Visiting Michigan in the fall always means a trip "Up North", and these cottages are everything I…read morelove about Northern Michigan. They sit right on Higgins Lake which is still as clear as I remember it as a kid, all tucked away in these beautiful trees. Our cabin (the "gray lady") was immaculately clean with all the comforts of home (even cable tv!) and had a fire pit outside where we roasted marshmallows at night. There was also some kayaks and canoe for use and a nice bar-b-que grill. But it's actually within walking distance to a pretty good little rustic bar and restaurant...so we just walked there both nights for dinner. Honestly I don't know why anyone would stay in a hotel up north when you can have a whole house on the water for less money! This will definitely be my go-to cottages for trips Up North when I visit Michigan from now on!

The location is absolutely gorgeous! We stayed in the Brass Bell which is closest to the lake but…read morealso the smallest of the three cabins. There is a very tiny stretch of sand and two long docks to access crystal clear, shallow water that seems to go on forever. Perfect for little kids! The downside is the people in the other cabins are constantly walking by to access the water so there is no privacy whatsoever. The people were very nice and friendly so it wasn't too bad. The Brass Bell is a very cute, nicely decorated, updated, teeny tiny cabin. I think it's worth the price considering it's right on the water, but it wasn't comfortable for our family of four. Thankfully, our kids are little (4 and 8) or it would have been unbearable. There wasn't a single closet or anywhere to put clothes or a suitcase. We stored the kids clothes in the tv entertainment cabinet and our clothes on the floor of the tiny bedroom! Suitcases had to be stored in the car. Also, the full sized bed was so squeaky, you couldn't even change position without waking up the other person. I hope the owner considers getting a new bed. It was horrible. The exterior/deck was very dirty with sand, dirt and spider webs everywhere!! Needed a good power washing. We didn't even use the kayaks because they were so gross with spider webs. The cabin is a great price for the location but more appropriate for 1-2 people, not a family.

spent a week last august with the old owners,. nice and simple place with family and fishing in…read moremind,...i like very much,.. dosent cost an arm and a leg,... bruce buckwinkler

From the owner: Whitetail Family Resor offers 6 beautiful Northern Michigan Cabin rentals located on the West Shore…read moreof Houghton lake. Each cabin has a picnic table and a charcoal grill. The resort offers a sandy beach with direct access to beautiful Houghton Lake. The resort offers a paddle boat, swim dock, splash pads, kayaks, tether ball, shuffle board, horse shoes and children,s play set. There is plenty of shopping, trails, parks and golf nearby.

We came from Germany to stay here. Dee was wonderful to work with. There was a last minute change…read moreto our reservation due to a family emergency. She was very understanding and worked with us on the new dates. The cabin had everything. We had to buy food. My husband loved the area and lake to fish. This was his first time in this area of Michigan and what a great experience!! I would totally recommend it.

From the owner: We have four rentals located on our private lake surrounded be 105 acres of woods and trails. Get…read moreaway from it all and come stay with us to relax, fish enjoy each other and quality family time: Enjoy nature at its very best!

This resort was great. The lake was awesome and great for fishing and swimming. The cabins are nice…read moreand homely, each with a fully finished bathroom and cable. The penthouse in the back was basically a mansion, with a huge living room, dining room, and kitchen with three beds and 1.5 bathrooms. The price was somewhat expensive, but it was a wonderful experience and I have been going there for 4 years now.

This is a great resort. Away from it all yet so close to everything anytime of the year. My…read morefamily has stayed here during hunting season. The owners are on site and very accommodating. Wifi throughout the resort no matter where you are on the property. West Branch is a town that has everything from Walmart to all your chain restaurants, yet just down the road from this resort you can find a Pub where all the locals hang out. It's the best of both worlds as far as location. The resort is clean and you feel very at home with all the personal touches. I can't say enough about the big house. When I say big, the kitchen and living area are HUGE! We look forward to visiting this resort again.

Love the enthusiasm here. New energy coming into making this place as great as it can be. The…read moredetails were noticed. The beach was the best stretch of beach along the entire bay, original and how a natural lake Michigan beach feels. Not blown out for 300 lawn chairs. A cut fire pit, a hammock in the dune grass. Just right. We dropped in last minute and got Cabin 8, right up by the water and shuffle board court. It was great. Cute, clean and vintage. Looking forward to another stay.

Love the quirky little cabins. The proximity to town and having our own beach is the best. Everyone…read moreis like family. Tom and Sean make our vacation always so special and fun. Thanks for a great week

Stayed in cabin 1 beautiful lakefront ! But there was no hot tub on deck like it says . Also very…read moreodd to me the office was right below our cabin in the basement very weird every morning we could here office workers talking and phones ringing

Not impressed with this place. Video cameras everywhere (creepy) and a rough mix of renters.read more

Great little get a way! Private and close to skiing! Perfect place for a couples weekend. Clean…read morelittle cabin with fireplace, kitchen, stove and HOT TUB! Will definitely be back!

From the owner: We offer a one bedroom and two bedroom cottage each with their own private hot tub for daily or…read moreweekly rental

Beware, after 45 strait years of our family renting 8 cabins the same week every year. we were told…read moreby the owner Brenda that she sold the resort (lie) and was not renting in 2025. (another lie) the units are sub par, dirty not updated at all. Boat rentals are a joke, boats are out dated, run bad and in terrible shape (left us stranded multiple times out on the lake, activities are offer but bring your own ping pong balls and paddles, carpet ball table is a mess and not playable. Kids play area is a complete joke. Be careful booking this hole, and dont trust the ownership. every year we rented it just kept going downhill. Its hard to find a place with that many cabins available the same week, so we were stuck going to this dump. we did some research and found other resorts that can accommodate us , so much nicer at the same price. Watch this place if you book it. Ownership is not trustworthy.

My husband has been coming to this resort with his friend since they were about 8 years old. Now…read moreI've been coming with my husband since 2008, and we really look forward to our annual summer vacation. Our kids love spending the week here and so do we. It's comfortable, clean, low-key, and really nice. We love the fire pits and beach and love taking the pontoon out at least once during the week.

Love this place!!!! The new owners are thoughtful,…read morecourteous and accommodating!!!! They are a joy to work with and that is coming from someone who worked with the previous owners! Looking forward to our next visit!!!!

The positives of the resort is it is quiet, it has a private dock and beach, fairly modern rooms,…read moreplayground, and is close to stores

We had a great time at Northaire! There is a large shared fire pit, the folks in the other cabins…read morehelped us start a great fire and we welcomed them to join us for s'mores. I have never been Kayaking but had a blast trying it out. There was no charge to use the kayaks. Our cabin was rustic but very clean and there were plenty of pans and dishware for cooking. I have found my "go to" place to stay in Michigan.

I put a $100 deposit down to rent a boat on July 6th, 2025. My husband was admitted to the…read morehospital on July 1st and when I called to cancel, I was told he would handle the refund. Well, they refuse to refund the deposit AND it rained like cats and dogs all day that day as well! OMG I looked at their website and it says they will only refund for weather if weather is LIFE THREATING!!! Are you kidding me? Nobody was out on the water that day. This place SUCKS. DO NOT GO HERE!!!!!!