Entire home

Lil's on the Lake - On Crystal Lake, Dog-Friendly, and Short Walk to Downtown Beulah!

Photo gallery for Lil's on the Lake - On Crystal Lake, Dog-Friendly, and Short Walk to Downtown Beulah!

Property grounds
Exterior
4 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, cots/infant beds, free WiFi
Smart TV, fireplace
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

9.4 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 13186 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
    Pet-friendly
  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space
    Outdoor space
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Fireplace
    Fireplace

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Lil's on the Lake - On Crystal Lake, Dog-Friendly, and Short Walk to Downtown Beulah!

Charming historic cottage on Crystal Lake that has been owned by the same family since the 1930's. Very child-friendly and pet-friendly with a huge, fully fenced-in yard. Beautiful view of Crystal Lake from the eastern shore. Firepit, outdoor picnic tables, and lots of parking space as well! Also just a short walk from fun & family-friendly downtown Beulah!


INTERACTION WITH GUESTS:

Our local property manager lives in the area and is available to address any issues as needed.


NEIGHBORHOOD:

The cottage is also located just 2 blocks away from downtown Beulah. Beulah is a cute little northern Michigan town located on the east end of Crystal Lake. The town was founded name iin 1880 by Reverent Charles E. Bailey and its name is actually Biblical in nature. It has a cute little main street (Benzie Blvd.) which has a nice collection of shops, restaurants, cafes, a post office, and a couple of bars. We would particularly recommend Ursa Major Bistro and L'Chayim Delicatessen in terms of places to eat in downtown Beulah. One of the neat surprises in Beulah is that there is a wonderful interactive children's science museum called COGnition right on Benzie Blvd. just a short walk (less than 5 minutes) from the cottage!

The cottage is located in beautiful Benzie County, one of the most pristine and natural environments in all of Michigan, and there are a number of other things to do in the area:

* Probably the most popular attraction in all of northwest Michigan is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It is incredibly picturesque collection of natural beauty in terms of Lake Michigan, dunes, forests, wildlife, and inland lakes and rivers. There is a vast collection of hiking trails throughout the park and kayaking, canoeing, and tubing on the rivers and lakes is also very popular. The park starts about 8 miles away from the cottage, just north of the west end of Crystal Lake.

* The cottage is just a 10-minute drive from the lovely beachtown of Frankfort on Lake Michigan. Frankfort and nearby Elberta offer a fun collection of beaches, shops, restaurants, cafes, a movie theater, a microbrewery, and a few bars. Frankfort has a very popular public beach on Lake Michigan and Elberta (just across Betsie Lake from Frankfort) offers a more pristine and much less navigated natural beach. (Dogs are allowed everywhere at Elberta Beach, but are only allowed on certain portions of Frankfort Beach.) The Frankfort Lighthouse is also one of the famous and historical lighthouses on Lake Michigan.

* There is wonderful bike trail nearby. It's called the Betsie Valley Bike Trail and it runs 22 miles from Frankfort to Elberta, then along the Betsie River to Beulah, and then on over to Thompsonville. It is accessible just a few blocks from the cottage.

* The area is widely renowned for fishing! Crystal Lake is excellent for perch as well as rock bass. Ice fishing on Crystal Lake for smelt is a popular activity in the winter. Coho salmon, lake trout, and northern pike are also fished in the lake. Salmon fishing on Lake Michigan, the Betsie River, and the Platte River (just north of Beulah) is definitely the biggest fishing attraction though.

* The cottage is just a 5-minute drive from the Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theater. Although it's one of the last drive-in movie theaters in Michigan, it's thriving quite nicely and is a very popular place for an affordable family or couples outing.

* If a larger city environment is desired with more and trendier shops, restaurants, and nightlife, then Traverse City is just 45 minutes away from the cottage. It is the cultural, entertainment, dining, and shopping hub of northern Michigan and, although still relatively small and very safe, it provides a bit of "big city feel" to tourists and locals.


GUEST ACCESS:

Guests have full access to all of the house as well as the entire yard. Note that there is a boat dock on Crystal Lake in front of the cottage, but it used by the neighbors and is not available to guests. There is also a small storage shed in the yard that is only used for storage and is not accessible by guests.


TRANSIT:

Public transportation in the area is quite limited and having a car is really quite necessary. Cars can park anywhere on the large, fenced-in yard. (There are 2 gates for the fence.)


PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

1) HEATING: Note that the cottage does not have a basement or a furnace. We utilize electric space heaters to heat the house in the spring and the fall as needed.
2) BONFIRES: There is a bonfire ring at the property. Bonfires must be attended at all times and must be fully extinguished using water.
3) REGISTRATION: This property is officially registered with the Village of Beulah, Michigan, as a short-term rental (STR) property. The registration number is 22031.

