Michigan is one of the best states to visit if you love the water. It is surrounded by Lake Michigan and Lake Huron; the only state with a longer coastline is Alaska. Michigan’s gorgeous lakes are playgrounds for swimming, fishing, and boating. The coastlines bordering the lakes include sandy beaches, like Lakeside Beach, dunes, and thick groves of the forest areas. If you’re a traveler visiting Michigan to discover the lakes, it makes sense to stay as close to the shoreline as possible. You can take your trip to the next level by booking a floating home. Complete with cozy living areas, functioning bathrooms, and kitchens, accommodations on the water are a unique alternative to your average vacation spots such as luxury hotels or Airbnb/Vrbo rentals. Read on for our roundup of the top houseboats for rent in Michigan, USA.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 12, 2024.
1. Stationary houseboat near Lake St. Clair, Chesterfield (from USD 167)
If the numerous fishing tournaments on Lake St. Clair are what you’re looking forward to, why not book your stay in this gorgeous stationary yacht that’s located near the area? This 60-foot (18.29-meter) floating home for rent near Michigan’s most populous city, Detroit, can sleep up to six guests with its two cozy bedrooms and two full baths.
The interiors of the place have been fitted to exude the charm of a typical home, which better explains why the lounge area feels so spacious and familiar. Make yourself welcome as you make use of the tiny kitchen, living quarters, and even the sundeck outdoors.
Chesterfield, Michigan, United States
277.11 km (172.2 mi) from Holland State Park
2. Tidy Whitey in Saugatuck (from USD 165)
This houseboat, which is nicknamed “Tidy Whitey,” features four separate outdoor spaces that you will have access to during your stay here. It also boasts front and back decks, a second-story deck, and a covered area on the dock with a lot of seats. It is cozy and modern inside, with a full kitchen, a queen-sized bed, and a small living area.
Other amenities you will have access to are the marina’s Wi-Fi and pool. You can even grill some barbecue on site.
St. Ignace, Michigan, United States
359.73 km (223.6 mi) from Holland State ParkAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Host:
very cool experience and awesome hostandy was a great host and had great communication with us throughout entire staythe boat's awesome andy is awesome and accommodating we love these types of adventuresRead more reviewsLocation:
ignace downtown was extremely charming and walkable and a very short drive from the boat locationcrystal clear water beautiful scenery all in a private location
3. Cozy sanctuary with spacious rooms in Saugatuck (from USD 477)
You can’t get closer to beautiful Lake Michigan than by staying on this houseboat. The rental has two decks, which are perfect for watching the sunrise with a cup of coffee or sunset with your favorite local wine. It offers rooms that are spacious and comfortable, with space for four guests in the bedroom and a convertible sofa in the living room.
Watch something together on the TV or play a board game to unwind before bed.
South Haven, Michigan, United States
40.24 km (25.1 mi) from Holland State Park
4. Pretty retreat near Frankfort
Previous guests of this charming houseboat rental in northern Michigan have awarded it a five-star rating. There is a lot to love about this beautiful retreat, from the nautical design to the amenities at the marina. Though the kitchen is not equipped for cooking complex meals, there are a lot of restaurants nearby.
If you want to have some catches for your own meals, you can charter a fishing boat. The accommodation is located next to a bike trail, which will bring you into the heart of Frankfort.
Frankfort, Michigan, United States
205.97 km (128.0 mi) from Holland State ParkAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsLocation:
right around the corner from downtown frankfort and close to all of our favorite “up north” spots
5. Luxurious and modern retreat with a full kitchen in Marcellus (from USD 108)
This brand-new, handcrafted, and cheap houseboat rental in Michigan has all of the comforts of home in a unique and beautiful setting. With fast Wi-Fi, Netflix, and a fully functional kitchen, you’ll have no problem relaxing in comfort.
The retreat sits on the shores of a spring-fed lake where you can also fish and swim. You can even rent the small motorboat by the hour or the day. On the shore is a charcoal grill for cooking your catch, as well as a fire pit.
