Wilce Cottage - Empire, MI

Welcome to charming Wilce Cottage, built in the late 1890s, just about the time the Village of Empire was incorporated. This family- and dog-friendly home sits just three blocks from Empire’s public beach, which offers spectacular views of both the Empire Bluffs, which you can visit via the Bluff Trail to the south, and Sleeping Bear's massive sand dunes to the north.

Inside the cottage, you’ll find a homey, vintage atmosphere with all the modern conveniences. Use the full kitchen to whip up meals for the group, and serve them in the adjacent dining room. The cozy living room features several spots to gather, including comfortable couches and armchairs, perfect for a night in streaming your favorite shows on the flatscreen TV. If you’re looking for more together time, there’s a chess board and lots of board games on hand, and a foosball table downstairs. The Wilce Cottage is powered by fourteen grid-connected solar panels located on the south side of the garage and operating through Consumers Energy utility.

When it’s time to explore, the walkable Village of Empire features a few well-appointed shops, art galleries, antique shops, a tavern, and a newly renovated public library. Grab the empty root beer growler sitting on the shelf in the bathroom “pantry” and take it to Joe’s Friendly Tavern or Empire Village Pizza to be filled with homemade tap root beer for $5, then visit Grocer’s Daughter, a specialty chocolate shop on M-22 with lots of treats and delicious hot cocoa. The newly renovated Glen Lake Public Library, a block from the cottage, offers a temporary library card for $10, which enables you to check out books and rent videos for $1 each.

Empire is surrounded by Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and the park’s visitor's center is located just three blocks from the cottage. Featuring several interpretive displays, it’s a great jumping-off point for exploring the rest of the park. Two mountain bikes are also available for guests who want to explore on two wheels. With a charming interior, cute, walkable village, and outdoor pursuits galore, the only thing missing from the perfect Empire getaway is you.

THINGS TO KNOW

• All guests shall abide by Vacasa’s good neighbor policy and shall not engage in illegal activity. Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 8 am.
• The yard is not fenced; dogs must be kept on a leash when outside. Pets are allowed on the Empire Public Beach but must be kept on a leash.
• Six beach chairs are available, plus a rolling beach cart to carry them with.
• Streaming services are available with guests' own accounts.
• The bike frame sizes are 14.5 inches and 16.5 inches. Guests must provide their own helmets.
• This property is managed by Vacasa Michigan LLC.

• 1 dog welcome in this home. No other animals are allowed without specific Vacasa approval.
• Parking notes: There is free parking available for 2 vehicles.

You must be 21 years or older to rent this property.