Lake Activities
Enjoy kayaking, canoeing, pedal boating, swimming and fishing on High Lake.
A Pair of Lovingly Restored 1950s Lake Cabins.
Welcome to High Lake Retreat — a peaceful lakefront escape just minutes from Traverse City. High Lake Retreat isn’t a modern condo or a newly built rental. These are true mid‑century Michigan lake cabins — the kind families escaped to for generations. Knotty pine walls, cozy nooks, and that unmistakable “up north” feeling are still here, preserved with care. But vintage doesn’t mean outdated. Each cabin has been thoughtfully refreshed with private hot tubs, updated kitchens, comfortable beds, and all the modern touches you actually want — without losing the charm that makes them special. It’s the kind of place where memories are made. Where mornings are slow, the lake is quiet, and the hot tub is always warm
Relaxation
Unwind in hammocks, soak in the hot tubs, enjoy lakeside sunsets or gather around a campfire to roast marshmallows and tell campfire stories.
Close to Traverse City
Located just 15 minutes from Traverse City, the perfect blend of being close to shopping, great restaurants and attractions but far enough away to unwind.
Day Trips
Traverse City is centrally located, so making day trips in any direction is easy! Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes, Mackinac Island and other beautiful Michigan destinations!
ATV, Snowmobile, Fat Tire, Mountain Biking
ATV, Snowmobile, Mountain Biking and Fat Tire biking on trails all within minutes! Snowmobile rentals a few minutes away!
Skiing and Snow Tubing
Explore Traverse City's extensive cross-country ski trails or head to Mt. Holiday for downhill skiing and snow tubing! Larger ski hills like Boyne, Crystal Mountain and Caberfae are all around an hour away.
The Water's Edge
The Water’s Edge cabin sleeps 4 and features a deck with a hot tub that overlooks High Lake and the beach area below. The fire pit for the Water’s Edge cabin is down the stairs by the beach.
Explore The Water's Edge
The Hideaway
The Hideaway cabin sleeps 4 and features a deck with a hot tub that has a view of the lake and tucked under the trees. The fire pit for the Hideaway cabin is near the hot tub.
Explore The Hideaway
See what our guests have to say!
"Such a peaceful place for my husband and I to relax. The hottub under the stars was amazing! We appreciated the robes and slippers that Michelle provided. We would love to come back in the summer and enjoy the lake!"
- Taylor, January 2026
"Spent a lovely long weekend at Michelle’s place. It was the perfect spot to enjoy peak fall colors— the view of the lake was superb and the little beach was just right to enjoy and take it all in. Michelle was very communicative and gave us some great recommendations. Definitely recommend staying here!!"
- Jessica, October 2025
"A wonderful place to stay for the weekend! So beautiful and secluded but still close to downtown traverse city to enjoy the little shops and restaurants. Michelle was so lovely, she sent me a bunch of restaurant recommendations and they turned out delicious! I would 100% recommend to everyone, and we will definitely be back !"
- Danielle, May 2025
"Couldn’t have asked for a better view, cabin and host! Super easy to find, close to town, breathtaking views and so incredibly peaceful!! Michelle went above and beyond and was so friendly and accommodating. We’ll definitely be coming back. Highly recommend!!"
- Jesse, October 2024
"We had an absolutely amazing stay! The place was so charming and exactly what we were looking for. We spent every night in the hot tub and loved the private beach and going out in the kayaks and pedal boat. Michelle has to best host I’ve ever had; she sent recommendations before our stay, made sure the check in process went smoothly, and continued to check in throughout our stay to make sure there wasn’t anything we needed. Would definitely recommend and can’t wait to come back."
- Rachel, June 2025
"We had a lovely stay! The cottage was so cute and I just loved how they decorated it! We absolutely loved the hot tub and used it every day! We decided to walk down to the beach through all the snow, would love to stay in the summer when we can actually go swimming!! Ate at Peegeos twice during our stay, so close and so good, get the cheesecake! So delicious and made from scratch! We will definitely be back!"
- Natacia, March 2025
"We had an amazing stay at this lakeside cabin! The hot tub and private beach were highlights, and the kids loved the bunk bed room. The games and beach activities kept everyone entertained, and we enjoyed kayaking, paddle boating, and canoeing. The cabin was well-equipped, perfect for relaxing, fishing, or reading by the lake. Highly recommend this spot for a fun and peaceful getaway! Thank you!We had a lovely stay! The cottage was so cute and I just loved how they decorated it! We absolutely loved the hot tub and used it every day! We decided to walk down to the beach through all the snow, would love to stay in the summer when we can actually go swimming!! Ate at Peegeos twice during our stay, so close and so good, get the cheesecake! So delicious and made from scratch! We will definitely be back!"
- Caleb, May 2025
"Lovely cottage and lovely hosts. We especially enjoyed the elevated views of the lake and the great fishing off the dock! It was a quiet sleepy lake which we loved… we would paddle it during our favorite times early in the morning and at sunset and usually had the lake to ourselves. Quiet and peaceful yet also convenient to TC and other area must-dos. Thanks Michelle and Jared for a great stay!"
- Aimee, July 2025
"My husband and I had a wonderful weekend getaway. Michelle’s place was easy to find and check in was seamless. Her place was so cozy and exactly as described. We especially loved the hot tub. It was also very close to many fun things to do in the area, including sleeping bear dunes and traverse city. Would definitely recommend a stay here!"
- Madison, December 2024
