Growing up, my summers were magical. My family spent our days at a family campground in Port Sanilac, Michigan. Our camper, though tight for our family of six, was filled with fun and adventure as we left Metro-Detroit and instead enjoyed the beauty of Lake Huron. Those days left me with cherished memories that I believe helped spark my love of cabins. In Northern Michigan, cabins represent much more than a getaway; much like my summers in Port Sanilac, cabins embody a wonderful opportunity for families to escape from the daily hustle and reconnect with nature. Although my family sold that camper years ago, the idea of spending time with loved ones outside the city is something that is very important to me, and I get to continue this tradition by visiting cabins throughout the state.
My transition from staying in our family camper to renting cabins began in 2015 when I used the Airbnb app for the first time. Access to an app that let me rent other people’s homes changed everything. Once I discovered I could stay in incredible spaces at affordable prices, I was hooked! I started renting cabins on weekends as often as possible, drawn to a variety of architecture, from rustic A-frames to modern glass houses. Bringing friends and family along helped me recreate the joy I felt during my summers in Port Sanilac. At that time, I had also launched a foodie page on Instagram called "Girls Gone Hungry," where my sister and I reviewed local restaurants. We were able to grow that page into a successful brand, gaining thousands of followers in just a few years. This sparked my curiosity about whether I could achieve a similar success with a cabin-focused page. I began taking photos of the homes I stayed in and writing about them on a blog and social media platforms using the handle Moody Cabin Girl. This experience allowed me to get to know the hosts and learn their stories. Each structure had so much history behind it, even if it was new! I loved everything about what I was doing, and so I kept at it. Over time, I realized there is a huge community of people who love cabins just as much as I do. In this busy world we find ourselves in, cabins symbolize escapism and simplicity. They are a way to unplug and find a little bit of peace. Now, in 2025, I have developed another successful Instagram account and fully embraced my passion for cabins. Throughout this adventure, I've discovered many amazing rentals across Michigan, each offering its own charm and character. I'm thrilled to share a few of my favorites with you.
TUNNEL OF TREES
This 125-year-old log cabin provides guests a unique experience that feels like stepping back in time located on Tunnel Of Trees.
Quick Facts: Quick Facts: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, Sleeps 8
If you love vintage or antique items, you will fall in love with this captivating cabin located on the famous Tunnel of Trees in Good Hart, Michigan. This 125-year-old log cabin provides guests a unique experience that feels like stepping back in time. It's a mother-daughter endeavor, with daughter Meghan Warner Baker co-decorating and managing the space owned by her mother Kathleen Bowers. Meghan is a talented antique collector who sells her finds on her Etsy page, Great Lakes Modern. With Lake Michigan just across the street and a beautiful canopy of trees lining the road to the rental, this cabin is as stunning on the outside as it is on the inside.
RENTAL LINK: https://www.vrbo.com/888687?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZzv1HUjVYTK5Kw3319iqj_y5HABicWkrJW1oMS3YQ_D9GNa8zgBhAYQLc_aem_C7PBSRosSBuxsqmx3gBmgA
KOTI
The Scandinavian design emphasizes three key elements: warmth, functionality, simplicity, and beauty just outside of Traverse City.
Quick Facts: Vary based on each rental, but with a mix of 2 and 3 bedroom options.
KOTI is a year-round cabin community located just outside Traverse City, owned by the Kelly family. Currently, there are 20 cabins on the property, making it an excellent choice for large groups. However, it also accommodates smaller parties looking for just one or two units. The Kelly family chose a Scandinavian aesthetic for the design of the cabins; "KOTI" means "home" in Finnish. The Scandinavian design emphasizes three key elements: warmth, functionality, simplicity, and beauty. The resort checks off all these attributes, and it’s a stunning sight when guests first lay eyes on these beautiful cabins. Be sure to add this place to your bucket list!
RENTAL LINK: https://kotiexperience.com/groups-familyreunion
ACORN
The cabin features a whimsical design inspired by woodland fairies and nature in East Tawas
Quick Facts: Sleeps 10, 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths
Acorn House is located on the eastern coast of Michigan, along the shores of Lake Huron. It is owned by the Beatty family, who have created many special memories in this area prior to owning the home. When the time came to start their rental property journey, they knew they wanted East Tawas for the backdrop. This would allow them to offer guests the chance to create similar cherished memories. The cabin features a whimsical design inspired by woodland fairies and nature. The Beatty family hopes that guests will feel the same magic they experience in the area. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the lake, hiking nearby trails, or embarking on a scavenger hunt. Acorn House is the perfect family-friendly rental.
RENTAL LINK: https://www.acornfamilyretreats.com/
FERNSIDE
A gorgeous A Frame located along the Sturgeon river inNorthern Michigan
Quick Facts: 4 guests · 2 bedrooms · 2 beds · 1 bath
Fernside A-frame is located in the town of Indian River and owned by Holly Ellis, a Michigan native currently living in California. While she may reside on the other side of the country, Michigan will always hold a special place in her heart. She spent her childhood splashing in the Sturgeon River and exploring the woods of Northern Michigan. When the A-frame came up for sale, she took her chance and purchased the property. Buying the property would give her somewhere to stay when she returned to the Mitten State to visit family, and it would allow her to share her new home with others through rental platforms like Airbnb.
Ellis is an artist by profession and uses her creativity to decorate this beautiful space. The cabin style is Elevated Hygge. Everything is oh-so-cozy with a sophisticated flair. Guests are constantly living between 2 worlds: one where they embrace all things beautiful and old, that stand the test of time, and the other where they enjoy modern convenience. While much of the furniture and decor inside the space is an eclectic mix of antiques (think beautiful lamps, fur throws, and vintage art), the cabin still has all the amenities of a contemporary hotel. Comfortable mattresses, WIFI, and air conditioning are just a few of the comforts guests can use during their visit.
A very unique part of staying at Fernside A-frame is the access it provides to the Sturgeon River. This is a popular tubing river, and guests staying at the home will notice people floating past the cabin during warmer weather. Renters can sit on the sprawling back deck and wave hello to the people who zoom by. It doesn’t stop there! Visitors can jump into tubes provided by Ellis and float down the river to a nearby park.
This area is also a popular spot for wildlife, and it's not unheard of to see a family of deer take a sip from the river or graze on the leaves of the trees. While guests may feel off-grid due to these circumstances, the small town of Indian River is actually within walking distance of the rental, meaning it's easy to grab a bite to eat and shop at the local market.
When you stay at this a-frame, you truly feel transported to a simpler time where you can unplug from the 9-5 grind and embrace nature.
RENTAL LINK: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/38105331?source_impression_id=p3_1748097238_P3fWUT9JJjjvP1M4
MI TREE HOUSE
A gorgeous MI tree House is a modern new build rental option out of Bellaire Michigan
Quick Facts: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Sleeps 10
Guests looking for a modern rental option will love MI Treehouse. This is a new build out of Bellaire, Michigan. Owners Michael and Anna picked this location because they wanted their family to have a space where their children could experience an authentic Northern Michigan summer. This property, located on Lake Bellaire, was everything they hoped for. It has woods, private access to a lake, and is conveniently located near many popular tourist towns like Torch Lake, Elk Rapids, and Charlevoix. The cabin interior has an open floor plan and a bright, airy aesthetic. Four bedrooms, a giant kitchen island, and a huge outdoor space make this 10-person rental a great option for big groups and families.
RENTAL LINK: https://www.vrbo.com/4005277