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Private waterfront minutes from downtown Traverse City.

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Property grounds - Private waterfront minutes from downtown Traverse City. (Traverse City)
A kitchen with white appliances, a wooden countertop, and two white stools. - Private waterfront minutes from downtown Traverse City. (Traverse City)
Exterior - Private waterfront minutes from downtown Traverse City. (Traverse City)
A compact kitchen with a microwave, stove, and dining area with chairs. - Private waterfront minutes from downtown Traverse City. (Traverse City)
2 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, travel cot, free WiFi - Private waterfront minutes from downtown Traverse City. (Traverse City)
Located on Bass Lake, Wailing Loon cottage offers a serene retreat with private beach frontage and sandy shores. Unwind by the fire pit, enjoy gas-grilled meals, or paddle across the lake using one of two kayaks or a canoe.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Add dates for prices

About this property

Private waterfront minutes from downtown Traverse City.

  • Wailing Loon cottage is located on Bass Lake just 10 minutes from Traverse City and about 30 minutes from the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Bass Lake is an all-sports lake but best suited for fishing and kayaking. The cottage is located on its own sandy beach frontage. A gas grill is available for you and there’s a private fire pit on the beach. Two kayaks, one paddle board, and a canoe are available for renters to use for free. The cottage has two bedrooms with a queen bed in the main bedroom and two twins in the other. The twin beds can be moved together to create a king-sized bed upon request. The one bathroom includes a toilet, vanity, and shower. There is a strict 4-person limit due to township rules and no pets. If you don't like dogs, this property is probably not for you. We have doodles and a couple of other pups that frequent the beach area and they love people. Our family also owns the following properties on the same shore of Bass Lake. VRBO # 1901939 and 1693207. If you have a larger group, we may be able to accommodate you all!

    Traverse City is famous for many summer festivals and restaurants, but we can also offer easy access to a quiet lake and a beautiful trail system right out of your backyard. Our proximity to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore makes our location perfect for those seeking beauty, freshwater beaches, and gorgeous vistas. We have something for everyone!

Property amenities

Beach

  • On the beach
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Ski

  • Close to skiing
  • Snowboarding nearby

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Hob
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Firepit
  • Gas grill
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Area rugs in public areas
  • Gravel flooring in public areas
  • No lift (single-level property)
  • Single level property
  • Smooth flooring in public areas
  • Step to reach entrance
  • Thin carpet in public areas
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a river
  • Near an outlet shopping centre
  • Near the bay
  • Near the marina
  • Next to a golf course
  • On a lake
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Kayak
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Ice skating nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Parasailing nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Snorkelling nearby
  • Snowmobiling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • 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

  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Local artist showcase
  • Some LED lighting used

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Exterior
Travelodge by Wyndham Traverse City MI
Traverse City
  • Pool
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
7.4 out of 10, Good, 1,008 reviews
The price is AU$201
includes taxes & fees
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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available

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

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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

About the area

Located in Traverse City, this cottage is next to a golf course and on the beach. Shoppers can check out Front Street, while everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Michigan and Traverse City Beach. Travelling with kids? Consider Great Wolf Lodge Water Park and Interlochen Center for the Arts. Take in the nearby slopes with snowboarding and skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as sledging and snowmobiling. Visit our Traverse City travel guide
View more Cottages in Traverse City
Map
Traverse City, MI

What's nearby

  • A calm lake with a boat named "Fishing" and people on it.
    Bass Lake
    1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • A slice of fruit crumble pie on a glass plate with a coffee cup in the background.
    Front Street
    15 min drive - 16.2 km
  • A coastal town with a large body of water, dense residential area, and a prominent church.
    Traverse City Beach
    21 min drive - 22.4 km
  • A wooden pier extending into calm water with a sunset sky.
    Traverse City State Park
    21 min drive - 22.4 km
  • Great Wolf Lodge Water Park
    12 min drive - 11.9 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • Chick-fil-A
    10 min drive
  • Culver's
    11 min drive
  • Burger King
    11 min drive
  • Starbucks
    10 min drive
  • Buffalo Wild Wings
    10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Private waterfront minutes from downtown Traverse City. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Private waterfront minutes from downtown Traverse City.?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Private waterfront minutes from downtown Traverse City.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Private waterfront minutes from downtown Traverse City.?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Private waterfront minutes from downtown Traverse City. located?

