Relax Platte Lake

06/02/2026

It really is a beautiful river to float and relax!!!

One of Michigan’s most magical experiences is floating the Crystal River, where clear, slow-moving water winds through the quiet beauty of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore near Glen Arbor. This peaceful river flows from Glen Lake toward Lake Michigan, giving kayakers and canoeists a gentle trip through one of the prettiest corners of northern Michigan.

In spring, the water can look almost glassy, with sunlight reaching the sandy bottom where small stones, shells, and patches of river plants show through. The current is easygoing, so it’s a great choice for a relaxed paddle, though low water can sometimes make canoeing a little tricky in spots. Along the way, the river slips past cedar trees, grassy banks, and protected dune-and-swale land that was once nearly developed into a golf course.

Wildlife is a big part of the float, too, with chances to see deer, otters, turtles, frogs, bald eagles, blue herons, waterfowl, and fish. In fall, salmon move through the Crystal River on their spawning run, creating one of the most memorable natural sights in the area.

05/18/2026

Spring is in full swing and Summer is not far behind! We have booked most of our Summer weeks but have a few left including 4th of July due to a last minute cancelation. If you are are looking for a spot to settle, relax on the shores of Big Platte Lake and enjoy views like this in under a half hour we have the weeks of June 6th, June 13, June 20 and July 4th open. Weekly for 1,500.00 Sat-Sat (no additional taxes or fees).

Some trails are all about the journey, and this one delivers. 👏

📍 Alligator Hill Trail
🐻 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

04/16/2026

Gearing up for another great summer on Big Platte Lake!!! Return guests have taken up few weeks. Open weeks are 6/6-6/13, 6/13-6/20, 6/20-6/27, 7/4-7/11. Give us a shout if you are looking for a great little spot in Northern Michigan off M22 at the southern tip of Sleeping Bear Dunes between Frankfort and Glen Arbor.

03/11/2026

We are finally starting to thaw out up here in Northeren Michigan!!! Summer is on its way! Last summer was a summer full of renovations and updates to the inside of the cottage! This summer we are excited to share and show off our hard work!

We have all our return renters settled and booked!

The openings still available are - 6/6-6/13, 6/13-6/20, 6/20-6/27, 6/27-7/4, 7/4-7/11 and 8/22-8/29. We rent Sat- Sat for flat fee of 1,500 (no added taxes of fees). Even if not on Platte Lake, we hope you find a spot to come, hang and enjoy all the beauty in Northern Michigan this summer!

08/27/2025

Big updates happend at Relax Platte Lake! This summer we poured our hearts into refreshing our sweet little lake cottage. As we bid farewell to the final days of summer 2025, it is nearly prepared for another summer of enjoyment and relaxation by the lake in 2026! We have some weeks left in June and the last week of August available. Email, message, call or text with any questions!

06/13/2024

Excited for some updates including opening up our small, cozy cabin and adding some extra natural light. Since contractors are wrapping up for a bit (before starting again this fall) we can finally offer up a few weeks of rent- we have Aug 3rd, 10th and 17th available.

09/12/2023

Always something fun to do in Northern Michigan!

07/07/2023

It’s has been a beautiful week up north. We had a recent cancelation at Relax Platte Lake for the week of 8/12. Message or email us if your are interested in a trip up north before school starts.

Lake Michigan has warmed up to a tolerable cold temperature!

07/01/2023

Beautiful!

Sleeping Bear Dunes Sunset! By

06/13/2023

The water is already warm enough that we can’t keep the kids out of it!
We had a last min cancelation for this coming week 6/17-6/24. Anyone who can work remote want to come up and enjoy the week… or someone still looking for a last min spot to land for a vacation??? You can have it. We are dropping the rate to 1,000.00 for the last min opening. Have a great week! Hope everyone has something special planned for the summer!