Northland Vacation Rentals aims to provide peace of mind and a streamlined, effortless booking-experience for our guests. Connecting clients with an ideal property and making them feel comfortable, safe and relaxed is our utmost priority. We are committed to ensuring our clients enjoy a carefree vacation so let us help you find the perfect vacation rental for you and your family.


Let's Make Memories!

Escape to the heart of Northern Michigan at this peaceful retreat nestled along Benzonia Trail in Empire. Just minutes from the clear blue waters of Glen Lake and the breathtaking Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, this cozy home sleeps 13 (Ideally no more than 10 adults due to weight limit on bunk beds)  and offers the perfect balance of seclusion and access to outdoor adventure.

Set on a quiet, wooded property, Wild Things Cottage is ideal for families, couples, or small groups seeking a restful up-north experience. Step inside to find a bright, welcoming interior with rustic charm, modern comforts, and space to unwind after a day of hiking, swimming, or exploring nearby wineries and charming small towns.   There is a separate apartment located above the garage complete with its own living room, kitchen, sleeping space, bathroom and jetted tub. It sleeps up to 4  people between the bed and pull out couch making it the ideal place for grandparents or couples who want some privacy but still have the benefit of vacationing with the family. 

Enjoy your morning coffee on the deck surrounded by tall trees and the sounds of nature, or gather around the fire pit under the stars. The fully equipped kitchen, comfortable living area, and peaceful bedrooms make it easy to settle in and feel at home.

Highlights:
Just 10 minutes to Sleeping Bear Dunes & Empire Beach

Short drive to Glen Arbor, Crystal Lake, and Traverse City

Spacious yard, outdoor fire pit, and peaceful woodland setting

Fast Wi-Fi, smart TV, and modern amenities

New in 2025: Arcade Games! Enjoy Golden Tee 2025, Mario Bros, and Dream Arcades Vision Pro with hundreds of games to choose from!

Ideal for families, couples, or outdoor lovers

Whether you're here for a summer beach escape, a fall color tour, or a quiet winter getaway, this home is your basecamp for everything beautiful in Leelanau County.

-- THE PROPERTY --

Private | WiFi |

BEDROOM 1: Main Floor:  1 twin bed and a full over full bunk bed | BEDROOM 2: Upstairs Queen size bed |BEDROOM 3: Upstairs 2 twin beds|  BEDROOM 4:  Garage apartment, Queen sized bed | EXTRA SLEEPING: pull-out couch in apartment
BATHROOM 1: ¾ bathroom on main floor, off kitchen|  BATHROOM 2: Full bathroom with tub, jack and jill style between bedrooms on upstairs | BATHROOM 3: Jetted tub and toilet, garage apartment
OUTDOOR LIVING: grill, backyard, firepit, yard games, patio furniture
KITCHEN: Refrigerator, stove top, oven, dishwasher, cooking basics, coffee maker, toaster, paper towels/trash bags 
INDOOR LIVING: Living room, air conditioning, smart television, board games- the apartment has a window unit for a/c. 
GENERAL: Linens, towels, heating/ air conditioning
FAQ: Quiet hours (10:00 PM-8:00 AM)
ACCESSIBILITY:  steps into home, 2 bedrooms on upper level, apartment above garage has stairs to enter
PARKING: Parking area for up to 4 vehicles

-- REST EASY WITH US --

Northland Vacation Rentals welcomes you to unwind, relax, and get into vacation mode!  When staying at one of our homes, we want to assure you that we will do our utmost to provide you with a wonderful place to stay.  We take cleaning very seriously and make sure that all of our homes are well maintained.  Should an issue arise- no worries!  Our friendly staff is available 24/7 to promptly assist with any of your urgent needs.  

