In Baldwin .Within a 5-minute walk of the vacation home, you'll find Huron-Manistee National Forest and Whalen Lake. Also, Leverentz Lake is within half a mile (1 km) and Bush Lake is within 2 miles (3 km).
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Black Bear Cottage-Hot Tub, Pet Friendly!
Cozy lake cottage on Whalen lake with a relaxing hot tub right outside Manistee National Forest. Close to miles and miles of ORV, bicycle and hiking trails. The house sits on just under an acre of land on Whalen Lake. With easy access right off of US 10 on a paved road, the lake offers a tranquil atmosphere for any type of vacation. You can utilize the paddle boat or kayak that are provided to get out on the lake or you can fish right off of the dock. Located less than five minutes from town, where you'll find Jones' homemade ice cream, the world's largest brown trout sculpture, shops and restaurants. If you prefer a home cooked meal, the full kitchen has everything you'd need, or you can make something on the grill with a beautiful view of the lake. There are two bedrooms on the first floor and a large loft area with a full bathroom on each floor. Take advantage of the relaxing outdoors, either on the back porch at the patio table, in the screened gazebo, or out by the bonfire pit. This is a great starting point to take advantage of all that Northern Michigan has to offer. Some of our favorite day trips are to Traverse City for awesome wineries, breweries, and shopping; Ludington for great restaurants, and the beautiful beach on Lake Michigan; or to the dunes at Silver Lake. Full access to the house, bonfire pit, paddle boat and four kayaks. The kayaks and paddle boat are available from May 1st to Sept 30th. I can be contacted by text, email or phone during your stay but will not be on site. We have a ring doorbell on the house.
Property manager
Nina Graham
Similar properties
Black Bear Cabin-Hot tub, Pet friendly, Riverfront
Black Bear Cabin-Hot tub, Pet friendly, Riverfront
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
Property does not allow children
Unit size: 1,400 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Pets
Pets are welcome
Only dogs are allowed
Maximum 1 (weight limit: 50 lbs per pet)
Restrictions apply
For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Service animals are exempt from fees
Children and extra beds
This property does not allow children.
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated 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. Onsite 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 each accommodation.
We should mention
To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly using the information on your booking confirmation.
Property is also known as
675733
Black Bear Cottage-Hot Tub, Pet Friendly! Reviews
Reviews
10
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.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 25 out of 26 reviews
10 - Excellent
25
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 26 reviews
8 - Good
1
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 26 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 26 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 26 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
9.8/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Carrie S.
19 Feb 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Black Bear Cottage Retreat
Another wonderful stay at one of Nina’s Black Bear Cottage rentals! You can always count on her properties to be clean, cozy, and well-maintained. This property in particular was darling! Will definitely be booking again in the future!
Carrie S.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
Debra H.
21 Nov 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Happy Hunters
Rented this as home base for deer hunting. The accommodations were excellent! Would definitely come back next season!!
Debra H.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
clint s., Greenville, MI
30 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Awesome Property
We could not have been happier with our stay at this cabin. Property was very clean, warm and welcoming. Beds were comfortable, and kitchen well stocked. We loved getting up and drinking our coffee on the deck looking at the lake watching the swans. The fall colors were incredible. Property manager was great at checking in and readily available whether by email or texting. You are close to many wonderful destinations, Ludington 40 minutes and Traverse City 90 minutes.
clint s.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Bill N.
12 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely cabin close to biking trails.
Very clean and with small touches to help us feel right at home. Dog treats and lake and fishing signs In The cabin. Nicely located close to North Country Trail trailheads. Right on Whalen lake. We enjoyed several beautiful sunrises.
Bill N.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Veronica B.
22 Sep 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
A quick weekend away
I was able to bring my two young adult kids for a quick weekend trip. The house was easy to find. Beautiful and peaceful. The game room was a hit with the kids. The hot tub was also a hit!
We were able to find a little grocery store and enjoyed a lovely kitchen with everything we needed to prepare meals.
I stepped outside to catch the sunrise and saw a beautiful eagle. We saw little fish, snails and a turtle in the lake.
Everyone slept well in the beds. We had the perfect weight blankets and enough pillows. Bonus each room had a fan. Didn’t even think about my daughter’s love of her fan so what a relief!
Bathrooms had basic necessities as well.
The house had very thoughtful setup outside as well. Fire pit. Seating. We loved see the lake from the little paddle boat pontoon and kayaks.
I would recommend Jones ice cream - just a short drive.
And lastly the cabin had a wonderful living room for family movie night.
We look forward to returning again.
Veronica B.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer B.