Located in Traverse City, this beachfront cottage is next to a golf course, steps from Bass Lake and within 6 mi (10 km) of The Crown Golf Club and Grand Traverse Mall. Lake Michigan and West End Beach are also within 9 miles (15 km).

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Private waterfront minutes from downtown Traverse City. Reviews

Reviews

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.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 25 out of 28 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 28 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 28 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 28 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 28 reviews

9.8

Cleanliness

9.8

Location

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Collin V.

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

Great stay!

This was a perfect location, quiet and secluded yet close to town!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Aleisha F.

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

Beautiful lake view

We loved our stay at the Wailing Loon Cottage. It has a beautiful lake view, peaceful, and just perfect for our family.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tara A.

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

Relax and Recharge

We had an amazing time on Bass Lake! The cottage was perfect and we all enjoyed kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding. Truly one of our best family vacations!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brian P.

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

Great place to stay!

We had a great time staying here. Quiet, peaceful lake located 15 minutes from Traverse City. The fishing and kayaking was great. Plenty of things to do within short driving distances. The cottage was clean and well maintained. Will definitely be coming back.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leanne W.

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

Anniversary Trip

Very nice cottage right on Bass Lake. We took the provided kayaks out during the day and relaxed by the firepit at night. Close enough to downtown Traverse City to enjoy everything the city has to offer. Very quiet neighborhood. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ray S.

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

Amazingly pleasant cottage!!

We really enjoyed our stay at Wailing Loon Cottage. Everything inside the cottage was lovely, clean and easy to feel comfortable there. The deck and shady trees were great for early morning coffee and evening drinks. We really appreciated its proximity to the Interlochen!! We are looking forward to returning!!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Matt L.

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

Great Place to Stay

Our family loved our time here. The location was excellent. The house is on a very peaceful and quiet lake. Loons could be heard and seen quite frequently. Our kids loved the water and beach sand. We also had a fun time exploring the lake on the provided kayaks and paddle board.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

yvonne d.

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

Terrific weekend get-a-way

Everything we had hoped for… a small lake that we could kayak, listening to loons, beach fires, good friends, and close to all the places we visited I.e.The sand dunes, a sailboat ride on the West arm of the bay and great meals grilled at the cabin and area restaurants. The host was very pleasant and helpful to get the WiFi working.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cheri P.

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

Golf & relaxing long weekend

This getaway was super easy to access. When we arrived was very clean on the inside and was well stocked. The host responded speedily whenever I reached out. Would definitely recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristy P.

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

Cute and relaxing❤️

I loved the cabin! It was perfect and clean inside! The washer and dryer was very nice too. I loved the wildlife and the lake was just beautiful. I will recommend this place for sure! I missed the golden doodle! I looked for him when we came back to the cabin everyday 😊
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leslie L.

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

Peacefull and Pretty

This lovely little cottage is peaceful and pretty. The view out the big picture window of the lake is gorgeous. We very much enjoyed our nightly capfires and smores. The beds are comfortable as well. The location is great. 20 minutes to downtown and also close to other fun activities like the Alpaca farm, Crystal Mountain, tubing, and Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. I would defintately return.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Margaret O.

