Michigan, or the Great Lakes State, is a US State that’s known for its great outdoors. Touching four of the five Great Lakes, Michigan is full of amazing scenery. No matter where in the state you are, you won’t be further than 85 miles from a body of water.
With gorgeous summer weather, and a winter wonderland in the colder months, Michigan has something to offer all year round.
To make sure you enjoy this beautiful state in all it’s glory, you’ll need an accommodation to match the adventure level. So instead of booking a boring hotel room, why not consider a beautiful vacation rental in Michigan?
Many of the best Airbnbs in Michigan are encompassed by the state’s amazing scenery. You will have plenty of choices when it comes to staying by the lakes, or in the woods away from the world.
Although, there are a ton of options to choose from, so to make life easier for you I have listed the 15 best Airbnbs in Michigan for you below!
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Quick Answer: These are the Top 4 Airbnbs in Michigan
Lakefront A-Frame in Groveland
- > $$
- > 4 Guests
- > Endless views
- > Jacuzzi
Handcrafted Log Cabin in Brimley
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Old-fashioned living
- > Remote location
60 Acre Property in Holland
- > $$$$
- > 10 guests
- > Lake Michigan views
- > Lush sprawling gardens
Private Lake House in Clarkston
- > $$
- > 1 Guests
- > Lake views
- > Private ensuite
What to Expect from Airbnbs in Michigan
There should be no doubt, that when exploring Michigan you must ditch the regular hotel room and find yourself alternative accommodation, such as vacation rentals in Michigan.
Michigan boasts endless natural beauty, fascinating cities like Grand Rapids, and welcoming small towns such as Mackinaw City. If you’re seeking seclusion, Michigan Airbnbs will grant you access to deep forests or remote shorelines along the Great Lakes.
You will have the chance to stay in homes that are wildly different from what you are used to. But at the same time, have all the luxuries and privacy that you enjoy back home.
If you stay where the locals live, you will be close by to shops, restaurants, and hidden gems to add another layer to your adventure.
Airbnbs can also be a great option for larger groups and families. Don’t get multiple hotel rooms – have an entire space to yourself!
The 15 Top Airbnbs in Michigan
Now it is time to get down to business, read on to find out which are the best Michigan Airbnbs.
Lakefront A-Frame in Groveland | Overall Best Value Airbnb in Michigan
Take your partner, or a couple of friends, to experience this awesome tiny house A-Frame Airbnb in Michigan. Located at the high point of Narrin Farms, it has excellent views of the valley and is a 100-acre property.
Venture beyond your cute home, and explore the farm’s private walking trails and the many animals that call this place home. At night, kick back and enjoy the hot tub under the stars, and light up the fire pit to share your best travel tales.
Visit Narrin Lake during the day. This lake only has private access so it’ll be a nice quiet refuge during your stay.
Handcrafted Log Cabin in Brimley | Best Budget Airbnb in Michigan
If you don’t fancy staying in hostels in Michigan, I don’t blame you! Especially when you can take a step back in time, and stay the night at this tiny house Airbnb in Michigan.
About as basic as you can get, the cabin promotes experience over luxury. The lack of amenities will bring you closer to your natural surroundings, with no neighbors in sight.
Light up the wood furnace to warm the cabin, kick back under some blankets, and listen to the sounds of nature.
During the day you can explore the local lakes, fishing spots, and hiking trails. The Iroquois Lighthouse Beach on Lake Superior is less than a mile away.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REI60 Acre Property in Holland | Over-the-Top Luxury Airbnb in Michigan
The sheer beauty of this Lake Michigan estate has to be seen to be believed. Deep in the peaceful woods that line the edges of Lake Michigan, this home is the ultimate luxury gathering space for family and friends.
From the home, you can gaze over the lake, or get a better view from the hammock right above the water. Catch a sunset from the patio and wander down the fire pit for an evening lakeside fire.
The spacious and cozy living area and kitchen space gives everyone room to move and relax, while the deluxe bedrooms look out into the wooded forests.
With space for 10 guests, why not gather everyone for an incredible stay at this luxurious Airbnb?
Private Lake House in Clarkston | Perfect Michigan Airbnb for Solo Travelers
Ditch the basic hotels and crowded dorm rooms and stay in lakeside luxury Michigan Airbnb. You can have your own private bedroom with extra space just for relaxing and taking in the views, plus your own private entrance.
