We had a great experience here! The fishing was fun - Pike, Muskie, Bass, Perch and Sunfish. The beach area was nice - loved that it had a firepit with cooking tripod. Canoe, rowboats, SUPs, paddle boats, kayaks, life jackets, play area, pool table, foosball, ping pong, tons of board and card games, puzzles, movies, and sand toys all available. Lovely screened in porches. We brought our whole family and our quads - and everyone always had something to do for fun! The host (Charlie) was so sweet and was always available to contact with any questions or issues. Great place to disconnect from the world for a while!!
I organized a trip for a plan to do some isolated fishing with my family and thatâs exactly what we got. The Lodge is very unique in an off grid location in the national forest. We loved the isolation and seclusion. And for the fishing it was great catching pike, black crappie and bass.
Our group consisted of my wife, 1 year old son, 87 year old grandma, my dad and his girlfriend, my brother, and our 2 dogs. You can't get a more idyllic or picturesque version of the wilderness in the U.P. than Poplar Lake Lodge. While very remote, Charlie puts a lot of effort into making the grounds and lodge comfortable. The solar power provided most of what we needed, only having to use the generator once for a short while. We caught a lot of fish including a 35" northern pike and 5lb bass! The flies and mosquitos were real but manageable and not overly thick during the day around the lodge. The private road in is rough but our mini van and non-4 wheel SUV made it even with heavy rain. We would definitely stay again.
Beautiful rustic resort way back in the wilderness. A beautiful lake in your back yard. We hit it at the peak color season and it was wonderful. The young folk loved the kayaks and bond fires every night. We all had a great time and the host was terrific.
We brought our six children, one set of our parents and adult brother to explore and rest deep in the woods during peak fall color. We enjoyed every aspect of what this place had to offer...sandy beach, kayaking, fishing, walking the two mile secluded driveway (which was GORGEOUS), rode our ATV around, played yard games in the yard, played pool, campfires...we had perfect weather and absolutely gorgeous colors. We even got to see the northern lights while we were there! Charlie is the best host we've had in our many years of renting through VRBO. He met us there and explained how the solar power things work, checked with me via text after our first 24 hrs there, later on when we realized the trolling battery was losing its charge he went right out and bought a new one. He was great for getting directions for us as well. This kitchen was also the best stocked kitchen of any rental we've ever stayed at. After our stay he called to ask for any suggestions on improvements and made sure we had a great time. Highly recommend this place for a secluded, peaceful, fun stay in the Northwoods of the UP.
Wonderful place to stay for peace and quiet and Family Fun. Our little ones loved the beach, paddle boards, kayaks and the playground.
Our big kids (men) loved being able to fish and play around. Us ladies enjoyed all of them staying busy.
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Our stay was very peaceful and quiet. The kids enjoyed paddle boats, kayaks and jumping off the floating dock, They also enjoyed feeding the swans that live on the lake.
We had a great time in game room playing pool, ping pong, foosball and darts. If you want off the grind vacation this is the place to go..
My family just spent a week at Polar Lake Lodge and it was one of the best vacations that we have been on! We wanted to spend some quality time together and let the kids experience some time away from their electronics and the lodge was perfect. I booked the lodge through VRBO, and within 15 minutes of booking, I received a call from Charlie, the owner. He introduced himself and we chatted about the property and what I was looking for in a vacation. Charlie was waiting for us when we arrived and thoroughly explained everything before leaving us to explore for ourselves. The weather was not the greatest throughout the week, but we enjoyed both inside and outside activities. Mt 4-year-old granddaughter was in charge of feeding the swans and she caught a fish her very first time trying! My son-in-law hooked a musky that got away after a long struggle and he had a very large pike that slipped through his net. My family enjoyed using the kayaks, paddle boards and boats. On the 4th of July we went to Gladstone and experienced a small-town parade and festival which was very enjoyable. Evenings were spent having bonfires on the beach or playing games at the large kitchen table. We have vacationed in the U.P. before so we were prepared for the bugs with plenty of bug spray. Most of all we were able to spend quality time with each other in solitude which is exactly what we wanted. We are already discussing when we would like to return! Thanks Charlie!
We didnât find out until we fot there that everything runs off solar power or propane. There is a generator if power dips too low. Propane lights throughout the house, but weren't bright enough for evening reading.
