Located on Lake Michigan, its soaring bluffs and breathtaking views are a sight to behold. Empire is the passage to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore where you’ll be welcomed by rangers who will help you learn more about the dunes and provide you with excellent information on great hiking trails, beaches, and picturesque drives. While you are at it, don’t miss out on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive that loops through the Beech-Maple forest and sand dunes, offering awareness to the history and vegetative groups of the area. Want to learn more about the accommodation options here in Empire, Michigan? Then check out these awesome Airbnb vacation rentals on the list below and book now to get the best deals!
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 06, 2024.
1. Empire Blue House with hot tub (from USD 200)
Located in the heart of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, this accommodation welcomes a maximum of six guests. It is a comfortable home base close to beautiful sceneries and outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing. This house is just 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Traverse City where guests can find many dining and shopping options.
The Blue House is centrally air-conditioned and features a fully stocked kitchen. There’s also a grill, along with picnic tables and chairs, on the covered deck.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
very clean had everything we neededthe house was also very clean and stylishclean updated and amazing location homethe house is very clean stylish and in a fantastic locationit is spotless easy to stay in and truly feels like a “vacation home”Host:
she was very responsive to our questions and her book of local recommendations was super helpfulthe host was welcoming and responsive above and beyond expectationsdonna the host went out of her way to make sure we were comfortableyou can tell she is kind and truly cares about her guests experienceRead more reviewsLocation:
the house was immaculate the location is great just a short walk to the beachwe loved the location and spending time in the hot tubwe especially enjoyed the short walk to the lake and nearby restaurantsfabulous location can’t wait to return
Superhost
2. Cottage in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park (from USD 240)
Stay in this cottage where you can spend your time admiring the beautiful locality on the front porch or the rear stone patio. This cottage is a quiet retreat in the center of all Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore has to provide. This Airbnb property offers two bedrooms with four beds, a full kitchen, a bath, a living room and an entertainment room. The cottage is located in the New Neighborhood, where you are near to lots of outdoor activities that you can engage in, such as hiking, biking, skiing, kayaking, and wine tasting. Consider booking this cheerful place if you want to be near all the wonderful spots in the area and have a relaxed place to unwind after eventful days.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the lucky pig is a comfortable stay with a bunch of sights nearbyon the main floor the radiant heat floor made the cottage cozythe cottage is perfectly appointed and is cozy and invitingthe house is both cozy and spacious well lit and private feelingthe atmosphere is comfortable and cozyCleanliness:
very charming and spotlessly cleanvery clean cute and comfortable cottage” very spacious clean and comfortablewe found the house clean tidy and welcomingthe house is clean cute and comfortableHost:
todd is a great host and very helpfulgreat home todd is super friendly and accommodating hosttodd was kind informative and helpfulthe home itself was beautiful and todd was very helpful with recommendations for local activitieshosts made the stay easy and comfortableRead more reviewsLocation:
great location to empire trailsthe location is great with the lakes and dunes nearby and a desirable neighborhoodcentral proximity to all attractions in the areait’s location is perfect to so many great adventures close byfantastic location and a beautiful home
3. Charming farmhouse (from USD 135)
Stay in this cute and tranquil house located on an old farm in Empire. This is a clean and well-appointed place where you can retreat after an eventful day at the nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes. This single-level cottage offers two bedrooms with three comfortable beds and a full bath which can fit four guests comfortably. There are coffee, wine, and soft towels just like those you would find in a nice hotel. You can also use the appropriately stocked kitchen to cook meals or use the grill outside while enjoying wonderful evenings sitting by the fire pit. Staying in the farmhouse offers you proximity to the Old Indian Trail where you can hike, the Empire beach where you can be involved with numerous activities, and the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, where you can drive your car and cruise gently as you admire the breathtaking views of the lake.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we were initially concerned about there not being air conditioning but it was comfortable at nightthey have kept it's vintage nature yet combined it with comfortable and modern appointmentswe were greeted with a nice bottle of local wine coffee and some essential foods in the kitchenpet friendly and has all the basic amenities needed for a comfortable staya comfortable yet slightly rustic stay with outdated bathroom and kitchenCleanliness:
the place was clean and well appointedthis is a quiet clean little farm housethe house is comfortable and cleaneverything was so clean and welcomingthe place was just what i expected clean and the queen bed was really comfortableHost:
my hosts were attentive while respectful of my privacywe enjoyed our stay and can't say enough about the hospitality and kindness we received by the hosteveryone was extremely helpful and we loved our time hereour hosts were easily available and very responsive to our needsthe host was very accommodating in communication and supportRead more reviewsLocation:
cozy little property close to charming towns and hiking trails near the duneswonderful house great location and overall delightful accommodationsit's 25 minutes from traverse city and 15 from glen arbor so the location was perfect for usno frills but a great locationand it was such a blessing to be so close to the exquisite beauty of sleeping bear dunes
4. Lone Pine Cottage on Little Glen Lake (from USD 265)
You must book this place if you have the innate desire of living near a lake. This lone pine cottage along the Little Glen Lake offers you just that and more with its panoramic views of the lake from inside the cottage. This renovated Airbnb property offers six guests a bright and modern living area which is naturally lit by the sunlight filtering through the large windows. Guests can relax on the king bed and double bed in the two comfortable bedrooms. The sofas in the living room can sleep two more guests. Stay in this ideally located property and wake up to an amazing view of the sunrise on the lake. Moreover, you can easily access the sights of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore nearby.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
tv’s worked from a single remote the view over the lake was beautiful and calm inducingthis small house is very comfortable and has a great lake view and accessthe king bed had a topper that made it comfortablethe cottage is in a picturesque setting with very comfortable accommodationswe enjoyed the real fireplace in the bright living room while taking in the viewCleanliness:
it was very clean as wellclean quiet well equipped kitchenthe house was very cleanclean cozy and right on the lakejoe’s cottage was clean cozy and adorably decoratedHost:
joe is very responsive to questions or concernsjoe is a great host and was quick to respond to anything we neededjoe was a great host and got back to us very quickly with any questions that we hadjoe was quick to respond the couple of times we had questions and was very friendly and helpfuljoe was helpful and responded quickly to all of our questionsRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was perfectvery close and easy access to everything arounda great place in a great locationfrom the kayaks to the great locationjoe’s place was a perfect location close to the dunes and downtown glen arbor
5. Comfortable, family-friendly home (from USD 300)
Stay in this colorful family home in Empire which offers you interesting local art and natural beauty. This beautiful house is ideal for a large family of eight, with four spacious bedrooms that each have a double bed, two bathrooms, a large kitchen, and a dining area. Guests can also enjoy private use of the spacious backyard, which comes equipped with a fire pit, a grill, and two picnic tables. This highly recommended property offers you a great living experience with the entire family while being close to the South Bar Lake and the Empire Bluff Trailhead. Guests can also indulge in culinary treats in the form of Tiffany’s Café, Joe’s Friendly Tavern and Empire Village Inn, all located close to the property.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
it was clean and beautifulclean and very tastefully decoratedthe house was very comfortable clean and beautifully decoratedHost:
mariana was very quick to respond to any of our questions and helpfulmariana was very responsive to communication throughout our stayRead more reviewsLocation:
great location in empire near to everything and very close by the sleeping bear dunes parkgreat location and wonderful over all experienceit is truly a perfect place perfect location - especially for a large family or groupi would highly recommend this location to anyone wanting to visit empire/glen arbor michigan
6. Vacation home with a garden (from USD 325)
With three bedrooms, five beds, two bathrooms, a large living room, a large deck facing the beautiful woods, this charming vacation home can accommodate six people comfortably. Set far back off the road, this place offers its guests with extreme privacy – a great place to hang out if you are looking for some quiet time away from the maddening crowd. Go ahead and cook great meals for the entire family in the large kitchen or hang out near the fire pit and enjoy evenings with amazing barbecues from the Weber grill. Wake up to the cheerful chirping of the birds in the morning and sit out on the deck for a rejuvenating day. You will be wonderfully close to the Sleeping Bear Dunes, Glen Arbor and the Esch Beach when you consider staying in this house.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