Property manager

Agape Vacation Rentals

Languages

English, Spanish

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer

Living spaces

  • Fireplace

Entertainment

  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Patio

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • On the waterfront

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 2,000 square feet

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Cots are available on request at the property

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

Property is also known as

f067ac5c-e7a4-483a-a4fe-54cfa05e18a7

About the area

Map
Beulah, MI

What's nearby

  • Betsie Valley Trail - 5 min walk
  • Crystal Lake Golf Club - 3 min drive
  • Platte Lake - 9 min drive
  • Champion Hill Golf Course - 10 min drive
  • Crystal Mountain - 11 min drive

Getting around

  • Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker) - 31 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Roadhouse Mexican Bar & Grill - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Papa J's Pizzeria & Diner - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Hill Top Soda Shoppe - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Cherry Hut - ‬9 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Lil's on the Lake - On Crystal Lake, Dog-Friendly, and Short Walk to Downtown Beulah! pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Lil's on the Lake - On Crystal Lake, Dog-Friendly, and Short Walk to Downtown Beulah!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Lil's on the Lake - On Crystal Lake, Dog-Friendly, and Short Walk to Downtown Beulah!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Lil's on the Lake - On Crystal Lake, Dog-Friendly, and Short Walk to Downtown Beulah! located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is within 1 mile (2 km) of Betsie Valley Trail and Benzie Area Historical Museum. Crystal Lake Golf Club and Pinecroft Golf Course are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Lil's on the Lake - On Crystal Lake, Dog-Friendly, and Short Walk to Downtown Beulah! Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 29 out of 39 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 39 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 39 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 39 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 39 reviews" "

8.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Christine S.

Liked: Cleanliness
FUN by Crystal Lake
The beds on the front porch were way too OLD & the paint upstairs was peeling !! NOT cool !! Needs a clean up job !! Otherwise was Ok. Was quiet & close to great areas !! Probly' wouldn't stay here until they clean up peeling paint PLUS get NEW lamps !! Chords R way TOO OLD !! Dangerous !!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

cheryl c.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Lils
Enjoyed for the most part. Two out of three guests spotted a mouse in the kitchen. Mouse droppings were in drawers and most especially lower cupboards.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Adam H.

Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kirsten J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous stay
We loved how much charm the cabin embodied. The view of sunset on the lake was incredible. The fenced yard was a positive game changer, for bringing your dog. Overall great, will stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

6/10 Okay

Eric B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location, needs updating and new beds
Great location, great yard. But no AC. Pretty hot in the summer. And beds were awful to sleep with two people. Upgrade the mattresses and this is 5 star
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jean R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location
Lils is very comfortable and had everything for us. We loved having the fenced yard for our lab. The location allowed us to walk to restaurants The cottage had everything we needed and the best porch cots for napping.
Stayed 13 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Chia Y.

Liked: Cleanliness
Location Location Location
I was worried that the home wasn't "lakefront" and that the road in front of the home would be an issue; but I was wrong. The public beach and town is less than a 4 minute walk. The walk is also very pleasant and the road in front of the home is pedestrian and bike friendly. There is a place nearby to rent pontoon boats, kayaks, and bicycles if needed. Apparently, there is also a bike trail from Beulah that will take you to Frankfort. Residents and business owners all seem friendly and welcoming. It is a very small, but quaint town with lots to do for a long weekend. There also seemed to be some sort of pickle ball/tennis court action going on at a park next to the beach - if that's your thing. You also cannot beat the wrap around porch views from this home. Now the "cons" or things you should know - there is only one bathroom and shower, I did not locate a washer or dryer anywhere in the house, but maybe I didn't open enough of the tall cabinets (there is a laundromat in town), doesn't appear to be any heat, definitely no air conditioning (not needed when I stayed here and fans provided), and there were a lot of spiders in the enclosed porch area and upstair bedrooms' windows. If you plan on using the roller beds, just be aware that spiders will be your roomates (got bit on the eyebrow). Also the porch is sloping near the windows and there are drilled holes spread throughout that covered with little rugs so bugs/spiders might always have access to the home.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie M., Livonia, MI

Liked: Cleanliness
Great return stay
We have been enjoying this property for a few years now on the 4th of July. The neighbors recognize us and greet us when we arrive. We keep returning for the amazing location, the huge porch, the big yard for playing games, beach, and so much more. The property manager is easy to work with and responsive. I'm sure we'll be back.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael B., Dublin, Ohio

Liked: Cleanliness
Our annual family gathering in Beulah
Lovely sun sets. A nice fenced yard to play games and sit around the fire. The view of Crystal Lake can't be beat.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Karen G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Ample gathering spots for a large group.
The location was great and the home is older but clean. Everything that was needed was there.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Peter R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Week long trip on Crystal Lake
Second time visiting this wonderful cottage on the East shore of Crystal Lake. Short walk to town for shopping and food. Half a block to the fishing pier and public beach. What more could one ask for? Great property hosts, available for any questions or needs! A+++ experience!
Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Beth K.

