Escape to the heart of Northern Michigan at Wild Things Cottage, a serene retreat tucked along Benzonia Trail in Empire. Just minutes from the crystal-clear waters of Glen Lake and the iconic Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, this cozy and versatile property sleeps up to 13 guests (ideal for 10 adults due to bunk bed weight limits) and offers the perfect blend of privacy, comfort, and access to outdoor adventure.
Set on a quiet, wooded lot, Wild Things Cottage is ideal for families looking to recharge in a beautiful natural setting. Inside, you’ll find a bright, welcoming interior with rustic charm, modern amenities, and plenty of room to relax after a day of activity.
A major highlight is the separate apartment above the garage—complete with its own living room, kitchen, sleeping area, bathroom, and jetted tub. Sleeping up to 4 guests, it’s the perfect place for grandparents, couples, or anyone seeking extra privacy while still enjoying time with the group.
Highlights
• 10 minutes to Sleeping Bear Dunes & Empire Beach
• Short drive to Glen Arbor, Crystal Lake, and Traverse City
• Spacious yard, fire pit, and quiet forested setting
• Fast Wi-Fi, smart TV, and modern comforts
• Perfect for families, couples, nature lovers, and multi-generational groups
— THE PROPERTY —
Private | WiFi | Wooded Setting
Bedrooms
• Bedroom 1 (Main Floor): Two twin beds
• Bedroom 2 (Upstairs): Queen bed
• Bedroom 3 (Upstairs): 1 twin bed + full-over-full bunk bed
• Bedroom 4 (Garage Apartment): Queen bed
• Additional Sleeping: Pull-out couch in apartment
Bathrooms
• Bathroom 1: ¾ bath on main floor (off kitchen)
• Bathroom 2: Full bathroom with tub (Jack & Jill style between upstairs bedrooms)
• Bathroom 3: Jetted tub + toilet in garage apartment
Outdoor Living
• Grill
• Backyard space
• Fire pit
• Yard games
• Patio furniture
Kitchen
Fully equipped with:
Refrigerator • Stovetop • Oven • Dishwasher • Cooking basics • Coffee maker • Toaster • Paper towels & trash bags
Indoor Living
• Comfortable living room
• Air conditioning
• Smart TV
• Downstairs game room with arcade games: Golden Tee 2025, Mario Bros, and Dream Arcades Vision Pro with hundreds of games to choose from!
• Board games
• Apartment features its own living room + window A/C
This property is pet-friendly, and that means pet hair is inevitable. We contract professional cleaners after every stay and they do their absolute best for us. Please be forgiving if it's not perfect.
General Amenities
Linens • Towels • Heating & A/C • Fast Wi-Fi
Accessibility:
• Steps required to enter home
• Two bedrooms on upper level
• Garage apartment accessed via stairs
Parking: Space for up to 4 vehicles
— REST EASY WITH US —
Northland Vacation Rentals invites you to unwind and enjoy a stress-free getaway. We take pride in cleanliness and property care to ensure you arrive to a home that is comfortable, welcoming, and well maintained. Should any issue arise, our friendly staff is available 24/7 to assist with urgent needs.
— POLICIES —
• No smoking
• Dogs welcome (up to 2); please contact management prior to arrival
• No events, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or large gatherings
• No fireworks
• Respect quiet hours: 10 PM–8 AM
• Day guests must be approved if exceeding 13 total guests; violations may result in fines or eviction
• Must be 25+ to book
• Additional fees and taxes may apply
• Photo ID may be required at check-in
• Please review the rental agreement for full house rules, cancellation policies, and non-refundable management/booking fees
• Starter supplies provided: paper towel, toilet paper, garbage bags, hand soap, dish soap, and dishwasher tabs (if applicable). Additional supplies may be needed for longer stays.
• Seasonal amenities (including grills and docks, if applicable) may not be available year-round.
• If a particular amenity is important to your stay, please reach out prior to booking.