there is no a/c but the cool night air (3rd week in july) made for great sleepingthe kitchen is well stocked and the furniture is comfortablethe house deck and garden are beautiful and comfortablethere were plenty of amenities like toilet paper and bath towelsvery comfortable home with beautiful grounds full of flowersCleanliness:
very clean peaceful convenient to glen arborthe house is very cleannancy’s place was very clean and spacious we would definitely stay there againnancy’s place was a sparkling clean very attractive house on beautiful property with lovely gardensthe house was very comfortable neat and cleanHost:
nancy is a great host and was super quick to answer any questions that i hadwe met nancy our host and she was very sweetnancy was a gracious and wonderful hosta lovely home incredible surroundings and a sweet and helpful hostnancy was a great host and i would definitely stay here againRead more reviewsLocation:
very close to all the attractionsgreat location for my family to visitit's in a great location to explore the peninsulacomfortable place to relax great locationwe just love the peacefulness of this place
7. Peninsula House on South Bar Lake
Have an amazing stay in this peninsula house that overlooks the South Bar Lake. This two-level house near the Heritage Trail offers a private garden where you can sit out in leisure and enjoy your morning cuppa. You get a great view of the surrounding from every corner of this amazing Airbnb property, which comprises three bedrooms and two and a half baths which can accommodate five guests easily. You will love this place for its proximity to all the hiking locations at Sleeping Bear Heritage Trails and the South Bar Lake. In a nutshell, this Airbnb property provides an amazing living experience in true natural splendor.
Empire, Michigan, United States
5.9 km (3.7 mi) from Sleeping Bear Dunes National LakeshoreAccommodates: 5
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
great views of the lake from the kitchen and living rooma lovely quiet apartment with beautiful gardens and a fine view of the lakevery pretty and comfortable home with a great view of the lake the house sits onthe house has plenty of room for us to spread out and relaxCleanliness:
the house is clean and tidy with lots of quaint toucheseasy to find and super cleanpeaceful and quiet - even with chickens about margaret's house is spotless and in the perfect settingHost:
margaret was a wonderful hostmargaret was the perfect hostthank you margaret for being a lovely hostmargaret was a kind and helpful host :)margaret is so kind and really makes sure you are having a good timeRead more reviewsLocation:
we definitely recommend this locationscenic location easy access to great beach dunesperfect location near sleeping bear dunesthere are some charming chickens roosting about adding to the character of the placea really beautiful & calm spot - easy access to lake michigan the dunes and everything else
8. Cottage on beautiful Glen Lake
Stay in this pleasant and peaceful cottage facing Little Glen Lake in Leelanau County. With three bedrooms and six beds that can accommodate eight guests comfortably, this is a perfect place for an ideal summer vacation for the entire family. The towns of Glen Arbor and Empire are a mere stone’s throw away from the cottage, not to mention that the Sleeping Bear Dunes is just next to it. The waterfront is remarkable and offers the advantage of daytime swimming. Make sure to book this place if you are enamored by the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive which is adjacent to this property.
Empire, Michigan, United States
1.9 km (1.2 mi) from Sleeping Bear Dunes National LakeshoreTop guest reviews
Host:
the only difference is that you kind of have to see the beach in person to appreciate itRead more reviewsLocation:
great secluded location at a very popular vacation spotdavid’s place is charming and the location is greatlocation location an amazing lake side retreatthis cabin is very rustic but it is in a lovely locationheritage trail bike path was close by for ride to dune climb glen arbor or just pleasure
9. Cottonwood Carriage House
Consider staying in this bed and breakfast property which is located in the heart of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This place offers four guests a fabulous open living space with a well-appointed kitchen. The spacious single bedroom on the upper level features a double bed and two single beds for your comfort. The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, the Empire public beach, the Empire Museum and the South Bar Lake are all a mere stone’s throw away from the house, so you can thoroughly enjoy them at your own leisure. Furthermore, shopping malls, restaurants, and cafes are within a short distance of the house as well. There is something for everyone when you decide to stay in this Airbnb property.