You won’t have to get to know strangers in the communal bathrooms as there is a private bathroom all to yourself.
The lake house features its own private beach on which you can hire kayaks and SUPs to get around.
There is a fire pit for a wonderful evening under the stars. Guests from other suites often gather for what can be a fun night meeting fellow travelers.
If you aren’t feeling social, you can lounge in your room and flick through the cable channels.
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It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Airbnbs in Michigan
Here are a few more of my favorite Airbnbs in Michigan!
The Firefly Stargazer in Hastings | Most Romantic Airbnb for Couples
As you rest in this cute Airbnb in Michigan, you can see the stars right from the bed. Cuddle up with your loved one and look through the canopy windows. It is the perfect end to every one of your days at this romantic escape.
Surrounded by farm fields, it is a place to replenish your soul and spend quality time with your partner.
During firefly season, from July to August, you will see how this home got its name. Under the moonlight, you will see them dance around the fields, illuminating the scenery.
Cabin in Nature in Saugatuck | Best Airbnb in Michigan for Families
Old-time charm and contemporary comfort combine at this Airbnb in Michigan. Enjoy a country escape that is perfect for the little ones, while giving you the chance to disconnect from life at home.
The large kids’ room can sleep up to four people, which leaves you with your own private master bedroom.
Each night, you can gather the family around the fire pit and make s’mores, and tell ghost stories. Throughout the day, everyone can make use of the hot tub and hang out in front of the indoor fireplace.
When the sun is out, head down to the lake and enjoy an afternoon by the water.
Pine Cottage in Saugatuck | Best Cottage on Airbnb in Michigan
Ready to get out of the city and see more of the Great Lake State’s wonderful nature? Check out this cottage Airbnb in Michigan.
Surrounded by deep green forests, and just minutes from the Wau-Ke-Na Smith Preserve, you will swear you are the only ones on the planet. Unplug and disconnect from modern life, light up the campfire and hang out with friends.
At night, this cottage’s outdoor space will light up, making it the perfect time to also jump into the hot tub. If it’s a bit chilly, snuggle up for some Netflix, or bring out the cabin’s many board games.
Lake Front Cabin in West Branch | Best Cabin on Airbnb in Michigan
Located within the Clear Lake gated community, this cabin features unbeatable views of the water.
The spacious home has multiple bedrooms including twin bunk beds so you can bring along whoever you want.
During the summer months, you can hire pontoon boats and spend a day on the lake. For something more relaxing, grab a book and sit under the trees. The spacious lawn has plenty of shade so it’s a great place to begin a page-turner.
There are on-site restaurants so you won’t have to cook every night, and the ice cream parlors will be a great way to end the day.
Chalet in Erie | Best Lakefront Home on Airbnb in Michigan
Enjoy lakefront serenity and sunsets with up to six guests at this lake frontage home. Enjoy a cup of coffee on the huge deck, and, kick back under the deck lights every evening.
The inviting views of the lake just yards from the home will make you want to spend every day on the water.
Jump on the kayaks provided by the chalet, or you can even bring along your own boat. You can also fish from the end of your private dock.
The home is not far from Toledo for easy access to nightlife and museums.
Home on the Lake in Waterford | Best Airbnb with Jacuzzi
The Guesthouse on Schoolhouse Lake gives you views so close to the lake, you will feel like you are floating.
The home has been in the host’s family since the 1920s, and has been wowing its visitors for decades.
You can wake up to views of the lake from your bedroom, and have breakfast in the sunlit cosy living room.
There are multiple lakes and channels to explore during your stay. These are best discovered in the seat of a kayak, or on a pedal boat.
Have a soak each evening in the saltwater hot tub, and fall asleep on the comfy incline bed as you look out to the lake.
Fernside A-Frame on the Indian River | Best Airbnb with a View
This riverside home is a dream for those that love their a-frames. The home is as mesmerizing as the landscape that surrounds it. With mahogany wooden walls and black beams, it is a comfortable home where you can get a restful sleep each night.
In all seasons, light up the fire pit and soak in the sounds of the rushing Indian River as it goes by. Secluded and with no neighbors, it will be extremely hard to top the magnificent view.
