Tranquil Getaway Near Sleeping Bear Dunes – Relax & Recharge in Empire, MI

Escape to the heart of Northern Michigan at this peaceful retreat nestled along Benzonia Trail in Empire. Just minutes from the clear blue waters of Glen Lake and the breathtaking Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, this cozy home sleeps 13 (Ideally no more than 10 adults due to weight limit on bunk beds) and offers the perfect balance of seclusion and access to outdoor adventure.

Set on a quiet, wooded property, Wild Things Cottage is ideal for families, couples, or small groups seeking a restful up-north experience. Step inside to find a bright, welcoming interior with rustic charm, modern comforts, and space to unwind after a day of hiking, swimming, or exploring nearby wineries and charming small towns. There is a separate apartment located above the garage complete with its own living room, kitchen, sleeping space, bathroom and jetted tub. It sleeps up to 4 people between the bed and pull out couch making it the ideal place for grandparents or couples who want some privacy but still have the benefit of vacationing with the family.

Enjoy your morning coffee on the deck surrounded by tall trees and the sounds of nature, or gather around the fire pit under the stars. The fully equipped kitchen, comfortable living area, and peaceful bedrooms make it easy to settle in and feel at home.

Highlights:
Just 10 minutes to Sleeping Bear Dunes & Empire Beach

Short drive to Glen Arbor, Crystal Lake, and Traverse City

Spacious yard, outdoor fire pit, and peaceful woodland setting

Fast Wi-Fi, smart TV, and modern amenities

New in 2025: Arcade Games! Enjoy Golden Tee 2025, Mario Bros, and Dream Arcades Vision Pro with hundreds of games to choose from!

Ideal for families, couples, or outdoor lovers

Whether you're here for a summer beach escape, a fall color tour, or a quiet winter getaway, this home is your basecamp for everything beautiful in Leelanau County.

-- THE PROPERTY --

Private | WiFi |

BEDROOM 1: Main Floor: 1 twin bed and a full over full bunk bed | BEDROOM 2: Upstairs Queen size bed |BEDROOM 3: Upstairs 2 twin beds| BEDROOM 4: Garage apartment, Queen sized bed | EXTRA SLEEPING: pull-out couch in apartment
BATHROOM 1: ¾ bathroom on main floor, off kitchen| BATHROOM 2: Full bathroom with tub, jack and jill style between bedrooms on upstairs | BATHROOM 3: Jetted tub and toilet, garage apartment
OUTDOOR LIVING: grill, backyard, firepit, yard games, patio furniture
KITCHEN: Refrigerator, stove top, oven, dishwasher, cooking basics, coffee maker, toaster, paper towels/trash bags
INDOOR LIVING: Living room, air conditioning, smart television, board games- the apartment has a window unit for a/c.
GENERAL: Linens, towels, heating/ air conditioning
FAQ: Quiet hours (10:00 PM-8:00 AM)
ACCESSIBILITY: steps into home, 2 bedrooms on upper level, apartment above garage has stairs to enter
PARKING: Parking area for up to 4 vehicles

-- REST EASY WITH US --

Northland Vacation Rentals welcomes you to unwind, relax, and get into vacation mode! When staying at one of our homes, we want to assure you that we will do our utmost to provide you with a wonderful place to stay. We take cleaning very seriously and make sure that all of our homes are well maintained. Should an issue arise- no worries! Our friendly staff is available 24/7 to promptly assist with any of your urgent needs.

-- POLICIES --

- No smoking
- Yes dogs allowed- no more than 2 dogs for an additional fee. Please contact management if you are planning on bringing a dog.
- No events, bachelor/ bachelorette parties, or large gatherings
-No fireworks
- Please respect quiet hours from 10:00 PM-8:00 AM.
-Day guests must be approved by management if exceeding the capacity of 13 guests. Guests not adhering to this rule could face a fine or eviction as outlined in our terms and conditions that are agreed upon by renting our home. Capacity is strictly enforced and randomly checked.
- Must be at least 25 years old to book
- Additional fees and taxes may apply
- Photo ID may be required upon check-in
-Please refer to our terms and conditions for the house rules.
-Please see rental agreement for cancellation and refund policy. Management fees and booking fees are non-refundable.
We will provide a starter package of paper towel, toilet paper, garbage bags, hand soap, dish soap and/or dishwasher tabs if a dishwasher is available at the property. Depending on the length of your stay, you may need to purchase more of these items. Other items not included in this list are not guaranteed. Please reach out to management to inquire if a particular amenity is important to your stay, or plan accordingly. Some items such as grills and docks if applicable are seasonal and may not be available.