Location
Best location ever!! So sad to leave. Every one in our group enjoyed the week.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

katie B.

Rustic is very accurate
This older cottage is good if you have a big group and dogs. The weather was great so we spent little time indoors. It could certainly use some updating (especially stove and oven) but it still worked out well for our family.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

Rebecca V.

Look beyond the older decor to see the beauty
The house is older and could use some updating . The wrap around porch is starting to rot away and the 2 carpets that are in the living and dinning area need to be replaced. The location is amazing and the fenced in yard is so great ! It certainly was a perfect place for us with 3 dogs and 8 people ! Thank you for great family memories
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Allison D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful time at Crystal Lake
Beautiful property, excellent location! Will definitely be looking to rent this place again!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michael B., Dublin, Ohio

Liked: Cleanliness
Family gathering I am Beulah
The house itself is somewhat "basic" but we loved the view and the great fenced yard. This is our second time renting this property and we intend to come back.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nathan M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely weekend
We had a great time here during a perfect fall weekend! We loved the house and the proximity to outdoor activities. Would recommend to others looking for a weekend away.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Brad S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice place
Great weather great town
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Peter R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Up North Getaway!
Wonderful vintage cottage on the east shore of Crystal Lake right in the village of Beulah. This comfortable cottage is centrally located to all that Up North Michigan has to offer! The management company is exceptional! Many Thanks!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

6/10 Okay

john s.

Disliked: Cleanliness
great location
The house is in need of repairs and some decluttering. The location and yard are fantastic.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

8/10 Good

Betsy R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Mixed bag by the lake
We loved the location right on the lake and an easy walk to the pleasant town of Beulah, the public beach and great Betsie valley trail to bike to Frankfort and Elberta. Great Lake sunset views and fenced-in yard for our dog and wrap-around porch. But the living room is in desperate need of an update, as are the kitchen cabinets and the bedrooms. We like rustic but this was beyond rustic, especially given the price to stay here. Also beware of the steep stairs to the upstairs bedrooms.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Janine R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great step back in time!
Our family, ages 3-63, really enjoyed our stay at Lil's Cottage. It was exactly as shown on the listing - an old fashion lake cottage. Actually, the porch was better than represented. I think I counted 17 chairs, 3 tables, plus the 3 roll away beds. We had 11 people so we brought an extra table and used it in the dining room to hold food since the kitchen has so little counter space. We brought our own grill and cooked outside, though they did have a couple grills there for you to use. The location was perfect for all the attractions from Sleeping Bear Dunes to Crystal Mountain to Frankfort and the Betsie Lighthouse. Just a short walk to the beach in Beulah and to downtown. Watched wonderful sunsets over Crystal Lake right from the firepit. Large fenced yard for all of our cars, kids and the dog. Couldn't have been happier! Great place - especially for large groups! Would highly recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Gregory N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Charming lakefront cottage a block from town
The house was very well described in the listing. The full 2 side wraparound enclosed porch and huge fenced lot were huge hits with our group of 7/8 adults and 2 kids. The public beach is almost adjacent to the cottage and the views of the lake from the house were beautiful. There are two docks in front occupied by 2 boats each of other neighbors so there isn’t a ton of open beach directly in front of the cottage but we still sat and swam there and it was fine. There is public boat ramp really close so cars with trailers parallel park on the street but the yard is high enough up to see the lake over them so they don’t spoil the view. The kitchen is funky, a super modern new stainless fridge mixed with a very old freestanding metal sink cabinet with room for a dish rack and one wall of very old and rustic wood cabinets with one long, low, narrow counter that has the coffee maker, toaster, microwave and limited prep space, but still we made it work! The one bathroom is directly off the kitchen, a little weird but functional. The two bedrooms upstairs don’t have doors but are separated by the center stair and private enough for family. The two downstairs bedrooms are nice and private and we put one cot on the far end of the porch on the lake side making a pretty private 5th sleeping area, separated from the other end of the L shaped porch where the other two cots were. The porch has about 18 modern screened windows along it so it provides awesome breeze into the cottage. Temps were in the 80s in the day but got to the 40s one night and we were comfy. The proximity to town with the brewery, restaurants, and shops was also awesome. - literally maybe 400 feet away. The group agreed they would all stay there again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Michael B., Dublin, Ohio

Liked: Cleanliness
Annual Family get together
This property was perfect for our needs, local to other family and easy access. We had a great time.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Molly F.

Liked: Cleanliness
It was perfect for me and the spontaneity of the plan
Great.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2021