-- POLICIES --

- No smoking
- Yes dogs allowed- no more than 2 dogs for an additional fee.  Please contact management if you are planning on bringing a dog. 
- No events, bachelor/ bachelorette parties, or large gatherings
-No fireworks
- Please respect quiet hours from 10:00 PM-8:00 AM. 
-Day guests must be approved by management if exceeding the capacity of 13  guests.  Guests not adhering to this rule could face a fine or eviction as outlined in our terms and conditions that are agreed upon by renting our home. Capacity is strictly enforced and randomly checked.
- Must be at least 25 years old to book
- Additional fees and taxes may apply
- Photo ID may be required upon check-in
-Please refer to our terms and conditions for the house rules.
-Please see rental agreement for cancellation and refund policy.  Management fees and booking fees are non-refundable. 
We will provide a starter package of paper towel, toilet paper, garbage bags, hand soap, dish soap and/or dishwasher tabs if a dishwasher is available at the property. Depending on the length of your stay, you may need to purchase more of these items. Other items not included in this list are not guaranteed. Please reach out to management to inquire if a particular amenity is important to your stay, or plan accordingly.  Some items such as grills and docks if applicable are seasonal and may not be available.

Wild Things Cottage

Empire

United States

Michigan

Nestled in a serene location near Glen Arbor, this charming cottage offers easy access to Lake Michigan beaches, scenic sand dunes, and delightful nearby attractions. Guests appreciate the well-appointed accommodations, fully equipped kitchen, and attentive host, creating a welcoming atmosphere that invites families to return again and again.

GUEST RENTAL AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT constitutes an agreement between the Guest and Northland Vacation Rental (hereinafter called "Manager" to the Unit Owner hereinafter called "Owner"), to occupy the premises (hereinafter called "Unit") described on this contract as:

 Guest understands and agrees to the terms of this Agreement:



The rental begins at 4:00pm EST on arrival date and ends at 10:00am EST on departure date.


1. Payment Arrangements 

Follow Payment Plan Policy as directed by booking site.

2. Cancellation Policy

Follow Cancellation Policy as listed on booking site.

3. Damage Waiver

Each booking includes a third-party damage waiver.  This will cover the named Guest for any accidental damages that occur in/on the Unit up to $5000. GUEST MUST NOTIFY MANAGER OF ISSUE AT THE TIME OF OCCURRENCE OR AT CHECK-OUT. As a courtesy, Manager will file the claim on Guest's behalf.  This does not cover damage due to negligence- all costs of negligent behavior will be billed directly to guest. If damages are above $5000, the Guest will be responsible for the excess. 

4. Policies

Below signed Guest agrees that (s)he is 25 years of age or older. Valid identification can be requested at any time and will be required at check-in.

Smoking, vaping or the use of recreational marijuana or drugs is not permitted. No exceptions will be made. Guest will be fined for the restoration of the property including all extra cleaning measures. 

With prior written approval, Units listed as pet friendly, will allow a guest to bring a pet(s) for an additional fee of $175 as outlined in house rules. No pets are permitted at Units not labeled as pet friendly. Violation of this policy will result in a fee ($500 minimum) to cover carpet cleaning, washing of all linens, blankets, bedspreads, towels, walls, windows, window coverings, etc.. that may have absorbed odors,  stains, pet dander, etc.  

If the Guest's Unit has a telephone, all long distance calls must be made at the Guest's expense via collect call, calling card or credit card. 

Manager contracts third party cleaning services in order to make the Unit vacation-ready. During the rental period, the Guest is required to maintain the cleanliness of the Unit. The cost of cleaning varies by Unit but is not intended as a deep cleaning service between Guests. The Owner trusts that you will respect his/her home as Guest's own, take out trash and recycling, remove perishable food items from the refrigerator, load dishes in the dishwasher if applicable, leave the exterior of the Unit how it was found, etc. The Guest will find detailed check-out instructions at the Unit. A deep cleaning fee may be levied on any guests that does not adhere to this policy. 

Violation of the maximum number of Guests indicated in the house rules will result in immediate eviction and forfeiture of all monies paid. Refunds will not be issued. Occupancy is strictly enforced and randomly checked. Day Guests that exceed the maximum number of guests allowed must be approved by the Manager.

Fireworks of any kind are not allowed whatsoever on or near the Unit. Immediate eviction and forfeiture of all monies paid will be strictly enforced. 