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

Perfect quiet retreat, lakeside

Wailing Loon cottage was PERFECT, and we even heard the loon wailing! Quiet and plush, this cottage had all the amenities and an excellent selection of extras: kayaks, fishing gear, laundry facilities onsite. One enchanting thing that we discovered... the lake has beautiful pockets of water lilies. Just gorgeous. Jody couldn't be sweeter or more helpful to a couple of nerdy rock hounds who just wanted to chill. Thank you so much!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Mary J.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Our cottage was on the lake and we were delighted to see and hear the loons. The location is good. We found the house somewhat unequipped with suitable cookware.Many of the pans were damaged teflon. Oven and toaster needed cleaning, broiler didn't work, gas stove burners needed adjusting because the flames only run on high. We also desperately needed a dresser in one of the bedrooms which only had closet space. Nothing life shattering but disappointing and lots of little things added up to less than a relaxing stay. The owners were timely, accommodating and made it clear they were available.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Susan P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clean place with pretty much all of the essentials. View of lake and nice fire pit. The weather wasn't good enough for lake activities so we didn't kayak. There isn't really any sandy shore though. This doesn't seem like a swimming lake.The place is older but solid. It needs room darkening shades in the back bedroom due to bright light pole and there is only one mirror in the entire cottage - in the bathroom. The twin bed wasn't very comfy nor was the living room furniture or kitchen stools. We enjoyed our ladies weekend there but getting ready to go out with a single mirror in The bath area was difficult. The host was very responsive to inquiries before the weekend.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ashley V.

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

Great Getaway on a Beautiful Lake

Awesome place for a family or couple getaway. Our friends rented the cabin next to us and it was the perfect set up for a multi-family vacation. The cabin is adorable and the lake is very pretty. It's a small lake in a quiet area and is perfect for kayaking (rental included kayaks). Updated and clean with more amenities than expected. We traveled with a 3 year old and 1 year old. Both bedrooms had enough space to put up our son's pack n' play. Beds were comfortable. There was a nice sandy area that my kids loved playing in. The area near the dock was also sandy and shallow - my children were able to easily walk into the water. My daughter really enjoyed trying to catch minnows in the water. Nice, big firepits were available to use. Host was friendly and we had an amazing time. We would return to this rental for sure.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jason R.

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

Weekend Stay in Traverse City

Nice and quiet, minutes from town, everything was exactly as advertised! Would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew G.

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

There were Lions!

We loved everything about the cabin! It was beautiful and just like the name says, we could hear loons the entire time!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Matthew R.

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

Lovely little lake house

Super cute, very well supplied and a beautiful lakefront setting. Lots of nice & thoughtful little touches. My son was fishing from the beach and dock the whole time. Highly recommended.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rachelle W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was adorable and the view was amazing. It was a great size for our girls trip. We didn’t get to use the fire pit or kayaks because we ran out of time but def next time! Our only complaint was that the water smelled metal-ish but I think that’s to be expected with a lake house. Would def stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

krylkc

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

10/10

Great communication with nice hosts for a cute property. We really liked that it contained remnants of its old resort feel. Eerie but beautiful at night, the moon looked lovely scattered across the lake.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Perfect place for our Traverse City area visit

This cottage was perfect for our family of 4. The location was great for visiting Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Fishtown and more. Our teens who love to fish spent hours in the kayaks on the lake bass fishing. We rented a pontoon on Long Lake one day too (so close). The kitchen had everything we needed for meals at house and we used the grill several times. The hosts were easy to reach if needed. Would highly recommend. One tip: bring your own drinking water.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Ron L.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness

Propane

Smaller than expected. Issues on the first evening with no propane and dirty pans. Owners were very nice and fixed the issues.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Doug C.

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

Quick getaway

Cottage was just as welcoming and inviting as the pictures showed! Thats even more impressive when you find out the host is a professional photographer! So close to all the attractions of traverse city and yet you feel like you're far away and secluded. The most noise you hear is from the loons on the lake. In some places this would refer to the old drunk people on their pontoon but here it's the actual birds! We'll be back for sure! Thank you so much to the hosts for caring about the little things.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cornelia F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Der Aufenthalt in dem Haus war fantastisch. Morgens aufwachen mit dem Blick über den ruhigen See, Frühstück auf der Terrasse. Es war fast schade dann zu den Ausflügen nach Traverse City oder Big Bear Dunes aufzubrechen. Die Kayak Runde um die Inseln am Nachmittag war das tägliche Highlight. Dann den Weber Grill angeschmissen und die Tage am Lagerfeuer ausklingen lassen.Die Wohnungseinrichtung ist geschmackvoll und die Wohnung ist sehr sauber.Besser kann der Urlaub nicht sein.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025