Cook up a feast on the BBQ before cuddling up under the blanket in front of the warm fireplace.
Good Vibes in Traverse City | Best Airbnb for a Weekend in Michigan
Pack a bag and get out of town for the weekend. Head to Traverse City and experience the best of Northern Michigan.
Once you arrive, you can pop open the complimentary bottle of sparkling wine and take advantage of the discount for wine tastings at a local vineyard.
Open the beachfront doors and have sand dance between your toes in five steps. Each night, you can have a beach bonfire as the sun goes down as you look across the Grand Traverse Bay.
Such amazing evening views will be the perfect tonic for those that need a break from the stress of life. The home is only 5 minutes from downtown Traverse City, which means you can eat out for any meal during the day. If you feel like hiking, head out to the beautiful Northern Michigan woods or take a drive to scenic Lake Ann.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Secluded Home | Designer Airbnb in Michigan
For those looking for a designer home that offers something truly special and unique, you’ll need to look no further than this home built by iconic architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, The Palmer House. This multi-level home is clad with wood, with huge windows flooding in natural light.
It was designed based on the equilateral triangle and features a hipped roof with deep overhangs. The interiors have been designed in an open-plan fashion, and even the furniture was designed by Wright. Around the house, you’ll find 2 acres of woodland.
If you’re looking for a stylish place to stay with a group of friends, with no one around, you can’t pass up this unique Airbnb in Michigan.
Large Retreat in Ellsworth | Best Airbnb in Michigan for a Group of Friends
Get all your best buds together and journey to Ellsworth for a quiet weekend getaway. With amazing lakefront views, relax in this comfortable home and catch up with your friends.
There are multiple spots to take in the vistas of the lake below, and you can walk down to the private beach. The front patio is great for having dinner in front of the orange sunset.
At night, play cards in front of the fireplace, hook up Netflix for movies, and whip out boards games for some competitive fun.
As you rest your head, look forward to some more time on the kayaks the following day.
Floathaus in Saugatuck | Most Unique Airbnb in Michigan
The award for the most unique Airbnb in the state goes to this tiny house floating home. Forget container homes on wheels, it’s now time for container homes on lakes.
Instead of the regular lake views, be on the lake itself and fall asleep every night to the rhythm of the water. Wake up and jump on the provided kayaks to explore the waters, the lake, and the rest of the marina.
At night, take in the epic sunsets from your own private deck. On land, there are many restaurants just a short drive away and South Haven is just a 20 minute drive down the coast, or Grand Haven 40 minutes up the coast. But, I won’t blame you for not wanting to leave this place.
Airbnb Experiences
Do you fancy a day trip to go with that nice little apartment?!
Airbnb Experiences is a feature offered by Airbnb that allows hosts to offer unique, curated activities to guests – or to anyone who’s interested in, even if they’re not staying at an Airbnb property. These experiences can range from cooking classes and guided tours to art workshops, outdoor adventures, and more.
Airbnb Experiences was created to offer travellers a deeper connection with a destination by offering truly unique experiences, all led by locals who are both knowledgeable and passionate about their city.
Some personal highlights of my Airbnb Experiences include a tapas bar-crawl in Granada, a Samurai workshop in Kyoto, and a graffiti spotting bike ride around Bogota.
FAQs about Airbnbs in Michigan
Here’s what people usually ask me about vacation rentals in Michigan.
What to Pack for Michigan
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for an Airbnb stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Don’t Forget Your Michigan Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Michigan Airbnbs
The best Airbnbs in Michigan all have one thing in common – they will connect you to the state’s impressive natural world. Whether that be along the coast of the Great Lakes or through the forests that spread throughout the land.
With Airbnbs in Michigan, you can get away from the crowds, discover small towns that never would have crossed your radar, and wake up each morning to beautiful views. Have privacy, time to spend with friends and family, and amenities you’d be lucky to get at a hotel.
Now, go and discover the Great Lake State, and book one of these Airbnbs!
But don’t forget, folks – travel insurance can be annoying to get, but you should consider it before your journey to Michigan.
- Check out our Backpacking USA guide for in-depth info for your trip.
- Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
- Make sure you visit the other best places in the USA too.
- hat will of course include many of the stunning National Parks of the USA.
- A great way to see the country is by taking an epic road trip around the USA.
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