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Sleeping Bear - Empire Retreat near Lake Michigan

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A modern kitchen with dark blue cabinets, a stainless steel refrigerator, and a white countertop.
A single-story house with a dark blue exterior, white trim, and a front door with a wreath.
A modern living room with a blue sofa, a beige armchair, a wooden coffee table, and a fireplace.
A modern living room with a blue sofa, a white armchair, and a coffee table. A sign on the wall reads "GO JUMP IN THE LAKE".
A modern dining area with a wooden table, white chairs, and a bar with stools.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Entire home

3 bedrooms1 bathroom1308 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space

Explore the area

View in a map
Empire, MI
  • Place, Philip A. Hart Visitor Center
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Place, beach near Village Park
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Place, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪43 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Empire

Located in Downtown Mmpire within a mile (2 km) of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, this vacation home is within 2 miles (3 km) of other popular sights such as Lake Michigan. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a fireplace, and a patio.
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What's nearby

  • South Bar Lake - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Philip A. Hart Visitor Center - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • beach near Village Park - 19 min walk - 1.1 miles
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 3 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • beach near Downtown Mmpire - 3 min drive - 0.9 miles

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Trattoria Funistrada - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Shipwreck Cafe - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Joes Friendly Tavern - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Empire Village Pizza & Spirits - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪La Becasse - ‬14 min drive

About this property

Entire place

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

Sleeping Bear - Empire Retreat near Lake Michigan

Enjoy small-town charm and natural beauty at this newly updated home in the heart of Empire—gateway to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Nestled on a spacious corner lot, this dog-friendly retreat is just a short walk from Lake Michigan, downtown shops, restaurants, and scenic hiking trails.

Inside, unwind in the bright, inviting living area where large windows fill the space with natural light. Cozy up on the plush sectional by the electric fireplace, stream your favorite shows, or share stories around the dining table. The well-equipped kitchen features stainless-steel appliances, a breakfast bar, and everything you need to cook up a hearty post-beach meal.

Outside, spend your evenings gathered around the firepit under the stars. The yard offers plenty of room for kids—or pups—to play, while the quiet neighborhood ensures a peaceful stay. With high-speed WiFi, a washer/dryer, and easy access to both the dunes and the lake, this home is ideal for families, couples, or friends looking to explore one of Michigan’s most beloved destinations.

Sleeping Arrangements
- Bedroom 1: 1 king bed (sleeps 2)
- Bedroom 2: 1 double bed (sleeps 2)
- Bedroom 3: 2 twin beds (sleeps 2)
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen and a patio, and there's space to spread out with 3 bedrooms. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a fireplace, and a coffee maker.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Kitchen

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

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Stereo
  • TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Things to do

  • Kayak

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

  • Unit size: 1,308 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

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

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets
  • Dogs only
  • 2 total pets
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector.

Property is also known as

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Frequently asked questions

What's there to see near this vacation home?

This vacation home is situated in Downtown Mmpire within a short 20-minute walk of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and also 5 minutes on foot from South Bar Lake. You'll also find Lake Michigan and Empire Bluff Trail within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at Sleeping Bear - Empire Retreat near Lake Michigan?

No, there isn't parking available at the vacation home.

Is this vacation home adjacent to a casino?

No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at this vacation home?

No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at Sleeping Bear - Empire Retreat near Lake Michigan?

Couples staying at this vacation home will appreciate amenities like a fireplace and a kitchen as well as a firepit.

Are there hot tubs at Sleeping Bear - Empire Retreat near Lake Michigan?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this vacation home.

Does this vacation home provide breakfast?

No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.

Will this vacation home allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although dogs can't stay for free, they are welcome at this vacation home.

Are there connecting rooms at Sleeping Bear - Empire Retreat near Lake Michigan?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this vacation home.

Where is the closest airport to this vacation home?

The closest major airport to this vacation home is Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), which is about 24.2 mi away.

Can I book a room with a balcony at Sleeping Bear - Empire Retreat near Lake Michigan?

Yes, every house at Sleeping Bear - Empire Retreat near Lake Michigan comes with a patio.

Sleeping Bear - Empire Retreat near Lake Michigan Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

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

8.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Chimena D.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location for walking into town or short drive to some fabulous beaches. Comfortable and spacious; well appointed with ample towels for our group.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Madison T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The home was very clean, had everything we needed, and we really liked the decor inside. It’s also a short walk or drive to the beach and Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Margaret O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very clean and open floor plan. Had everything we needed. Wonderful location. Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Joy H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our family of 5 enjoyed our stay at this home. It was laid out well for gathering to play games, watch the World Cup, eating meals, and the backyard space was nice for relaxing/yard games. There was lots of outdoor furniture not reflected in the listing. The decor was fun a MI beach/cherry theme! Lots of towels, blankets, and space to prepare meals. The kitchen is well stocked for meals in. The walk to the beach was further than our usual 10 minute walk and we opted to drive, but none of us minded because we enjoyed coming home to this beautiful space. However, the Grocer’s Daughter was a short walk for coffee, cookies, and gelato! We would definitely rent this home again, thank you for having us.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2026

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