Twenty Lakes Cottage

Wonderguide by

Matt Owens

Twenty Lakes Cottage

Add some TLC to your trip Up North

QR code
Use QR code to view online version
Powered by Wonderguide

Local Coffee Shops

Our favorite local coffee shops

Image - Up North Coffee
Place
Up North Coffee
Matt:[1.5 miles from the cottage] What a treat to have an awesome local coffee shop just around the corner! Always a great house blend and flavor of the day on drip. Lattés, expresso, frozen drinks, and yummy bakery items are waiting for you. *** bring one of their tumbler cups in our cottage in for $1 drip coffee ***
more
Image - 505 Cafe
Place
505 Cafe
Matt:[15.6 miles from the cottage] Love the coffee and food! More upscale feel then you'll find in Harrison, so a nice mix up here. Coffee beans from Creations Coffee (local) in Midland and a huge variety of special coffee drinks, teas, and handcrafted sodas. ROOT BEER ON DRAFT... that alone should bring you here! A really bright, energetic, fund place to hang out. They also have cocktails and wine. The breakfast and lunch is really great. A few favorites are the breakfast burrito, cinnamon roll waffles, and bbq street tacos.
more
Image - Kiss Me Specialty Coffee Shoppe
Place
Kiss Me Specialty Coffee Shoppe
Matt:[27.4 miles from the cottage] If you're headed up towards Houghton and Higgins Lake, swing in here for a cup of Joe!
A gift for you!

Limited offer

Gift from Matt. Get a discount off all experiences!

Sign up now and get a discount off any experience of your choice.

Restaurant Recommendations

Good eats in town and nearby towns

Image - Momma Cillie's Pizzaria
Place
Momma Cillie's Pizzaria
Matt:[1.5 miles from the cottage] Best pizza in town! Our guests love to pick up pizzas to go, but the dining room is also open. Great selection of delicious pizza, pasta, and subs but also have burgers and Mexican. 1.5 miles from the cottage.
more
Image - Jackpine Restaurant
Place
Jackpine Restaurant
Matt:[2 miles from the cottage] Friendly local diner with amazing breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Enjoy the local vibes of fisherman fueling up, family outings, and carefree timeouts with friends. The Backwoods Breakfast is our go-to!
more
Image - Budd Lake Bar & Restaurant
Place
Budd Lake Bar & Restaurant
Matt:[2 miles from the cottage] A local favorite with nice beer selection, lively atmosphere, and American fare. Great place to watch a game and they have Keno + a few pool tables to keep you entertained. The Burrito and Cod dinners are a few of our favorites.
more
Image - The Whitehouse Restaurant
Place
The Whitehouse Restaurant
Matt:[15 miles from the cottage] An old school burger and breakfast spot, this is a must try! It can get really busy during peak hours, so calling ahead to go may be an option. If you're patient enough to wait for a table (only half dozen tables inside, some outside too) make sure to enjoy the nostalgic experience. Best burger around, by far! Make sure to stop by Dairy Phil's or Cops & Doughnuts while you're in Clare.
more
Image - Herrick House
Place
Herrick House
Matt:[15.7 miles from the cottage] This historic building was built in the Civil War-era and is a pleasant spot for amazing breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Our guests seem to love coming into Clare and kicking off breakfast here, before exploring the town and shopping. The biscuits and gravy is sooo goo, with a special UpNorth recipe. The gift shop is impressive with books about gangsters that used to retreat in the area, local soaps and textiles.
more
Image - Timeout Tavern
Place
Timeout Tavern
Matt:[15.7 miles from the cottage] Great atmosphere, local beers, a lot of variety on the menu. The cod dinner is a great choice!
Image - Ruckle's Pier
Place
Ruckle's Pier
Matt:[15.7 miles from the cottage] All you can eat fish nights on the weekends usually! Great food and good people.
Image - Buccilli's Pizza of Clare
Place
Buccilli's Pizza of Clare
Matt:[14.3 miles from the cottage] We like this a little better than Mamma Cillie's, so definitely worth the trip. Check out Dairy Phil next door for some ice cream!
more
Image - Doherty Hotel
Place
Doherty Hotel
Matt:[15.2 miles from the cottage] Looking to escape lake/cabin life for a more fine dining getaway? This is it. The Doherty Hotel has an amazing restaurant with outdoor seating and historic ambiance. This was built in the 1920's and a popular hangout for gangsters during the prohibition era.
more
Image - Horseshoe Bar
Place
Horseshoe Bar

Ice Cream & Desserts

Our favorite treats

Image - Walraven's Country Gardens Fruit Market
Place
Walraven's Country Gardens Fruit Market
Matt:[1.5 miles from the cottage] Best kept secret for hand dipped ice cream in the area. This local produce market has an ice cream store attached and had over 20 delicious flavors to choose from. Michigan favorites like Mackinac Island Fudge and Traverse City Cherry are among the crowd pleasers. Expect a line during peak hours, but stick it out!
more
Image - Dairy Queen (Treat)
Place
Dairy Queen (Treat)
Matt:[1.2 miles from the cottage] Always a classic.
Image - Cops & Doughnuts Headquarters
Place
Cops & Doughnuts Headquarters
Matt:[15.7 miles from the cottage] World famous, this amazing bakery is actually owned by the town's police department! When you walk in the smell hits you in the face immediately and the huge selection of doughnuts, pastries, cookies and more is impressive. A big gift shop with swag is there as well. Go on a stroll or have a seat in their large dining area with tons of police decor.
more

Breweries & Wineries

Some close by, some a little further.

