The Upper Peninsula of Michigan offers some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the Midwest. With dense forests, pristine lakes, and rugged shorelines, it’s the perfect escape from busy city life.
If you’re looking for a cozy retreat surrounded by nature, these seven cabins provide the perfect blend of rustic charm and comfort for your next getaway.
1. Keweenaw Mountain Lodge: Historic Charm Meets Wilderness
Nestled among towering pines at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, this historic lodge combines 1930s craftsmanship with modern comforts. The log cabins feature stone fireplaces, knotty pine interiors, and peaceful porches where you can sip morning coffee while watching wildlife.
Originally built as a Works Progress Administration project during the Great Depression, the property offers easy access to miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. The on-site restaurant serves locally-inspired dishes featuring fresh Lake Superior fish.
Winter visitors enjoy some of the best cross-country skiing in the Midwest, while summer guests can explore nearby Copper Harbor’s charming shops or take a boat tour to remote Isle Royale National Park.
2. Big Bay Point Lighthouse B&B: Sleep in a Working Lighthouse
Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking Lake Superior, this 1896 lighthouse offers perhaps the most unique accommodations in the Upper Peninsula. The red-brick structure houses seven guest rooms with period furnishings, antiques, and spectacular panoramic water views.
Fall asleep to the gentle rhythm of waves crashing on the rocks below. Mornings begin with a gourmet breakfast in the sunny dining room, where you might spot freighters passing on the horizon or eagles soaring overhead.
A private trail leads down to a secluded rocky beach perfect for agate hunting. History buffs will appreciate that this is one of few lighthouses in America where you can actually stay overnight and climb the original tower.
3. Bayshore Resort Bungalows: Waterfront Luxury Near Pictured Rocks
Just minutes from the famous Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, these charming waterfront bungalows blend modern luxury with a prime location. Each standalone cabin features floor-to-ceiling windows framing stunning Grand Island views, designer kitchens, and private decks where you can watch spectacular sunsets over Munising Bay.
Launch your kayak directly from the property’s sandy beach for an early morning paddle. The thoughtfully designed interiors showcase local artwork and handcrafted furniture made from Upper Peninsula hardwoods.
Families love the spacious layout and proximity to attractions like the Pictured Rocks boat tours and Miners Castle overlook. After a day of exploring, gather around your private firepit to roast marshmallows under the remarkably clear starry skies.
4. Lake Superior Barn: Architectural Marvel in the Wilderness
What happens when an award-winning architect designs a retreat in the remote woods of the Ontonagon area? This stunning converted barn blends industrial elements with cozy warmth to create an unforgettable escape. Soaring ceilings with exposed beams frame floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the surrounding forest and Lake Superior shoreline.
The massive stone fireplace becomes the perfect gathering spot during chilly evenings. During the day, explore the property’s private trails leading to a secluded beach where you might find Yooperlites – rocks that glow under UV light.
The fully equipped gourmet kitchen makes meal preparation a joy, though the nearby village offers surprisingly excellent dining options. Don’t miss watching the northern lights from the outdoor hot tub during winter months!
5. Snowmobile Trailside Cabins: Winter Wonderland in Paradise
True to their name, these cozy log cabins in the aptly named town of Paradise offer direct access to over 200 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. The rustic exteriors hide surprisingly comfortable interiors with heated floors, plush bedding, and all the amenities needed after a day in the snow.
Each cabin features covered parking for snowmobiles and gear storage. During winter months, ride directly from your doorstep to Tahquamenon Falls State Park to see the magnificent frozen waterfalls.
Summer visitors enjoy equally easy access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and Lake Superior beaches. The friendly owners are legendary for their hospitality, often sharing insider tips on the best local attractions and even homemade pasties – the Upper Peninsula’s famous meat pies that fueled generations of miners.
6. Silver Lake Resort: Secluded Lakeside Escape Near Marquette
Hidden down a winding forest road in Marquette County, this collection of vintage cabins surrounds a pristine inland lake where motorized boats are prohibited. The result? Absolute tranquility broken only by loon calls and the occasional splash of jumping fish.
Each cabin maintains its mid-century charm while offering updated bathrooms and kitchens. Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards are complimentary for guests, making it easy to explore the crystal-clear waters.
Just 20 minutes from downtown Marquette, you can enjoy the isolation of deep woods while still having access to the city’s excellent restaurants and breweries. Multi-generational families return year after year, creating traditions around swimming races, blueberry picking, and evening campfires where stories are shared under star-filled skies.
7. Superior Times Resort & Campground: Beachfront Cottages in Au Train
With Lake Superior literally steps from your door, these cheerful cottages in Au Train offer the quintessential beach vacation experience. Each brightly painted cabin features a screened porch facing the water, where you can enjoy morning coffee while watching freighters on the horizon.
The shallow, sandy beach is perfect for families with young children, while more adventurous guests can rent kayaks to explore the nearby Au Train River estuary. Inside, the cottages blend retro charm with practical amenities like fully equipped kitchens and comfortable sleeping arrangements.
The resort’s location provides the perfect base for day trips to Pictured Rocks, Grand Island, and the charming town of Munising. Don’t miss the chance to pick fresh blueberries from nearby fields in summer or watch for the northern lights dancing over the lake during fall evenings.
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