Marcellus, Michigan, United States
85.69 km (53.3 mi) from Holland State ParkAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
this houseboat is cozy but comfortableCleanliness:
everything is very clean modern and comfortableRead more reviewsHost:
amazing getaway john was a wonderful host and the boat was absolutely adorablejohn was extremely friendly accommodating and helpfuljohn was extremely friendly and really cares about giving the guest the perfect staywe couldn't have asked for a better host or place to rest our headjohn plays the role of a host with a warm smile and welcoming conversation
6. Classic haven close to Downtown Saugatuck
Why stay at a traditional hotel in Downtown Saugatuck when you could unwind on this unique houseboat instead? The rental is located just minutes from the city’s shops and restaurants, so you will easily enjoy all the area has to offer.
After sightseeing, return to your haven for relaxing evenings with incredible lake views. The floating home also has room for three guests in the one bedroom and living area. Though there isn’t a shower on board, you can use the bathroom facilities at the marina.
Douglas, Michigan, United States
14.06 km (8.8 mi) from Holland State ParkAccommodates: 3
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
eash communication - the space was clean and so cozyvery clean and updated and neweverything was clean organized and extremely accessible we had an amazing weekendso cute so fun so easy perfectly clean charming with unobstructed view of the waterRead more reviewsLocation:
the town is close and had great food options for breakfast lunch and dinnerwe loved marina life and our excellent location made our explorations of saugatuck and douglas a breezeclose to all that saugatuck has to offer this is the perfect spot for a great getaway
7. Floating cabin for a couple in Lake Ann
Located on an idyllic and secluded lake, this floating cabin is perfect for a couple who doesn’t mind a rustic hideaway. It has some modern comforts, like solar power for charging cell phones. You will have access to toilet facilities on the campground and a barbecue grill for cooking. You can marvel at gorgeous sunsets over the water from the deck.
The rental even has a private dock for swimming, fishing, or launching a small boat out onto the water.
Lake Ann, Michigan, United States
220.74 km (137.2 mi) from Holland State ParkSuperhost
Accommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
i was a single camper and loved my own fire pit and showerHost:
rachel and mark are amazing hostmark & rachel we’re incredibly gracious and responsive hostsmark and rachel were both great hosts and met us at the house and showed us everythingresponsive hosts and would definitely come backmark and rachel are fantastic hosts and we would highly recommend :)Read more reviewsLocation:
the location is perfect toomark & rachel’s property is an ideal get away location in northern michiganthe location was wonderful and we had fun relaxing in this cozy cabini would highly recommend this place and hope to come back some time
8. Charming retreat within walking distance of Douglas
Whether you want to explore all the sights of Douglas and Saugatuck, or you’d rather enjoy the serenity of living on a houseboat, this charming floating home is a great choice. It is just a short walk from both cities, which have restaurants, breweries, and beaches.
During your downtime, admire the views of the water from the deck and watch boats arrive and depart from the quiet marina. The marina has all the comforts you will need, such as showers and laundry facilities.
Douglas, Michigan, United States
13.16 km (8.2 mi) from Holland State ParkAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
heater and ac worked greatand the wifi worked great toothe houseboat is stylish relaxing and very comfortableCleanliness:
shower facilities and pool were clean and convenientthe boat was clean and comfortablethe marina bathrooms were clean and there was plenty of parkingthe houseboat was situated in a nice marina that provided very clean shower facilitiesoh this houseboat was such an incredible unique experience very clean and charming it’s the perfect escapeHost:
jerry is a great hostjerry was very responsive to our questionsjerry was an amazing hostjerry is an excellent host and provided great tipsjerry was a great hostRead more reviewsLocation:
fun experience and great locationgood location not far from dt saugatuck or douglascute little place for a weekendtown was close enough to easily walk or ride bikes to which was a big plus for uslocation was very convenient with easy parking and the walkability to town
9. Colorful and spacious houseboat close to restaurants in Douglas
With room for up to five guests, the whole family will have a wonderful experience at this unique accommodation. Larger groups can even book the neighboring houseboat too.
Originally built in1969, the houseboat is colorfully designed with bright patterns that compliment the vessel’s orange exterior. It has a full kitchen complete with dishes and cookware. If you don’t feel like cooking, you can easily walk to one of the many eateries in Saugatuck or Douglas and treat yourself to a night out.
