See all properties
Entire home·Private host

Crystal River Retreat with Lake Michigan Access – 2BR + Loft in Glen Arbor

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Crystal River Retreat with Lake Michigan Access – 2BR + Loft in Glen Arbor

TV
Exterior
TV
TV
Interior

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathrooms

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available
  • Water view

Explore the area

View in a map
Glen Arbor, MI
  • Place, Crystal River
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    ‪1 min drive‬
  • Place, Glen Lake
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪45 min drive‬

Room options

Similar properties

Apartment (3 Bedrooms) | Interior
Glen Arbor Vacation Rental w/ Views of Lake!
Glen Arbor
  • Kitchen
  • Parking included
  • Fireplace
  • Microwave
Glen Arbor Vacation Rental w/ Views of Lake!

About this property

Entire place

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

Crystal River Retreat with Lake Michigan Access – 2BR + Loft in Glen Arbor

Welcome to Wilderness 35 — Your Glen Arbor Waterfront Escape


Wake up to the gentle sounds of the Crystal River flowing right outside your patio door. This is northern Michigan at its finest. Nestled between the iconic shores of Lake Michigan, the charming village of Glen Arbor, the Crystal River, and the Homestead Resort, this three-story townhouse is fully equipped for a comfortable stay in every season.


The Space

Spread across three floors, this townhouse comfortably sleeps up to eight guests. The first floor features a queen bedroom and a full bath. The second floor offers a second queen bedroom, a den with a sofa sleeper, and a second full bath. The third floor has a sleeping loft with two twin bunk beds, accessed by a sturdy ship's ladder with an open overlook down to the second floor. A great space for older kids and teens. Please note: the loft is not suitable for young children or those uncomfortable with ladder access.

The living area is bright and open with beautiful river views. The kitchen is fully stocked with dishes, silverware, cookware, utensils, stove, dishwasher, microwave, full-size refrigerator, a Mr. Coffee, and a Keurig. A full-size washer and dryer are also available.


On the Water

Step out your patio door onto a peaceful patio overlooking the Crystal River, one of northern Michigan's most scenic waterways. Lake Michigan is just a short walk away. Watch the sun sink over Sleeping Bear Bay with the Manitou Islands and Sleeping Bear Point in the distance, or launch a kayak, swim in the lake, and explore the river.

The Location

Glen Arbor's beloved shops and restaurants are just minutes away, as is the Homestead Resort next door. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, voted "Most Beautiful Place in America," is right at your doorstep. Nearby you'll also find canoe, kayak, boat, and bike rentals, putt putt golf, playgrounds to burn off energy or a summer picnic. The Tuesday summer Farmers Market is held next to Town Hall.

Summer brings the dunes, beaches, hiking and biking trails, and the Crystal River. Winter transforms the area into a Nordic paradise with downhill and cross-country skiing at the Homestead Resort, and snowshoeing and cross-country skiing throughout the National Lakeshore. Stop by the Visitor Center in Empire for trail maps and beach access information. Wineries, art galleries, and unique shops round out the experience year-round.


Good to Know:

Minimum 7-night stay from mid-June through Labor Day weekend, Saturday to Saturday.

Check-in after 4:00 PM
Check-out before 10:00 AM.
Quiet hours after 11:00 PM.

This is a privately owned townhouse, not resort owned. The Homestead's pools and tennis/pickleball courts are not available for guest use. Resort amenities open to the public include the beach, market, shops, ski hill, spa, salon, and restaurants.

No air conditioning, but ceiling fans, standing floor fans in every bedroom, and fresh air from the surrounding woods keep things comfortable. This property is not wheelchair accessible.

Wi-Fi is available but not guaranteed — no refunds for outages.


No Pets or smoking are allowed.

A permit is required for beach fires.


Local laws and/or the HOA requires, guests be at least 25 years of age to book. A parent or legal guardian must accompany guests under 25 for the duration of the reservation.

Large gatherings, parties, events or unregistered guests are NOT permitted. The maximum occupancy must be adhered to at all times.

Firearms must remain secured in vehicles.

Fireworks are illegal in Michigan and are not permitted on the property.

There isn't a grill.

What's Provided

Bed linens, bath towels, hand towels, washcloths, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, hand soap, and trash bags are all provided as a starter supply.


What to Bring

Guests should bring any toiletries, personal hygiene products, beach towels, cooler for the beach, and any extra supplies you feel is needed.

Keywords: Condominium, Condo, Lake Michigan, Lake Front, Beach, Beach Front, Homestead, Glen Arbor, Crystal River, M22
During your stay at this vacation home, you're just a quick walk from Lake Michigan. Laundry facilities are available. Enjoy your stay with amenities like a kitchen and 2 bathrooms in the vacation home.
  • The vacation home offers a kitchen, a washing machine, and 2 bathrooms
  • Amenities include laundry facilities
  • Just a 3-minute walk from Lake Michigan and 11 minutes by foot from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
This vacation home offers its guests laundry facilities. The front desk is open around the clock.

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby

Ski

  • Close to skiing
  • Snowboarding nearby

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • No lift
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near the marina
  • On a lake
  • On a river
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Local artist showcase
  • Locally-owned and organised tours and activities
  • Property located in a resort

Policies

Check-in

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

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
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
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account which will enable you to manage your booking.

