this place, we will not be staying here again.
Chris L.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
melanie h.
11 Jul 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing..
The cottage was on a piece of paradise in Michigan. The beach was perfection! The home was all we needed, nothing we wanted for.
We chose to leave a day early because the exterminator was coming out and we have asthma. That was our choice and nothing that had to do with the owner in any way. We felt like all was very well cared for! Enjoyed the time we had! We appreciate you sharing your slice of heaven with us!
melanie h.
Stayed 11 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Walt O.
11 Jul 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
new porch
as expected
Walt O.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023
6/10 Okay
Nicole B.
19 Sept 2022
Windy Dune
Overall we had a nice stay. The beach was nice. I loved morning jogs to the lighthouse, playing at the beach during the day, and campfires at night. The house was farther away from the beach than my husband would have liked, but it was only like a 3 minute walk.
We stayed at the end of August and I was concerned about the house not having air conditioning, but the temperature inside the house was comfortable with the windows open.
One bedroom smelled especially musky, but we got used to it.
One night a fire alarm went off in the house. It woke us all up. We had to remove the batteries from the alarm and were disappointed to see the date of the alarm as 2009. As this is a place people rent to stay it is important to maintain safety. The expired fire alarm did not make us feel safe.
The entire house, except the kitchen which was recently updated, felt a little outdated, but the beach made up for it.
I was concerned about the deck off the house as the railing was very short. I was concerned that my 3 year old child could easy fall off the railing as it was about 1/2 to 2/3rd of her height.
Lastly, I think it would be nice to know what is the included beach access of this property. One night we saw a random person camping on the beach. They were close to the walk way access. This property was described as being private, but there was nothing private about a random person camping nearby.
We enjoyed our stay, but as mentioned in my review there are things that could have made our stay improved.
Nicole B.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022
10/10 Excellent
chrissy d.
29 Aug 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Extremely secluded home
Very secluded home with a fantastic beach. The pictures online are old and outdated, the inside is completely different and very fun.
chrissy d.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022
10/10 Excellent
Tina B.
22 Aug 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Gorgeous private beach!
We had a relaxing, rejuvenating and peaceful time at this lovely cottage way back in the woods! The pictures don’t quite do it justice. We had a party of 4 for most of the time and it was perfect for that number; it can definitely hold and sleep more. Has a definite ‘up- north/cottage’ feel with a big updated kitchen. The road to get back there was narrow in parts and had gotten a little washed out with some rain, but it’s fine if you take it slow. Would 100% go back and have recommended the place to other family and friends. Very private and just the Lake Michigan trip we needed!
Tina B.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022
10/10 Excellent
John M., Willis, Michigan
17 Aug 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Windy Dunes for Beautiful Family Sunsets
Wonderful family trip! Host, Laura, was wonderful. Nothing better than a pure Michigan vacation with sunsets over the fresh water ocean, Lake Michigan. Making memories.
John M.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
10/10 Excellent
Montelle C.
11 Aug 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Pure Michigan
Highly recommend. Nicely updated kitchen, comfy beds, large deck for eating, reading, playing games with a Lake view. Best of all, secluded and peaceful with a pristine, quiet beach just a quick walk down the hill. Perfect.
Montelle C.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
10/10 Excellent
Kathleen D.
25 Jul 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Backwoods retreat on Lake Michigan!
Our family enjoyed our stay. We spent hours on the beach and tooled around to find vineyards, and cherry deserts. Silver lake sand dunes were amazing to look at and even more amazing to drive on. The cabin’s upstairs bedroom was perfect for kids to hang out. The kitchen is well stocked with quality cookware. We used the provided beach chairs and toys. Thank you.
Kathleen D.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022
10/10 Excellent
Chris L.
21 Jul 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic
We had such a good time! Thank you so much for everything! You have helped give us memories that will last a lifetime! God bless you and your family. Thank you again!
Chris L. and family
Chris L.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2022
10/10 Excellent
Joe C.
9 Jul 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Great secluded spot!
We've been vacationing in Oceana County annually for years, and have rarely found a cottage that was nestled in the dune and woods with such a great, secluded and peaceful location (though quite the narrow winding road and driveway to get there!). It was a great find.
The view from the cottage was fantastic, especially for sunsets, and although a bit of a walk down the dune and through the woods to the beach (as advertised in the listing), the beach area was well equipped with 6 chairs, making it the perfect place to spend the afternoons by the water and walk to the nearby lighthouse at Silver Lake State Park.
As another reviewer mentioned, the photos we saw didn't reflect a very updated kitchen - which is especially nice since it overlooks the lake!
Deck was also especially nice because it had good amounts of shady areas at any given point in the day - and the table was perfectly shaded during dinner time for eating outside.
Joe C.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
10/10 Excellent
Walt O.
29 Jun 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Unique
no disappointments
Walt O.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2022
10/10 Excellent
Katherine C., Cleveland, OH
21 Jun 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely!
Can’t beat the remote nature of this house and being able to go down to your own private beach but also zip into silver lake for an ice cream cone. Updated kitchen is perfect. Thanks for another great year!
Katherine C.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
10/10 Excellent
Marie B., Royal Oak
27 Sept 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect retreat to the sound of waves and view of blue water
We spent 5 wonderful days in the cozyness of Windy Dune. Comfort, decor, ambiance, space gor everyone, all contributed to a perfect week. The house is super clean, beds are comfortable, the kitchen is well equipped, the approach in the woods is fabulous. You need good legs to get to the beach and back, but the beach is a dream beach, the walk to the light house is a delight.
Laura is very helpful and responsive to questions. I would definitely come back with family , young and older. Thank you for the opportunity.
Marie B.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2021
8/10 Good
William
4 Sept 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Property is a little old and dated, but clean and comfortable. The little extras are appreciated.
The walk down to the beach was much greater and steeper than advertised. Other than that we had a great stay.