Home Description

Guests continue to say what a great time they had and how rested they feel after a vacation at “The Retreat”! We think you will too!  "The Retreat is a relaxing family friendly Northern Michigan escape, with lake frontage on beautiful Black Lake, the 5th largest inland lake in Michigan.  It is a three-bedroom light and airy fresh and clean lakefront cottage. It boasts oak woodwork lovingly created by the owner’s father, a skilled Polish artisan. Many of the fine furnishings were crafted either by the owner’s father or by the owner.  Enjoy the lake and its many visual treasures in the comfort of a swing or chair. The Retreat’s” waterfront has a beautiful beach area for sunbathing, sandcastle making, as well as an area for your evening campfire.  “The Retreat” has a dock, and a ladder to enter the very shallow sand bottom water which is perfect for the little ones.   Sandcastle design and Sunbathing are perfect activities on a warm day in the sandy area in front of “the Retreat”. Enjoy a Corn Hole game with the family on “The Retreat’s large grassy area. Cook your fresh caught dinner on our gas grill!  The Black River is one house away and a canoe trip or float down that river are tops on the list of summer activities! Wilderness experiences abound at “The Retreat”! Black Lake is surrounded by state forests where wildlife abounds and berries are plentiful in July and August. The Retreat is located down a half mile road near the mouth of the Upper Black River, with state forest on both sides of the road! Access to RV trails are minutes away  The Sun warms!  The lake cools! Sturgeon, Musky, Pike, Walleye jump out of the lake! The Eagles Soar! Woodpeckers peck!  Robins, Sparrows, Finches, Blue Jays, Humming Birds, and an occasional Cardinal nest!  If you're quiet in the early mornings you might see Eagles, Blue Heron, Swans & Ducks fishing.  Along the seawall, Otter or mink might be seen enjoying their breakfast! Loons sing in the evening as the sun sets! In the spring Sturgeon and Suckers can be seen at the edge of the Black River spawning. Beautiful sunsets and a campfire are waiting for marshmallow s’mores, or other over the fire treats including the Walleye, Northern Pike, Bass Perch, Crappie, or sunfish you caught during the day right out in front of “The Retreat”! During the winter months, snowmobile from the property, over hundreds of miles of trails, ice fish for Walleye, Perch, Northern, and Sturgeon when in season right out front! Bring your ski’s and head off to Boyne Highlands or cross-country ski on the lake or down the many trails close to “The Retreat”. It’s all there for your pleasure! We would love to communicate with you and tell you more about “The Retreat”! Check our calendar and email for more information about your Northern Michigan relaxing escape at “The Retreat”! We offer discounts for cash or check.  Email us to begin the inquiry for your vacation at “The Retreat” where Guests continue to comment on how relaxed and refreshed they feel after an escape to “The Retreat”!   The Retreat – InsideLiving Room – Couch, Queen Futon, 4 chairs - TV - Dish - Games - DVD's - Books - Wifi availableDining – Pine table, chair and bench seatingKitchen – Fridge, Stove, Dishwasher, Coffee Maker, Microwave - Artesian Well or Reverse Osmosis water, Dishes-Silverware - cookware - utensils - crock pot -mixer. Bathrooms - 2Master Bath has bathtub with showerHalf Bathroom has showerTowels provided, for in-home use. Please bring your own beach towels. Sleeping Area's3 Bedrooms & 1 Queen innerspring mattress Fouton in Living Room Area with sheets, pillows, and blankets provided. Master Bedroom overlooks lake and river, - 1 full bed with Master Bath  Second Bedroom with view of the Lake - 1 Queen Pillow Top bed Third Bedroom with view of the lake - 1 Twin bunk bed set (= 2 twin beds) & 1 twin trundle that pulls out from under the bottom bunk. Living Room Area - 1 Queen Futon with a real innerspring mattress! Utility area - Washer & Dryer.   The Retreat – Outside Beach AreaBoardwalkLadder to Shallow WaterDockGrass Area & Corn Hole GameSwingDeck with Table and ChairsFire Pit with seating-Some wood provided, more available from neighbor Picnic TableGas Grill- Propane provided

About The Area

               Fish Sturgeon            Muskie           Walleye              PerchBass                   Sun FishBlue Gill             Rock Bass Close to “The Retreat” Black Lake at the Front of the PropertyBlack River Upper Mouth – 1 house away½ mile to FO5 Black River Road surrounded by state forests and miles of trails.Mackinaw Bridge & Mackinaw Ferry to Island 45 minutesLake Michigan Sandy Shores 50 Minutes – Cross Village2 ½ miles to Lorenzo’s Famous Ribs5 miles to UAW Golf Course & RestaurantOqueoc Falls 20 minutesOnaway State Park 10 MinutesCheboygan 20 minutes away - Walmart - KMartPetoskey Gas Light District 45 minutesGaylord 60 minutesRogers City 30 miles   GroceriesOnaway 10 miles - TomsCheboygan 15 -Family Fare - Walmart,Rogers City 30 miles Plath's Meat Market (Fresh and Smoked)Indian River 30 miles – KensHealth Food – Petoskey 45 miles or Gaylord 60 miles Favorite Eateries nearby Lorenzo’s 2.5 miles211 Bar & Grill 8 milesWoodwinds- 10 miles Onaway:The Pines - 8 milesThe Bluffs on Black Lake- 10 - 15 miles ActivitiesFishingBoatingHikingATV TrailsBirdingBikingSkiingSun BathingSwimmingTouring    

House Rules

In General Be Respectful at all times and all situations!  You are responsible for your own actions Leave "The Retreat" in the same condition you found it with no damages, or liabilities to the owners or their heirs.

Suitability

Perfect for Families with Grandparents as well as their children and grandchildren.