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The Caboose Summary:

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Exterior
Outdoor dining
Property grounds
1 bedroom, WiFi, bed sheets
Interior

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire apartment

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2260 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View in a map
Empire, MI
  • Place, Little Glen Lake
    ‪1 min drive‬
  • Place, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪55 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Empire

Located within a 5-minute walk of Little Glen Lake, this apartment is within a few miles (5 km) of Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. The apartment includes a kitchen, a refrigerator, and a microwave.
View more Apartments in EmpireOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Little Glen Lake - 1 min drive - 0.3 miles
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 7 min drive - 4.7 miles
  • Glen Lake - 8 min drive - 4.8 miles
  • Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum - 9 min drive - 4.1 miles
  • Crystal River - 9 min drive - 5.7 miles

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cherry Republic - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪The Mill - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Art's Tavern - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Boonedocks - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Leelanau Coffee Roasting Co. - ‬6 min drive

About this property

Entire place

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

The Caboose Summary:

Summary:
Historic, updated caboose with a fire pit, central air conditioning, and grill. With public access to Little Glen Lake nearby, this unique and historic abode offers all the conveniences of home. Inside, the space includes a convenient queen bed, bathroom with shower, a sitting area, and a well-equipped kitchenette that features a fridge, microwave, toaster, Keurig, and an electric percolator.

The Space:
With public access to Little Glen Lake nearby, this unique and historic abode offers all the conveniences of home with all the adventure of vacation. Surrounded by trees, the renovated caboose features a picnic area, grill, firepit, and beautiful nature views. Inside, the space includes a convenient Murphy bed, a sitting area, and a well-equipped kitchenette that features a fridge, microwave, toaster, Keurig, and an electric percolator. Access to the Sleeping Bear Dunes is just steps away from the Caboose!

Guest Access:
A key will be provided

The Neighborhood:
Forest/ Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Getting Around:
Driving or walking to the beach or to hike the trails and dunes.

Interaction with Guests:
We are available if guests need any assistance, but we prefer to give everyone their privacy.
The apartment is air-conditioned and features a kitchen and space to spread out with a separate bedroom. The apartment also includes a coffee maker.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the apartment: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Kitchenette
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Location highlights

  • In a rural location

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 not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Property does not allow children
  • Unit size: 260 square feet

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

Rules

No smoking, pets, or fireworks in the Caboose or anywhere on the premises. Grill tools are in the kitchen drawer. If you need a new propane tank c...

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

  • This property doesn't allow children
  • Note from host: Ladders could be dangerous

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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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: 21

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.
  • 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 fire extinguisher.

Property is also known as

65049db0a7487500391903db

Frequently asked questions

What's there to see near this apartment?

This apartment is located in Empire within a short 4-minute walk of Little Glen Lake. You'll also find Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Lake Michigan within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at this apartment?

No, there isn't parking available at the apartment.

Is this apartment adjacent to a casino?

No, this apartment is not connected to a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at this apartment?

No, there is no indoor pool at this apartment.

Is The Caboose Summary: good for couples?

Couples staying at this apartment will value amenities like a kitchen, kitchens in some apartments, as well as a firepit.

Does The Caboose Summary: have a hot tub?

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

Does this apartment provide breakfast?

No, this apartment doesn't offer breakfast.

Will this apartment allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at this apartment.

What is the closest airport to this apartment?

The closest major airport to this apartment is Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), which is about 24.8 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies at The Caboose Summary:?

No, at The Caboose Summary:, there aren't any apartments that list a balcony.

Reviews

The Caboose Summary: Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 18 out of 20 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 20 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 20 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 20 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 20 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Diane L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect location. Bike trail and Dune Climb walking distance. Just 10 minute drive to both the town of Glen Arbor and also the scenic Sleeping Bear Dunes drive. Bonfires at night, visits from deer & wild turkeys. What a unique place to stay. We enjoyed the Caboose !!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erik V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great as always! Perfect for glamping to hike Sleeping Bear Dunes NP.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

sheri p.

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Queyonna H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very cute and unique experience. The set-up was so fun and we had a wonderful time.Could just be the time of the year but the bugs were very rampant but thankfully went away when the lights were turned off. Had a bit of an unpleasant smell we figured it was from whatever is used to prevent rust.The sound of the summer rain was soothing, a perfect way to spend a weekend celebrating my partners birthday. Highly recommended.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Victoria P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Was a very pleasant stay. Thought the add reflected what you got. Internet connection wasn’t the best for our phones.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cherie P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing!

