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MichiCabin Collective

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked

Everything you need to know about staying with the Michi Cabin Collective.

 
Booking & Arrival — When will I receive my check-in instructions?

You will receive a detailed message with everything you need approximately 48 hours before your arrival, including the property address, smart lock code, Wi-Fi network and password, and other helpful information for your stay.

Whenever possible, we are happy to accommodate early check-in or late checkout requests. Because our homes are professionally cleaned and inspected between each reservation, availability is entirely dependent on our cleaning schedule and whether we have guests checking in or out that day. Please feel free to reach out before your stay and we’ll do our best to accommodate your request!

All of our properties offer convenient self check-in using a smart lock, so you can arrive anytime after check-in. Your unique access code will be included in your check-in instructions.

For direct bookings, you’ll receive a 100% refund within 24 hours of your booking, provided your check-in date is at least 30 days away. You will receive a 50% refund if you cancel 30 days or more before check-in. You will not receive a refund if you cancel 30 days or less before check-in. For Airbnb or VRBO bookings, please refer to the cancellation policy included on the property listing at the time of booking.

Each property has designated on-site parking. The A-frame features a circular driveway, providing an easy entry/exit for vehicles, especially those with trailers. Our other properties offer spacious private driveways that can comfortably accommodate up to 4 vehicles.

Yes, our properties are dog-friendly! We allow one dog per reservation. Sorry, but we do not allow cats. If your reservation includes a dog, please make sure he/she has been added to your booking. We kindly ask that pets are supervised at all times, kept off furniture when possible, and that all waste is picked up during your stay.

The Wi-Fi network name and password can be found in your welcome message sent approximately 48 hours prior to your arrival, or in the printed guest guide inside the home.

Our homes are thoughtfully stocked with the essentials to help you settle in and enjoy your stay. While supplies may vary slightly by property, you can generally expect fresh bed linens, bath towels, hand towels and wash cloths; beach towels where applicable; a fully equipped kitchen with cookware, dishes, drinking glasses/cups, mugs, wine glasses, utensils, and basic cooking essentials (oil, salt and pepper, foil, etc.); a Keurig machine and drip coffee maker with pods and ground coffee; hand soap, dish soap, sponge, dishwasher pods (where applicable), and a starter supply of paper products, trash bags and laundry pods; shampoo, conditioner, and body wash; and a hair dryer.

While our amenities may vary slightly by property, you can generally expect high-speed Wi-Fi, smart TV(s), a fire pit, firewood, a propane grill, a private deck, a hot tub, a washer/dryer, a Bluetooth record player with records, board games and puzzles, and extra blankets/towels. Some properties also offer unique extras: a sauna (Sunset Spruce), an outdoor shower (Modern Moose), a Nintendo console (Cherry Top Retreat, Haven in the Wood), beach chairs (Cherry Top Retreat, Sunset Spruce), two kayaks (Haven in the Wood, Sunset Spruce), a paddle board, rowboat, and two paddle boats (Sunset Spruce), water floats (Sunset Spruce), and a private dock (Sunset Spruce).

Please don’t hesitate to reach out! We want your stay to be as enjoyable as possible and are happy to help if anything isn’t working as expected. Reporting issues during your stay gives us the opportunity to address them promptly.

The outdoor string lights are connected to a timer and automatically turn on each evening to provide ambient lighting and help illuminate walkways after dark. If you’d prefer a darker setting to enjoy the night sky and stargazing, you’re welcome to unplug the lights. However, we ask that you please plug them back in after you’re done, as they’re important for safely lighting the pathways for guests arriving after dark.

Yes. We have our properties professionally treated on a regular basis to help reduce mosquitoes, ticks, and other common outdoor pests. That said, our homes are located in Northern Michigan, where insects and wildlife are naturally part of the environment. While routine treatments help minimize pests, we cannot guarantee that you won’t encounter mosquitoes, ticks, or other insects during your stay.

Each property has a few simple house rules designed to help protect the home and ensure every guest has a wonderful experience. These include respecting quiet hours, no parties and smoking/vaping inside the home, following occupancy limits, and using amenities as instructed. Your complete House Rules can be found in the printed guest guide inside the home.

Your property’s checkout instructions can be found in the printed guest guide inside the home. They’re intentionally simple and generally include securing the home before departure, taking out the trash, washing dishes or loading and starting the dishwasher if applicable, and making sure you’ve gathered all of your personal belongings.

It happens! If you realize you’ve left an item behind, please contact us as soon as possible. We’ll gladly check with our cleaning team, and if the item is found, we’re happy to ship it back if possible.

The Modern Moose is located across the street from beautiful Higgins Lake, offering seasonal views of the lake through the trees! North and South Higgins Lake State Parks are located just a few miles away from the cabin with wonderful public beaches, boating access points, hiking trails, fishing, and more.

Yes! Feel free to bring your own boat, as we have ample space in the driveway for a trailer. For boat rentals, we recommend Go Fast Rentals and B&B Sports Center & Marina, located just a few miles from the Modern Moose.

Yes! Feel free to explore the nature preserve adjacent to the deck side of the home. While there are no established hiking trails, you’re welcome to wander and enjoy the natural surroundings at your own pace. Please use caution, as the terrain is uneven, and explore at your own risk.

