Welcome to our hidden gem just west of St. Ignace, The Blue Heron House. Located on a beautiful sandy and protected bay along Lake Michigan, this house has 50 feet of private sandy beach, and a large yard with pines and wildflowers. The cottage is 1300 square feet with peaceful and cozy decor, 2 large bedrooms, and a private sitting room in the master. Close to Mackinac Island ferries, or dinner in town, while also quiet. Central spot to start your UP explorations! The space Our cottage is a peaceful spot just across the Mighty Mac Bridge to Michigan's Upper Penninsula with a short drive west. Enjoy the rugged landscape on your way and scenic vistas of the Mackinac Straits as you travel to and from the Blue Heron House. St. Ignace is only minutes away, as are lots of great restaurants and the ferry to Mackinac Island. The cottage is located on a sandy bay of Lake Michigan, where swimming is ideal with several sand bars and nature galore. Unwind at the beach, walk the shoreline, hunt for fossils, have a campfire, or snuggle inside with a good book, board games, or a movie night. Fun cottage extras include a hammock, float rafts/tubes, water/sand toys, outdoor yard games, and snow shoes. PLEASE NOTE: the cottage is not wheelchair accessible and has narrow stairs to the 2nd floor. We are a few minutes from St. Ignace, and historic UP stops such as Castle Rock, The Mystery Spot, and Deer Ranch. The Hiawatha National Forest Ranger Station is just down the road with trails that cover the Eastern UP. If you are interested in exploring, this location is a great base for day trips. In addition to St. Ignace, Mackinac Island and Mackinaw City being just a few minutes away, The Blue Heron House is approximately 1 hour from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. 1 hour to Tahquamenon Falls and Paradise, 1 hour and 15 min to Manistique and Psalm Book State Park (Kitch-iti-Kipi, The Big Spring), 1 hour and 45 minutes to Munising and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. 1 hour and 40 min to Detour Village/Drummond Island ferry. 2.5 hours to Marquette. From a recent guest: "We spent a lovely week at Blue Heron House. So quiet, so peaceful, with amazing views of Lake Michigan from seventy percent of the house, including the entire first floor. This is not a rustic cabin but a cozy home, well-furnished and beautifully decorated, on a stunning slice of UP lakeshore. The hosts are hospitable, providing all the expected amenities and information we needed for a memorable and no-hassle stay. This house rests on a gorgeous, secluded bay, but lies just off a main highway near the Mackinac Bridge with easy access to St Ignace restaurants and stores. We can't wait to come back. It's as perfect as it looks. Thank you! -The Tanner Family" Guest access The entire cottage! Other things to note Please monitor children by the water at all times. The bay is sandy and shallow with several sandbars. We have a few life jackets, floats, beach toys, and camping chairs for your use. Please bring bug spray and sunblock! Please note: There is NO cigarette or cannabis smoking or vaping allowed on the property. If the interior of the cottage has cigarette/cannabis smells/fumes upon a renter's departure, or there are cigarette butts littered on the property, there will be an extra cleaning fee. Please check listing for what amenities are included. Cottage is not wheelchair friendly and does contain a steep and narrow stairway.