The Unit will not be used in such a manner as to generate noise (including loud music) which will disturb other Guests, nor will other Guests be harassed or bothered in any manner. No house parties are allowed; including but not limited to, bachelor parties, bachelorette parties or fraternity parties. Guest is entitled to quiet enjoyment of the Unit through the terms of this agreement so long as Guest complies with the covenants herein. Quiet time promptly starts at 10:00pm EST.  

The Guest may not sublet premises or assign this agreement without written consent of the Manager. 

This Unit, its Manager and agents observe zero tolerance for any illegal activities.  

Absolutely no tents, campers or RVs at any Unit at any time.

All Units are privately owned; Manager and Owner are not responsible for any accidents, injuries or illness that occurs while on or about the unit. Manager and the Owner are not responsible for the loss of personal belongings or valuables. of the Guest. By accepting this reservation, it is agreed that Guest is expressly assuming the risk of any harm arising from his/her use of the Unit or other whom (s)he invites to use the Unit. 

Parking is limited. Please refer to house rules on availability. Vehicles are to be parked in designated parking areas only. Parking on a road that is not designated parking is not permitted. Any illegally parked cars are subject to towing; applicable fines/towing fees are the sole responsibility of the vehicle owner. 

Manager cannot guarantee against mechanical failure of heating, air conditioning, other appliances, or provided amenity services such as cable or internet. The Guest should immediately report any inoperative equipment to the Manager. Manager will make every reasonable effort to have repairs done quickly and efficiently. No refunds or rent reduction will be made due to failure of appliances, equipment, or amenity outages.

For Units that are on a well and septic/holding tank system; the system is very effective; however, it will clog up if improper material is flushed. DO NOT FLUSH anything other than toilet paper. No feminine products should be flushed at any time. If it is found that feminine products have been flushed and clog the septic system, the Guest could be charged damages starting at $250.   

Guest's credit card information will be retained in the Manager's system for lost key and lock-out charges. The Guest agrees to be automatically charged $25 per key in the event of lost or unreturned keys. The Guest will be automatically charged an $100 lock-out fee if Guest locks him/herself out of the Unit and Manager has to come to the Unit to unlock the door. 

Manager's cleaning crew arrives at 10:00am EST on the date of check-out in order to be ready for a 4:00pm EST check-in. This time frame allows the Manager to make a smooth transition for the next Guest. If the Guest is still occupying the Unit after 10:15am EST, a $75 late check out fee will be assessed per 30 minute increment of lateness if not pre approved by Management. 

If the Guest or any member of his/her party violates any of the conditions of this agreement, the Manager or the Owner may terminate this agreement and immediately evict Guest(s). All payments are then forfeited by Guest (including the security/damage deposit) with no refunds. 

If  the Unit is listed for sale by a real estates brokerage, the Guest may be contacted during the say to schedule a time for the home to be previewed. The Guest will be given a minimum of 24 hours notice for any showing. Guest's cooperation is greatly appreciated. 

5. Watercraft

Please inform Management if you are bringing or renting a watercraft that will be at the Unit. 

If YES, the following will apply:

Although it is convenient to keep Guest's boat in the water during the rental period, Guest should take note of weather and lake conditions when securing a boat for extended periods of time. Some of the waterfront Units offer a dock, mooring anchor and/or a boat hoist. 

Use of a hoist at a Unit that offers one must be pre-arranged with the Manager and the boat must be within the size and weight capacity of the hoist. 

Use of all watercraft storage facilities is done at Guest's own risk, and the Manager or the owner will not be held responsible or liable for any property damage and/or personal injury resulting from the use of a boat storage facility.

Any damage caused to watercraft storage facilities due to the Guest's use will be repaired or replaced at the Guest's expense. Refunds will not be issued for boat storage facilities that Guest feels are inadequate or unsuitable.


6. Acknowledgements

The accommodation is a privately owned Unit with the Owner's furnishings. The Owner is not responsible for providing any additional furnishings or equipment. Features and amenities are subject to change without notice. All information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

The Owner, or a representative thereof, may enter the premises for the purpose of affecting necessary repairs and/or maintenance.

The Guest acknowledges and understands that (s)he is a Guest of the owner, not a tenant, and therefore is not acquiring any interest in the Unit. Use of the Unit is subject to the Owner's right of possession thereof.