6 Sep 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing Getaway!
Our second year staying here! It's a peaceful getaway with everything you need for a relaxing vacation on the lake. Convenient location for many different day trips as well. We will be coming back. :)
Jennifer B.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Heidi P.
3 Sep 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Labor Day Shenanigans Weekend
This was our groups 3rd year in a row renting a VRBO in the Baldwin area for Labor Day Weekend and this one was by far our favorite! Beautiful home with full kitchen, large refrigerator, big TV to watch the Michigan game, nice deck with patio furniture for outdoor dining and a good size hot tub, on a small quiet lake with kayaks and padel boat, fire pit with plenty of chairs to use on our stay. Log beds with comfortable mattresses, plenty of towels, cute cabin decor. Close to downtown Baldwin for necessities but secluded enough to escape for the weekend! We would all recommend this location and this host for future stays!
Heidi P.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Tammie O.
22 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Tammie O.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Ethan M.
13 May 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great Cabin
This cabin worked perfect. Everything was high quality, everything was clean, and could not have asked for a better experience.
Ethan M.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
10/10 Excellent
Eric R.
17 Apr 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Cabin
Clean, waterfront cabin w/ all the amenities you need. Already rebooked for next steelhead season.
Eric R.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Julie G.
24 Nov 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Cute cottage
Very clean and well stocked.
Julie G.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
10/10 Excellent
Sarah P.
29 Oct 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Fall Break
Cabin was clean. Lots of amenities. Host was easy to contact. Close to lots of great fishing spots.
Sarah P.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Michael M.
19 Oct 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing Lake Cottage
Black Bear Cottage is a wonderful retreat on Whalen Lake. The furnishings were very comfortable and the cottage was well equipped. We were not able to take advantage of the kayaks due to the cool and windy weather. The fall colors were beautiful around the lake and throughout the Manistee National Forest. It is centrally located for day trips to Ludington and Traverse City.
Michael M.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
AMY G.
9 Sep 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful property
Fabulous stay. Wonderful place for our family. 4 generations from 3 states. Loved everything about our stay.
AMY G.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer B.
8 Sep 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Great Getaway!
This place was clean, well stocked & very comfortable! Everything was so thoughtful and made for a relaxing week. We loved staying with our 2 small pups--the yard is fenced, making for a very dog-friendly experience. The location is central to a number of things, and we found lots to do & explore. Would definitely book again!
Jennifer B.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2023
8/10 Good
Cindy B.
5 Aug 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Black Bear Cottage
The house was excellent, clean and stocked with everything we needed. The lake had a lot of Lilly Pads not so great for swimming. Overall stay was good.
Cindy B.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Naomi M.
14 Jun 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing Fun
This is just what we were looking for. The host, Nina, was very nice and responded quickly with any questions we had. I highly recommend this property for a fun get away.
Naomi M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Felena H.
6 May 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Mini Getaway
The the place was beautiful and had everything we needed to be away but still the feelings of being home. Nina was great with communication and responding when needed. 10/10 would definitely stay again!
Felena H.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
10/10 Excellent
Melissa B.
31 Mar 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Spring Break Staycation
My parents, my sons and I had a relaxing and fun several nights! We had everything we needed and more. My boys loved the kid friendly loft and arcade games! They also spent lots of time casting for fish and while they didn’t catch anything the enjoyed being out by the water! I just loved the decor and the open main floor made it so nice to hang out all together to eat, drink and play games! Highly recommend for a fun place to go and stay in!
Melissa B.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
1 Mar 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Getaway
Very nice place for a getaway in winter and summer.
Verified traveller
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023
10/10 Excellent
Laura L.
9 Dec 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing
Wonderful and cozy! Will definitely book again!
Laura L.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
2 Nov 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful home, cozy and well kept
The home is beautiful, clean and as described. Only disappointments were not being able to use the indoor fireplace, no working DVD player (although lots of options on the tv for finding free movies) and the neighborhood. Not really much of an area to walk around. Nice little get away.
Verified traveller
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
10/10 Excellent
Megan P.
25 Aug 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Loved it!
Great place to stay with family and dog! We especially loved the paddle boat and hot tub! Would definitely stay here again .
Megan P.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
10/10 Excellent
Lyn W.
18 Aug 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful home!
This home was a very relaxing. My hubby and I have rented many VRBOs and this was one of the most well-appointed places we have stayed.
Lyn W.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
10/10 Excellent
Kristi H.
16 Aug 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy get away
I have stayed at all three properties they own. Every stay is pleasant. Communication with owner is great. Cabins/cottages are always cozy and warm. They are equipped with almost anything you need. Will definitely be back! Owners definitely try to make your stay as comfortable as possibly. Hot tub was down but nothing that they could control. Thank you for always providing my friends and I a cozy get away from day to day life.