Vacationland: 3BR Lakefront Cottage w/ Dock near Glen Arbor + Sleeping Bear

Welcome to Vacationland.

Wake up to still water and Miller Hill rising across the lake. This fully renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bath cottage sits on 100 feet of clear, quiet Fisher Lake, which connects straight to Big Glen Lake, one of Northern Michigan’s most loved lakes.

Inside
Reclaimed tamarack barn floors, soaring ceilings with exposed beams, designer lighting on dimmers and custom built-ins give the cottage a warm, elevated feel that’s rare Up North. Nearly every room has natural light and water views. There’s a full kitchen, an electric fireplace, central air and heat, gigabit WiFi, and a dedicated laundry room.

Sleeping
The primary suite has a queen bed, its own bathroom and water views from almost every angle. The second bedroom has a king. The third has custom built-in bunks, a queen on the bottom and a twin XL on top, which the kids fight over.

Outside
The real magic happens outdoors. A custom 16x24 screened pavilion built from barn beams is a second living room, with a wood-burning fireplace, a 9-foot picnic table and lounge seating. It’s the kind of space you never want to leave. Beyond it there’s a big deck with chaise lounges, Adirondack chairs around the fire pit, a hammock, a kids’ playhouse, and raised garden beds with lavender, strawberries and raspberries. Whatever’s in season is yours to pick, and wild mint grows along the shoreline for your drinks. Firewood is provided.

On the water
Launch the kayaks or paddleboards from your private dock and paddle through Little Fisher Lake to the mouth of the Crystal River, one of the most loved paddles in the region. Bring your own boat. The channel to Big Glen fits a 22-foot pontoon (just trim up), and there’s room to tie up at the dock. Life jackets for adults and kids are included.

Wildlife
We’re pretty sure we have the biggest pine on the lake, and bald eagles perch in it all the time. Watch for kingfishers and woodpeckers, and listen for the loons that nest here every summer.

The setting
The cottage sits on over an acre at the end of a quiet shared driveway, set well back from the road, so kids and dogs can roam safely. Right outside, Fisher Road is part of the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, so you can bike into Glen Arbor or north to the historic Port Oneida farms. The head of the Crystal River is a short walk away, and in fall you can watch the salmon run. Sleeping Bear Dunes, Leland and Traverse City are an easy drive.

For families
Lots of families make Fisher their summer tradition. A crib, Pack ‘n Play, high chair, and kids’ books and toys are available. Just let us know ahead of time and we’ll have them set up. We have kids too, so if anything else would make your trip easier, just ask.

A little history
Vacationland is believed to have originally sat on land that’s now part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It was moved here in the 1960s or 70s when the Park Service acquired the surrounding property.

Your hosts
Katie grew up just down the road in Glen Arbor, and we live 20 minutes away. We’re available 24/7, with a trusted local team for anything urgent. Running low on propane or firewood? Just let us know.

Sleeping
Primary suite: Queen, private bath
Bedroom 2: King
Bedroom 3: Built-in bunks, queen and twin XL

Outdoors
100 feet of Fisher Lake frontage
Private dock with room for your boat
Kayaks, paddleboards and life jackets
Screened pavilion with wood-burning fireplace
Large deck with chaise lounges and dining
Fire pit with Adirondack chairs, firewood provided
Hammock and kids’ playhouse
Garden beds with lavender, strawberries and raspberries

Amenities
Full kitchen
Central air and heat with Nest thermostat
Electric fireplace
Gigabit WiFi
Laundry room with washer and dryer
Self check-in with a Schlage keypad and a unique code for every guest
220-volt EV charger for Teslas and other makes
Dogs welcome ($250 pet fee)

Location
On the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail
Paddle to the Crystal River from the dock
Minutes to Glen Arbor
Short drive to Sleeping Bear Dunes, Leland and Traverse City

Good to know
Heads up for summer 2027: our neighbors are building a new home, so there may be some construction noise during weekday hours. They plan to have it enclosed before winter, so most work should be inside by then.