With a stay at this vacation home in Baldwin, you'll be just steps from Huron-Manistee National Forest and Whalen Lake. .This vacation home is 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from Leverentz Lake and 1.1 mi (1.8 km) from Bush Lake.
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Black Bear Cottage-Hot Tub, Pet Friendly!
Cozy lake cottage on Whalen lake with a relaxing hot tub right outside Manistee National Forest. Close to miles and miles of ORV, bicycle and hiking trails. The house sits on just under an acre of land on Whalen Lake. With easy access right off of US 10 on a paved road, the lake offers a tranquil atmosphere for any type of vacation. You can utilize the paddle boat or kayak that are provided to get out on the lake or you can fish right off of the dock. Located less than five minutes from town, where you'll find Jones' homemade ice cream, the world's largest brown trout sculpture, shops and restaurants. If you prefer a home cooked meal, the full kitchen has everything you'd need, or you can make something on the grill with a beautiful view of the lake. There are two bedrooms on the first floor and a large loft area with a full bathroom on each floor. Take advantage of the relaxing outdoors, either on the back porch at the patio table, in the screened gazebo, or out by the bonfire pit. This is a great starting point to take advantage of all that Northern Michigan has to offer. Some of our favorite day trips are to Traverse City for awesome wineries, breweries, and shopping; Ludington for great restaurants, and the beautiful beach on Lake Michigan; or to the dunes at Silver Lake. Full access to the house, bonfire pit, paddle boat and four kayaks. The kayaks and paddle boat are available from May 1st to Sept 30th. I can be contacted by text, email or phone during your stay but will not be on site. We have a ring doorbell on the house.
Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned vacation home, featuring a kitchen with a refrigerator and an oven. Conveniences include a microwave and a coffee/tea maker.
Enjoy the recreation opportunities such as a hot tub or make use of other amenities including barbecue grills.
Guests will find features like onsite parking.
Property amenities
Pool/Spa
Hot tub
Internet
Available in the house: WiFi
Parking and transport
Onsite parking options include a garage
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Hob
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Bedrooms
3 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
2 bathrooms
Hair dryer
Shower/bathtub combination
Towels provided
Living spaces
Living room
Entertainment
DVD player
TV with cable/satellite channels
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Welcoming dogs only
Up to 23 kg per pet
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Things to do
Foosball table
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)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
General
Property does not allow children
Unit size: 1,400 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25
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 allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
1 total (up to 50 lbs per pet)
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Children and extra beds
This property does not allow children
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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
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
675733
Reviews
Black Bear Cottage-Hot Tub, Pet Friendly! Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
9.8/10
Cleanliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 30 out of 32 reviews
10 - Excellent
30
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 32 reviews
8 - Good
1
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 32 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 32 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 32 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer B.
5 Sept 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Our third year at this property! Everything is always clean, welcoming & amazingly well-stocked. The location lends itself to many different day trips with lots to see & do. We look forward to staying again!
Jennifer B.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Karen G.
29 Aug 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
We loved everything about this cottage! It was just as it was advertised on vrbo. Clean, quiet, comfortable and so relaxing for us!
Karen G.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
ethel d.
11 July 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
WONDERFUL!
THE BEST VACATION EVER ! WE ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE THERE - THANKS!
ethel d.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Joe D.
2 July 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Summer getaway
Long weekend getaway. House was a described and communicating was excellent.
Joe D.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
ethel d.
1 May 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Family vacation
EVERYTHING WAS WONDERFUL! Cleaned and organized to detail- all needs were covered- beautiful cabin and beautiful nature around - Only the neighborhood does not align with them - the surrounding properties are in a really bad shape - there is a disconnection between them and the neighborhood. We loved our vacation and recommend the property to anyone looking for relaxation, fun and enjoyment - WONDERFUL VACATION!
ethel d.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Eric R.
3 Apr 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Fishing trip
Very nice,clean home.
Eric R.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Carrie S.
19 Feb 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Black Bear Cottage Retreat
Another wonderful stay at one of Nina’s Black Bear Cottage rentals! You can always count on her properties to be clean, cozy, and well-maintained. This property in particular was darling! Will definitely be booking again in the future!
Carrie S.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
Debra H.
21 Nov 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Happy Hunters
Rented this as home base for deer hunting. The accommodations were excellent! Would definitely come back next season!!
Debra H.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
clint s., Greenville, MI
30 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Awesome Property
We could not have been happier with our stay at this cabin. Property was very clean, warm and welcoming. Beds were comfortable, and kitchen well stocked. We loved getting up and drinking our coffee on the deck looking at the lake watching the swans. The fall colors were incredible. Property manager was great at checking in and readily available whether by email or texting. You are close to many wonderful destinations, Ludington 40 minutes and Traverse City 90 minutes.
clint s.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Bill N.