13.94 km (8.7 mi) from Holland State ParkAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
i fit in the bunk bed and i’m 6’3”i would highly recommend this house boat great marina views pool is just a close walk down the pierthe pool was just down the pier and so nice to relax in on a hot daythey have a nice size pool and common use grills and tables right on the waterCleanliness:
houseboat was immaculately cleansuper clean and very uniquethe marina bathhouse was also very clean and easy to accessthe bathhouse was very clean and the showers etc worked perfectlybeautiful and clean we had a great time on our girls’ tripHost:
awesome stay awesome hosteasy to communicate with the hostjennifer was a great host and very responsive to any questions we would definitely stay there againa wonderful place to stay with kind and warm hoststhe people in the area were all so friendlyRead more reviewsLocation:
it was a super cute placewe enjoyed a short walk to red dock for drinks and palazzolo's for gelatothe location was great and my kids enjoyed the pool as wellmarina pool is nice parking is easy just a short walk down the pier
10. Renovated hideaway just minutes from Saugatuck
This 1972 houseboat has been completely remodeled to include all of the comforts of modern living. The full kitchen has a microwave, a refrigerator, and even a stove and an oven. Up to four guests can stay on the floating home, which has one bedroom and a convertible bed in the living area.
The bathroom has a shower, so you don’t have to head to the marina whenever you want to freshen up. As a bonus, the marina does have a seasonal pool for guests.
13.9 km (8.7 mi) from Holland State ParkAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we made breakfasts in the kitchenette easily and thoroughly enjoyed the rooftop deckthe houseboat was very spacious comfortable bed big kitchen and amazing viewsstay on-site and relax by the pool or on the roof deckstaying on a houseboat was a fun change of pace for us the queen bed was super comfythe full kitchen was a bonusCleanliness:
clean cute and plenty of space appreciated the little touches of beach decor tooeverything was perfect and cleanjennifer was great to work with and the boat was very clean and comfortablethe boat was unique clean and comfortably slept 4 adultsHost:
she is a super host and super responsiveshe was responsive to texts and phone callsjennifer was friendly and helpful throughout our staythe boat is in a very nice relaxed marina--plenty of friendly peoplejennifer was so friendly and always quick to respond to any questions i hadRead more reviewsLocation:
this was an amazing locationunique stay great location amazing spaceawesome location close to oval beach down town saugatuck and douglasvery close to both downtown areas and great marina spaceit was in a great location and close to the beach and running/biking trails
11. Floathaus of Saugatuck
This two-story home is so well-designed and spacious that it’s hard to believe it’s floating. Inside, the houseboat has a bright living space and a ladder that leads up to a lofted sleeping area. This loft has its own balcony, which is great for enjoying a cup of coffee while taking in views of the sunrise.
Though the Wi-Fi here is spotty, the rental is a beautiful place to unplug and spend time with your travel companions. You can also take the free kayaks out on the water.
Douglas, Michigan, United States
14.18 km (8.9 mi) from Holland State ParkAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the amenities were spectacular from comfortable bedding to the delicious morning coffee providedthe houseboat is tastefully designed (minimal modern) and the amenities and furnishings are new comfortable quality and thoughtfulthe ladder up to the room was extremely safe and securethe beds were super comfortable and we had everything we could have needed/wantedthe bed was super comfyCleanliness:
everything was very clean and it felt very safe during covidit was very clean had everything we neededit’s a beautiful well-appointed spotlessly clean spaceso well-designed and spotless we loved our staysuper clean and super cool had everything needed for a great weekendHost:
jess is a great hostjessica was a wonderful hostjess was an awesome host she was super responsive and helpfuljessica was a great hostjessica is a fantastic host—responsive and helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
it’s the perfect locationthe floathaus offers a unique boathouse experience and the location is perfectwe had an incredible stay at the floathaus the location is so quiet and relaxingthe floathaus is truly one of the best experiences of summer the most perfect place to unplug and relaxwhat a wonderful place to stay
Discover Michigan's lakes in a whole new way
You can certainly discover Lake Michigan and Lake Huron with more traditional travel plans, like staying at a hotel. However, staying on a houseboat is a unique experience that will make your trip unforgettable. Surrounded by peaceful waters on all sides, floating homes are the ideal accommodation for travelers who want to spend as much time on the lake as possible during their visit, so choose one of these best houseboats on our list.
Frequently asked questions about the top houseboats for rent in Michigan, USA
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