For larger grocery trips, Walmart in Houghton Lake is the closest full-service grocery store and is about 20 minutes away from the Modern Moose. If you need to pick up a few essentials, snacks, beverages, or last-minute items, Good Times Party Store is conveniently located just down the road from the cabin and is a great option for quick stops.

West Higgins Lake Boat Launch is the closest launching area to the cabin, in addition to boating access points at North and South Higgins Lake State Parks.

Yes! During the warmer months, you’ll find beautiful hiking trails nearby, including those within North Higgins Lake State Park, South Higgins Lake State Park, and the Marl Lake Trails. Roscommon County features an extensive network of groomed snowmobile and ATV trails with convenient access to miles of interconnected routes through northern Michigan. For more information, visit the DNR Michigan Trails website.

The dock is typically put into the water around early May and removed around late October.

Absolutely! Bass Lake is an all-sports lake that’s perfect for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. The sandy lake bottom makes it enjoyable for wading, while the dock provides easy access to the water with a ladder.

Sunset Spruce is tucked away at the end of a quiet road and surrounded by mature trees, creating a peaceful and relaxing setting. While there is one neighboring home, the deck, hot tub, and fire pit are all located on the private side of the property, adjacent to a wooded area for added seclusion. Whether you’re enjoying your morning coffee on the deck or relaxing by the fire in the evening, you’ll feel immersed in Northern Michigan’s natural beauty.

Your stay includes complimentary use of our two kayaks, two paddle boats, paddleboard, and rowboat (with optional trolling motor), making it easy to explore Bass Lake at your own pace. Life jackets are also provided in a variety of sizes. We simply ask that all equipment is returned to its designated location after use, including securing the boats sideways against the trees to prevent rainwater from collecting inside.

Sunset Spruce is conveniently located about 15 minutes from downtown Traverse City, giving you easy access to fantastic restaurants, shopping, wineries, breweries, and festivals while still enjoying the peace and privacy of the lake!

For a larger grocery selection, Meijer is approximately 15 minutes from Sunset Spruce and offers a wide variety of groceries and household items. Family Fare is about 10 minutes away and is a convenient option for groceries and everyday essentials.

Haven in the Wood is located within a quiet lake community, so there are neighboring homes nearby. While it is not a secluded or remote cabin, the outdoor spaces were thoughtfully positioned to maximize privacy. The deck, hot tub, and fire pit are located adjacent to a wooded area with no neighboring home, providing a peaceful setting while you relax outdoors.

The staircase leading to the second floor is part of the cabin’s original mid-century design and features treads that are narrower than a modern staircase. Handrails are installed on both sides for added stability. While most guests have no difficulty using the stairs, we like to be transparent that they may not be suitable for everyone, particularly young children or guests with mobility concerns.

Lake Louise is located just a short walk across the street from the A-frame! A small neighborhood park is located approximately 3-5 minutes away on foot. Simply turn left out of the driveway onto Havenwood Rd, and the park will be on the right-hand side. The park is a convenient spot to launch the two kayaks that come complimentary with your stay and also features a dock, pavilion, basketball hoop, and playground equipment.

The cabin is conveniently located near many of northern Michigan’s most popular attractions, including premier golf courses, hiking trails, ski resorts, Elk Park, and the shops and restaurants of downtown Gaylord. We are also located about an hour from Mackinac Island, Petoskey, Boyne City and Charlevoix. Whether you’re visiting for outdoor adventure or a relaxing getaway, there’s something to enjoy in every season!

Both Walmart and Meijer are located about 15-20 minutes away in nearby Gaylord. Both stores offer a full selection of groceries, fresh produce, and household essentials.

Cherry Top Retreat is conveniently located near several beautiful Lake Michigan beaches. Good Harbor Beach is one of our favorites and is only 5 minutes away! Van’s Beach in Leland is approximately 10 minutes away. Christmas Cove Beach, located in Northport, is a gorgeous and less populated beach that is about a half hour away. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is about 25 minutes away and is a beautiful drive down the scenic M-22 highway.

Cherry Top Retreat is conveniently located about 25-30 minutes from Traverse City, giving you easy access to fantastic restaurants, shopping, wineries, breweries, and festivals while still enjoying the peace and privacy of the Leelanau Peninsula.

Cherry Top Retreat is located approximately 20-25 minutes from Sleeping Bear Dunes, making it easy to explore one of Michigan’s most iconic destinations. Whether you’re climbing the dunes, hiking scenic trails, or taking in the breathtaking overlooks along Pierce Stocking Drive, it’s an easy day trip from the cabin.

You’re in the heart of Leelanau wine country! Many of the peninsula’s award-winning wineries are within 10-25 minutes of the cabin, making it easy to spend an afternoon wine tasting. Some of our favorites include Bel Lago Winery and Chateau Fontaine, which are both about 10 minutes away.

Cherry Top Retreat is centrally located on the Leelanau Peninsula, making it easy to explore many of Northern Michigan’s most charming destinations. Leland (Fishtown), Suttons Bay, Glen Arbor and Northport are all within about a 15-25 minute drive from the cabin, each offering its own unique mix of shops, restaurants, wineries, beaches, and local attractions.

For larger grocery trips, Walmart and Meijer are the closest full-service grocery stores and are located about 30 minutes away in Traverse City. If you need to pick up a few essentials, snacks, beverages, or last-minute items, Bunting’s Market is conveniently located just 10 minutes from the cabin and is a great option for quick stops.