Sarah

Does anyone have any suggestions for cottages/condos to rent on Lake Michigan for a family reunion next July? We need 5 condos or a few cottages to sleep 21 people. Thanks.

Border

Check out websites refering to "harbor country" or "southwest Michigan" for MULTI-listings of condos, cottages, etc.

Sarah

Border, thanks for your input. Actually, I have been doing some of that, but am looking to see if anyone has any specific recommendations of condos/cottages.

GOL

Had an experience at Indian River for a FR of 22. Stayed at Indian River Motel, along the Sturgeon river. We had 5 families, all with separate cabins. Burt Lake was nearby for picnics and swimming. Float trips down the Sturgeon. One cabin had a huge room for evening games, etc.

Not on Lake Michigan.

The place was just OK. Not a "value" compared to Outer Banks for a reunion.

Good luck.

Jeanette

Dear Sarah: I live in the vicinity of Chicago and had a home in Michigan at one time. In the last 3 years we have spent a week each summer all along Lake Michigan's shore in that state. One of my best friends has had a long standing
1st week in June reservation at a place called Sleepy Hollow that is not far from South Haven. It is NOT fancy but is just the thing if you are having a big reunion or one with lots of children. All units are different sized but most contain kitchens and the grounds have lots of extras for all kinds of sports and you have your own
Sleepy Hollow beach which has the great
step/ dune / hill feature that kids find so much fun. As part of a day outing we went to check the place out and it was not what I had imagined. It was really NOT a resort but much more personal and would remind you of how the '50s and '60s neighborhood blocks were. In other words, everybody was talking / gaming / sizzling steaks etc. with every one else. They have about 15 different small to moderate separate structures, I think. A food plan is also possible, I think. Oh yes, they do have a pool also- if you don't like beaches. Another good one which does include great food, is a place called Sunnybrook Farm. That is NOT on the water but does bus the kids to the beach. Sunnybrook has very good food and is an inclusive plan. The grounds are very large and there are all kinds of planned activities for all age children (even some toddler "classes")-
but I do think that Sunnybrook is somewhat pricey and maybe "too much" organization for most people. There are dance/ bingo/ games etc. every night. Of course, you can choose not to do the activities. Both would work great for a family reunion that would be unforgettable. We did Sunnybrook once with 4 teen agers and 1 infant and still had a great time. Something for everybody.
Have a good one!
Jeanette

faye

Sarah, if you still are looking for a spot, I would suggest Homestead Resort. They are located on Lake Michigan with condos and lots of activities for the group. You can find them at thehomesteadresort.com

Brooke

There are condos on Michigan near the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes. It is a resort called "The Homestead". Very nice and lots of different types of accomadations. It's within an hour of Traverse City too. I do not have phone number, maybe you can do a search.

Sarah

Brooke and Faye,
Thanks so much. The resort looks great. It's something we are considering.

Margi

There are also some condos near Harbor Springs. There are several complexes up there (Harbor Springs is a ski area in the winter.) They are probably a little more reasonable then the Homestead and Harbor Springs has a bit more to do then Glen Arbor (both are very pretty!)

kam

We used to rent little houses (or one big one) in the town of New Buffalo, just north of the Indiana state line. The beach is OK--you usually have to climb down steps on the dune to get to it. Depends on how upscale you want to get.