What a gift it was to stay here...thank you! Can't imagine the logistics & process it took to get a caboose stationed on this lovely property, refurbished & functioning as rentable accommodations. Loved the historic memorabilia found within. It was clean, well-stocked with accoutrements & soft linens. Perfect for 2 people for a few nights in beautiful northern.MI.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erik V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic location for hiking through Sleeping Bear Dunes! We love the Caboose itself and the history behind it. It’s always great staying here.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bruce L., Royal Oak Michigan

Liked: Cleanliness

DTI 107

We had a lovely time staying in the caboose. Very nostalgic and perfect for the train enthusiasts! Right in the middle of nature and abutting to the national park. Beautiful!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Connie K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing getaway

Stayed here for a solo birthday trip to explore sleeping bear dunes and the surrounding areas. Brooke and Robin were amazing hosts, great communication. The Caboose was so charming, well equipped with anything I may have needed. Waking up and having breakfast and coffee here was a great start to the day before going sightseeing. Returning after a long day and relaxing was peaceful. The location is second to none, minutes walk from the dune climb or Glen lake access. Within a 40 minute drive of all the key spots to see in that area, which seems endless. Who wouldn't want to stay in a train caboose? It was amazing!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Peaceful getaway

The caboose was very well laid out and clean, with many modern amenities at our disposal. The location is superb: back from the road and fairly secluded, but very close to Glen Arbor and right next to the dune climb. It was so much fun to enjoy morning coffee in the cupola of the caboose!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephen M F.

Liked: Cleanliness

Enchanting Caboose in the Woods

We loved our weekend in the Caboose. This beautifully refitted and comfortable railcar had everything one needs. Close to the beach and hikes. Privacy. Peace and quiet. And the magic of staying in a slice of railroad history. Excellent hosts, easy communication. Everything was perfect.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Aaron R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful and Unique with the ideal location

This caboose is right where you want to be if you have come to this area to enjoy the outdoors. A few miles from Empire, Glen Arbor and Glen Haven and walking distance to the Dunes hike. My partner and I had the most amazing time here and the caboose is super cool and well appointed. The grill is really nice and there is a nice kitchen set-up so we were able to prepare some pretty great meals and didn't feel cramped. I can't express enough how good of a location this is. Immediately off the bike path, sandwiched in between everything, it's just awesome. There are two houses on the sides of you, but some woods in-between to give you decent privacy. It made it really easy to enjoy the stars on the dunes too since it was either a very short drive or a short walk to the dune hike.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rob F.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great stay

This was a perfect stay for my wife and I. The first day we walked down to the Dune Climb from The Caboose. Easy walk on the rail trail from there. The rest of the weekend we visited Glen Arbor, Suttons Bay, Leland, and all points in-between. It was nice after to get back to The Caboose, have a fire and enjoy the night. We would stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Hillary J., Michigan

Liked: Cleanliness

Cute, cozy and wonderful tucked in the woods!

This is a fantastic cozy stay! The owners have kept most of the caboose in its original state. The location is perfect for a dune climb. I have family in Glen Arbor and it was an easy drive to their place. I would definitely recommend this to anyone. The owners are very accommodating and friendly as well. Thank you very much
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kris S.

Liked: Cleanliness

We LOVED the caboose!

What an awesome experience, staying in an authentic, restored train caboose on our vacation! Very clean, all amenities we might need were there, nice shower, cool air, fluffy towels even! Perfect location. Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

David B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Quite, Clean and Private

We enjoyed a fabulous time in the caboose. It’s very clean and a well organized space. All appliances work as they should and we had no issues what so ever. Great communication with our hosts. Highly recommended!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Krista K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great location

Location was perfect for what we wanted to do and where we wanted to go. Also, was in between Empire and Glen Arbor. Close to the dune climb and pierce stocking scenic drive.The historical caboose looked really cool in the woods.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael, Grand Blanc

Liked: Cleanliness

Hansel and Gretel meets Polar Express

Very unique cozy cottage in the woods. The cottage aka Train Caboose is situated in a perfect spot in the woods at the foot of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Shoreline adjacent to the 20 mile Sleeping Bear Heritage bike trail. The cottage is very clean, has everything you need. A great place to read a book are the upper deck seats of the caboose. The hosts had great communication and ensured we had everything we need.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carol P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Empire Get Away

Unique and cozy stay, just what we were looking for.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

lambia

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful Romantic Getaway

My wife and I had the privilege of staying here for a weekend to celebrate our anniversary. If you are looking for somewhere quaint, beautiful, secluded and surrounded by nature, this is the place. The Dunes are within walking distance. Downtown Empire and downtown Glen Arbor are both only a ten minutes' drive; while these towns are both small, there's no shortage of good food and wine.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024