Property is also known as

Glen Arbor Condo On The Crystal River At The Homestead Condo

Crystal River Retreat with Lake Michigan Access – 2BR + Loft in Glen Arbor Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 45 out of 50 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 50 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 50 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 50 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 50 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

jordan s.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa M.

Liked: Cleanliness
This was an immaculately clean condo in a beautiful setting, close to town, and with access to trails and the Crystal River. There was also the ability to walk to the beach and swim and take in views of Lake Michigan. The host was very communicative and easy to work with. We would stay there again.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

LORIE R.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chad

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great condo. Clean! Great location.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

William D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful Condo

We have stayed at The Homestead almost every year for the past 35 years and in many different units. This is one of the best. The owners have spared no expense in providing renters with high quality linens, mattresses, appliances and other furnishings. The remodel was beautifully done. We truly enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gabrielle G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pamela S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Grammy

Fantastic place to stay! So many things our family enjoyed. Looking forward to stay there again next year.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steve S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect location to enjoy Glen Arbor and environs

The condo is very well located to allow you to experience all that the Sleeping Bear Dunes area has to offer. The condo is ideal for 4 adults (2 couples ) or a family with children. Property manager was great to deal with and made the rental process a very smooth one.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

kathy m.

Liked: Cleanliness

Summer get a way

Great accommodations. Very clean. Easy check in. Manager answered all our questions.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Joy B.

Liked: Cleanliness

In the wilderness

On the map it looked much closer to downtown Glen Arbor- I thought we could walk to it. It is a 10 minute drive by the time you wind out of the complex to the road. However, there are paths to Lake Michigan right from the entrance and that is fabulous!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rick R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Nice place

The property is nicely updated, lots of space, great location and communication with property manager was perfect.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Girls Annual Trip

Property was great. The only suggestion we would have is a full length mirror in at least one bedroom or bathroom would be nice.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mandy H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful stay at the Homestead!

We had a great stay at this condo - it’s very nicely updated, very spacious and in a great location! We liked being on the river and the very quiet setting, with just a short walk to the beach and an easy bike ride into town. This is a great spot at the Homestead!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Claudia W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Peaceful Getaway

The property was newly renovated and had great furnishings. It was very clean and we enjoyed our stay there very much. The accessibility to the loft containing the 2 sets of bunk beds was challenging though and in addition, the wall opening on one side was a safety concern for younger children. For older children it was fine. I would definitely recommend this property and would love to stay there again. The access to the Crystal River is perfect and we enjoyed tubing it.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ryan R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Homestead Condo

We enjoyed our stay at Wilderness 35! It’s location is great, right next to the Crystal River. We caught lots of fish and also enjoyed the beach. It is conveniently located near Glen Arbor, so it’s easy access to restaurants and the grocery store. Would definitely come back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Elisabeth D.

Liked: Cleanliness

weekend retreat

We love Glen Arbor and were excited to show it to our friends and family in the winter! The condo offered a great location and peaceful location in the woods along the Crystal. Clean and comfortable, sleeping situation worked out well for two families.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Linda M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great location. Beautiful Condo.

Great
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nancy Y.

Liked: Cleanliness

Family Get Away

Impressed with the location. Lake Michigan was within walking distance.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Maria M., Northville, MI

Liked: Cleanliness

Nicely redone condo

Had a great time. Peaceful and relaxing week with my kids. Nicely appointed condo.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Laura H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful quiet location close to all of Northern Michigan’s splendor

The condo was very clean and comfortable! There was adequate linens for all and the washer and dryer was a life saver for lots of swimming and outdoor play with little children. The loft ladder room was used by a four year old with supervision. The beds were comfortable and the updated bathrooms were very nice and clean. The kitchen was well stocked for making many of our meals. Right off the back porch we put our kayaks in the crystal river and made our way out to Lake Michigan with a few trees to duck under. There was also a walking trail, also off the back deck, along the river that hooked up with other trails throughout the Homestead resort.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

sandy B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wilderness Success

We loved this property and location! Loft a bit daunting for us but would be awesome for littles! Planning to reconnect for next year!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lindsay M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Home away from home

Great location, very nice home with comfortable beds. Was nice to come “home” to after a busy day of adventures. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

8/10 Good

Christine S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Nice condo!

We rented this condo for a long New Year's weekend for me, my husband and our 4 adult children. It's in a great private location, newly remodeled and very clean. We could see the river out back and it was a short walk to the beautiful beach/lake (even in the winter, it was beautiful). The property manager was awesome to deal with and gave us a lot of good places to eat/visit in Glen Arbor and Traverse City (about 40 min away). Note that the bunk beds are on a 3rd floor loft and the only way to access them is to climb a ladder. It worked for my son but not us older folks. :-) Make sure you get accurate directions - it is a little confusing to find. Overall, it worked well for us and would be a great place to stay in the summer too!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Charles C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Anniversary

Great get away! Nice seclusion and privacy!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Dan L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful Setting

The property had very nice furnishings and was in a great setting. Also, very clean. We would go back and stay in the same unit in a heartbeat. I guess the only thing I would say is they need to replace or maybe clean the coffee maker...it runs very slowly
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021