Truly though, the only disappointment was not catching any fish, and someone was out every day. Didn't even get any bites. Be sure to bring lots of mosquito spray, as there are tons of them in the morning and evenings. The owner touched base a couple times during our stay, to see if everything was ok, which was very nice. He was very quick to respond to any questions we had. If you don't mind the lack of real electricity and being 2.5 miles off the road into the woods, a definite place to check out. Overall, we had a great stay. Very peaceful, and plenty of things for the kids to do between the water toys and game room.
Charlie, was kind enough to accommodate my special request. It was absolutely perfect, we had a lovey Christmas in the woods and the kids had a fantastic time playing in the snow. We had a cozy fire every day and spent the holidays enjoying the beautiful surroundings. The lodge was ideal for our special trip.
We had a fantastic week at Poplar Lake Lodge. Charlie was a great host and filled us in on all the nuances of lake life. We were looking for a private escape out in nature with great fishing and that is exactly what we got. The inside is spacious and equipped with everything we needed, and the inside simply paled in comparison, to what the outdoors offered when you walk down to the lake. Weâve been to many lake houses, and this is the first lake house that had a sandy beach for children, a total game changer. Also, kiddy kingdom was very helpful for our grandchildren as they sometimes get bored with the adults focused on fishing.
Thanks Charlie! We will be back.
Wonderful! Peaceful & perfect family friendly getaway!
Vacationed at Charlie's Lodge in July with my husband and four children ages 9, 8, 6, & 4. Everything was wonderful. If you're looking for a remote and peaceful get-away-from-it-all vacation, this place is for you! We only left the property once to get some groceries. There was so much to do! Charlie was very attentive and helpful. We definitely plan to come back!
We spent a week at this property, enjoying each others company, cooking, playing games, fishing, reading, playing pool, bad mitten, ping pong, campfires and all sorts of sand and water activities. It was a great removal of all distractions and all about being together. If your plan is to just relax, this is the place for you. The bugs were not our friends but Charlie had well prepared us for that and Off Deep Woods bug spray kept them at bay. Charlie does a great job of making sure you understand everything and is available at any time. Great vacation!
Perfect place to get away. Peaceful and secluded. 2nd year we have been to the cabin. Already booked for next year. Charles is a great host! Above and beyond for his guests!
This was the perfect place for our annual UP trip!
Cabin is roomy and the view of the lake is awesome. Everything you need to cook with is in the perfectly stocked kitchen! We caught some blue bill and bass off the pier. The fire pits are great and having the outdoor chairs by the lake was perfect. The cabin was clean and functional all around. The wood stove was perfect for the chilly last night we were there. We loved the two track to get to the cabin. We will definitely be back!
Modern convivences and comfort in a remote location
Our group likes to be as remote in the wilderness as possible, but as we get older, we also like to be comfortable as well. This place is huge, very well kept and clean. It's the perfect combination of privacy and solitude with a fantastic enjoyable modern home on a private lake. Looking forward to multiple return visits.
We really enjoyed our stay at the Lodge. There was so much to do on the lake and plenty of room inside to spread out. The only thing all future renters should know is that is a 45 minute ride to the nearest store to get anything you forgot. We never left the place after the first day.
The location was as described, very secluded. We had the lake to ourselves. Charlie was awesome! Great communicator and always willing to help! Plenty of things to do inside and outside. Bring bug spray if you plan on going for a walk. I've never seen so many humming birds in one place (right outside the front of the house)!
We had an amazing time at this property. Serene is just one word to describe this amazing place! Charlie is a very attentive host and was available to answer all the questions we had. I would highly recommend!
An epically secluded lodge in the UP of Michigan thats everything you need. We brought lots of bug spray, and all the food and clothes we need. We were set, no need to leave the house, unless of course you want to. We took one day to Munising and did the tourist thing of boat tours of the Pictured Rocks. Was an easy and relaxing drive up. Surrounding community is kind and welcoming. The most welcoming of all however is Charlie. Very helpful, responsive, and devoted to you having a good week.
I look forward to coming and staying another time, and my parents who came with my family of 6 thoroughly enjoyed it and also desire to come back.
Come with an attitude of adventure. And a thirst for relaxation and connecting with your loved ones and the bounty of nature.
Titled week with the Swans, for the gorgeous mated pair of trumpeter swans with the 5 egglets we so loved watching this week on the lake.