12 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely cabin close to biking trails.
Very clean and with small touches to help us feel right at home. Dog treats and lake and fishing signs In The cabin. Nicely located close to North Country Trail trailheads. Right on Whalen lake. We enjoyed several beautiful sunrises.
Bill N.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Veronica B.
22 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
A quick weekend away
I was able to bring my two young adult kids for a quick weekend trip. The house was easy to find. Beautiful and peaceful. The game room was a hit with the kids. The hot tub was also a hit!
We were able to find a little grocery store and enjoyed a lovely kitchen with everything we needed to prepare meals.
I stepped outside to catch the sunrise and saw a beautiful eagle. We saw little fish, snails and a turtle in the lake.
Everyone slept well in the beds. We had the perfect weight blankets and enough pillows. Bonus each room had a fan. Didn’t even think about my daughter’s love of her fan so what a relief!
Bathrooms had basic necessities as well.
The house had very thoughtful setup outside as well. Fire pit. Seating. We loved see the lake from the little paddle boat pontoon and kayaks.
I would recommend Jones ice cream - just a short drive.
And lastly the cabin had a wonderful living room for family movie night.
We look forward to returning again.
Veronica B.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer B.
6 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing Getaway!
Our second year staying here! It's a peaceful getaway with everything you need for a relaxing vacation on the lake. Convenient location for many different day trips as well. We will be coming back. :)
Jennifer B.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Heidi P.
3 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Labor Day Shenanigans Weekend
This was our groups 3rd year in a row renting a VRBO in the Baldwin area for Labor Day Weekend and this one was by far our favorite! Beautiful home with full kitchen, large refrigerator, big TV to watch the Michigan game, nice deck with patio furniture for outdoor dining and a good size hot tub, on a small quiet lake with kayaks and padel boat, fire pit with plenty of chairs to use on our stay. Log beds with comfortable mattresses, plenty of towels, cute cabin decor. Close to downtown Baldwin for necessities but secluded enough to escape for the weekend! We would all recommend this location and this host for future stays!
Heidi P.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Tammie O.
22 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Tammie O.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Ethan M.
13 May 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great Cabin
This cabin worked perfect. Everything was high quality, everything was clean, and could not have asked for a better experience.
Ethan M.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
10/10 Excellent
Eric R.
17 Apr 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Cabin
Clean, waterfront cabin w/ all the amenities you need. Already rebooked for next steelhead season.
Eric R.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Julie G.
24 Nov 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Cute cottage
Very clean and well stocked.
Julie G.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
10/10 Excellent
Sarah P.
29 Oct 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Fall Break
Cabin was clean. Lots of amenities. Host was easy to contact. Close to lots of great fishing spots.
Sarah P.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Michael M.
19 Oct 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing Lake Cottage
Black Bear Cottage is a wonderful retreat on Whalen Lake. The furnishings were very comfortable and the cottage was well equipped. We were not able to take advantage of the kayaks due to the cool and windy weather. The fall colors were beautiful around the lake and throughout the Manistee National Forest. It is centrally located for day trips to Ludington and Traverse City.
Michael M.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
AMY G.
9 Sept 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful property
Fabulous stay. Wonderful place for our family. 4 generations from 3 states. Loved everything about our stay.
AMY G.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer B.
8 Sept 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Great Getaway!
This place was clean, well stocked & very comfortable! Everything was so thoughtful and made for a relaxing week. We loved staying with our 2 small pups--the yard is fenced, making for a very dog-friendly experience. The location is central to a number of things, and we found lots to do & explore. Would definitely book again!
Jennifer B.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2023
8/10 Good
Cindy B.
5 Aug 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Black Bear Cottage
The house was excellent, clean and stocked with everything we needed. The lake had a lot of Lilly Pads not so great for swimming. Overall stay was good.
Cindy B.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Naomi M.
14 June 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing Fun
This is just what we were looking for. The host, Nina, was very nice and responded quickly with any questions we had. I highly recommend this property for a fun get away.
Naomi M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Felena H.
6 May 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Mini Getaway
The the place was beautiful and had everything we needed to be away but still the feelings of being home. Nina was great with communication and responding when needed. 10/10 would definitely stay again!
Felena H.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
10/10 Excellent
Melissa B.
31 Mar 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Spring Break Staycation
My parents, my sons and I had a relaxing and fun several nights! We had everything we needed and more. My boys loved the kid friendly loft and arcade games! They also spent lots of time casting for fish and while they didn’t catch anything the enjoyed being out by the water! I just loved the decor and the open main floor made it so nice to hang out all together to eat, drink and play games! Highly recommend for a fun place to go and stay in!