Empire, Michigan, United States
6.81 km (4.3 mi) from Sleeping Bear Dunes National LakeshoreTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
off the back of the room is a nice wooden deck with chairsan excellent space so cozy perfect amount of spaceextra perks: good breakfast every morning at the inn free wifi garage space to keep bikesfor context the house is an old carriage house/barn/garage that has been fully renovated and is very comfortablethe carriage house is a nice quiet cozy home just up the driveway from the main bed and breakfastCleanliness:
cozy clean convenient lodgingeverything is very clean and in good conditionthe house is well-maintained and very cleanthe cottage had everything we needed was spotless decorated cute and cozyHost:
we had a delicious breakfast provided each morning and holly was incredibly responsiveRead more reviewsLocation:
it was a perfect location so close to so many great experiencesgreat location bring your bicyclesthe location is amazing and a great place to stay if you’re looking for a quiet peaceful getawaywe loved the quiet location while still being able to easily walk into townperfect location for exploring sleeping bear dunes glen arbor traverse city and surrounding areas
10. Quiet country house surrounded by parkland
Consider staying in this charming and rustic home which offers you a private room that can accommodate up to three guests. This quiet and comfortable room with room-darkening blinds offers a platform bed and a queen bed for two. Spend some time outside the room where you will be greeted by the beautiful view of pretty flowers in the garden and enticing aromas from the kitchen. Book this place if you want to live near the Sleeping Bear Dunes and retire to a peaceful location after a day of exciting activities in the park. This place is close to Glen Lake, Empire airport and Dunes Golf Club.
Empire, Michigan, United States
7.37 km (4.6 mi) from Sleeping Bear Dunes National LakeshoreTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
mimi left out some wonderful chocolates in the room that i enjoyed greatlymy room was comfortable and it was great to have coffee with them on the porchboth are very welcoming and allowed us to use the entire home (kitchen living room etc)my husband appreciated the well-stocked kitchen and access to the vegetable gardentheir authentic bohemian decor is simply gorgeous and the room is large clean and cozyCleanliness:
clean quiet peaceful settingtheir place is clean affordable and very welcomingtheir place was clean cozy and quiet and the bed was comfortablethe guest room and bathroom were very clean and comfortablei'm so glad i found this place very clean and beautifully thoughtfully furnishedHost:
lovely home and very hospitable hostsour hosts were absolutely wonderfulwonderful host and hostessthey are amazing hostsmimi was a great hostRead more reviewsLocation:
great location near beautiful hikesa great place to stay close to dunes/downtown areabeautiful and relaxing locationthe location is great and we were very close to great hikingthe location was perfect for the things we wanted to do
11. Timber Trail
Enjoy the rustic charm of Empire when you stay in this single-floor cottage surrounded by the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the Little Glen Lake. The charming cottage offers its guests three bedrooms with two baths and a decent living room which can accommodate up to eight guests. Lounge on the patio that overlooks the lake or take the rowboat for a quiet ride on the lake. This fabulous Airbnb property is a five-minute drive to Glen Arbor and around seven minutes away from Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive Entrance. All in all, it is an outstanding place for the entire family to enjoy a nice vacation.
Empire, Michigan, United States
2.77 km (1.8 mi) from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
A relaxing time in the midst of nature
You will be transported to a peaceful haven that will rejuvenate you the moment you set foot in this quaint town surrounded by forests and lakes. Enjoy a lazy day near the lake or indulge in physical activities in the hiking trails. Whatever your preference, this paradise of a place will offer you the revitalization you have been searching for, not to mention the fabulous Airbnb vacation rentals featured in this article.
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