Manager and the Owners will not assume any responsibility or liability due to unforeseen circumstances above and beyond their control. The Guest agrees to indemnify and hold Manager and Owner harmless from and against all actions, suits, damages, judgments, costs, charges, expenses, attorney fees, and consequences of any liabilities, of any nature, resulting from or in connection with the Guest's use of the Unit or the use of the Unit by any member of the Guest's party. Furthermore, Manager may terminate this agreement at any time if any law or ordinance, or any interpretation thereof, prohibits or is deemed to prohibit the Guest's rental and use of Unit.

In the event the Owner of the Unit forces the cancellation of this reservation for any reason, Manager will make every effort to relocate the reservation or refund all payments by Guest in full. This is an extremely rare occurrence.

When the Unit is vacated or abandoned and personal property is left in or near the Unit, the personal property shall be deemed abandoned by the Guest.

This agreement shall be governed by and constructed in accordance with the law of the State of Michigan.

It is understood by the undersigned that any additional addenda attached hereto, which are read and signed by the undersigned shall be part of this agreement.

Neither Manager nor Owner shall be responsible for events beyond their control which may interfere with the Guest's occupancy, including but not limited to an act of God, acts of governmental agencies, fires, strikes, war or inclement weather. No rebate of refund will be provided in these circumstances. 

Please note that Manager is transparent with all fees charged to the Guest when booked directly through Northland Vacation Rentals. Manager has no control over how fees are  disclosed through third party booking websites (VRBO, HomeAway, Airbnb, etc.). In some instances the Guest may receive additional fees. 



RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION




THIS IS A RELEASE OF LIABILITY FOR PROPERTY DAMAGES, DEATH AND PERSONAL INJURIES SUSTAINED FROM THE USE OF THE UNIT AND RECREATIONAL FACILITY, AMENITY AND THE  EQUIPMENT RELAED THERETO. PLEASE READ THIS DOCUMENT CAREFULLY; IT AFFECTS GUEST'S LEGAL RIGHTS.


The undersigned, in consideration of the use of the Unit hereby releases, forever discharges and indemnifies Manager, his/her employees, agents, shareholders, officers, directors, successors, assigns, and Owner from any and all liability for any loss, cause of action, damage, personal injury or property damage. Without entry into this release and observance of its full terms, Manager would not allow the entry upon, or use of, the Unit or any part thereof and Manager is relying upon this release in allowing such access. 

Manager is under no obligation to, and the undersigned specifically waives any right to, the provision of any safety precaution, warning or other safety device related to the Unit. The undersigned accepts the Unit in its present condition and represents and warrants that the undersigned is familiar with the Unit and its operation and use and will use it only in a safe and proper manner. The undersigned represents that (s)he is under no legal impediment preventing the execution and full effect for this release and has the full authority to execute this release on behalf of all others identified for which the undersigned is made responsible hereby.

The undersigned further agrees to release, indemnify and hold harmless Manager, his/her employees, agents, shareholders, officers, directors, successors, assigns and Owner from any loss, cause, damage or lost benefit, including attorney's fees resulting from or relating to the use of the Unit by the undersigned Guest, his/her family, representatives or those entering upon, using, or in proximity to, the Unit by, through or under the undersigned. In the event that any claim should be made against Manger or Owner as a result of the use of the Unit by, through or under the undersigned,  the undersigned agrees to reimburse upon demand Manager or the Owner for all costs associated with such claim, including, but not limited to, all costs of defense.


Guest hereby certifies that (s)he has carefully read his agreement and agrees to abide by such items as provided herein. Booking guest is representative for the entire part, who are also bound by this agreement. 


** By making a reservation with Northland Vacation Rentals LLC either directly or through a booking channel  you are agreeing to the terms of this Rental Agreement. **

Wild Things Cottage

About The Property

Amenities

Reviews

✨ What guests are saying

✨ What guests are saying

Location

Empire, MI 49630

About The Host

Let's Make Memories!

Northland Vacation Rentals

Additional Details

Cancellation Policy