Image - Four Leaf Brewing
Place
Four Leaf Brewing
Matt:[15.7 miles from the cottage]
Image - The Merry-Hearted Cidery
Place
The Merry-Hearted Cidery
Matt:[12.4 miles from the cottage] Such a gem close by. Only open on the weekends. An orchard right up the street that makes homemade hard cider, tons a different flavors. Some favorites are Peach, blueberry, and rasberry. The offer flights so you can try a lot of different ones. We also have a flight board at the cottage if you want to grab bottles for the road.
more
Image - Midland Brewing Company
Place
Midland Brewing Company
Matt:[42 miles from the cottage]
Image - Dead Bear Brewing Co
Place
Dead Bear Brewing Co
Matt:[46 miles from the cottage] A bit of a hike but a great area and brewery. Fun day trip destination from the cottage.
Image - Rolling Oak Brewing Co
Place
Rolling Oak Brewing Co
Matt:[47 miles from the cottage] A bit of a hike but a great day trip to Grayling and so many quality local brews.
Image - Grape Beginnings Winery, LLC
Place
Grape Beginnings Winery, LLC
Matt:[42 miles from the cottage] Worth the drive!

Nearby Beaches

Take a swim!

Image - Wilson State Park
Place
Wilson State Park
Matt:[1.0 miles from the cottage] A big sandy beach that's great for swimming. Just right across from us on the other side of Budd Lake. There's a State Park pass you can use that's on the shelf in the kitchen for free access. Please remember to put the pass back.
more
Image - Arnold Lake
Place
Arnold Lake
Matt:[5.4 miles from the cottage] A private beach about 10 mins away. Even in the peak of the summer there's nevery more than a few families there. Big picnic shelter, grills, and sand volleyball to enjoy. Grab a volleyball from the outdoor bin on our cottage back deck. Link to google maps of exact location of the beach. https://maps.apple.com/?ll=44.065282,-84.751742&q=%E2%80%8ELocation%20from%206/3/21&_ext=EiQpPYIbKVsIRkAx5UF6ihwwVcA5PYIbKVsIRkBB5UF6ihwwVcAiRWh0dHA6Ly9tYXBzLmFwcGxlLmNvbS8/bGw9NDQuMDY1MjgyLC04NC43NTE3NDImcT00NC4wNjUyODIsLTg0Ljc1MTc0Mg%3D%3D
more

Lakes Nearby

Boat, Fish, Kayak, Swim...

Image - Budd Lake
Place
Budd Lake
Matt:[Walkable from the Cabin] All sports lake with no wake before 11AM and after 7PM. Notorious for Musky, Pike, and Bass. This is the closet lake to the cottage and one you can walk along the waterfront in the winding neighborhood streets in the area. We have 2 access points to the lake within a 5-10 min walk. The local secret is the island out in the middle of the lake with a picnic area, fire pit, and shallow water with sandy shore for swimming. Live is better at BUDD LAKE.
more
Image - Little Long Lake
Place
Little Long Lake
Matt:[Walkable from the Cottage] NO WAKE LAKE. Great for Kayak/Canoe, floating, or fishing. You can walk to the boat ramp in about 10 minutes. Not really any other access but the boat landing.
more
Image - Arnold Lake
Place
Arnold Lake
Matt:[5.0 miles away from the cottage] Private swimming beach is the big hit and our little secret. Fish are almost always bitin' here.
Image - Houghton Lake
Place
Houghton Lake
Matt:[22.2 miles from the cottage] The biggest inland lake in Michgan! Boat rentals, water sports, and swimming. So many restaurants and things to do in town too.
more
Image - Higgins Lake
Place
Higgins Lake
Image - Sutherland Lake
Place
Sutherland Lake
Matt:[2.2 miles from the cottage] Just a few minutes away and a fun spot to drop the Kayaks in. A few parking spots near the boat landing. A secluded and peaceful spot.
more

Bait & Tackle Shop

fishing bait + tackle and more

Image - The Party Dock
Place
The Party Dock
Matt:[1.5 miles from the cottage] Closet spot, just right around the corner. For bait & tackle they basically just have night crawlers in a mini fridge, but load up on beer, pop, and snacks.
more
Image - Ken's Landing
Place
Ken's Landing
Matt:[1.5 miles from the cottage] Live bait, nice tackle selection and tons of various gear. Good folks that work here.
Image - Travelade Image
Place
K-D Quik Stop/Duggan Propane
Matt:[2.3 miles from the cottage] In the gas station they sell bait, small selection of tackle and gear, new rods and reels

Unique Shopping Boutiques

Get your shop on!

Image - Almost UP North
Place
Almost UP North
Matt:Their apparel collection changes more than seasonally and you'll find a lot of local inspired items as well. Big thumbs up here.
Image - Living The Good Life Alpaca Acres
Place
Living The Good Life Alpaca Acres
Matt:[10.6 miles from the cottage] Gotta check this place out. Unique handmade gifts!
Image - Clare Antique Mall
Place
Clare Antique Mall
Matt:[14.8 miles from the cottage] Easily can get lost in here!

Golf Courses

arcadia bluffs

Image - Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club
Place
Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club
Matt:[94 miles from the cottage] Get up early and check this BUCKET LIST course off your list! Rated the best #1 public golf course in the entire state of Michigan! The scenic course resembles a seaside links course, with rolling terrain and breathtaking views of Lake Michigan from all points on the majestic layout.
more
Image - The Tamaracks
Place
The Tamaracks
Matt:[7.2 miles from the cottage] A true shotmakers course! Greens have variety and are pretty quick. Scenic Northwoods views all around. Never too crowded.
more
Image - Snow Snake Ski & Golf
Place
Snow Snake Ski & Golf
Matt:[6.0 miles from the cottage] The closest course to the cottage and just a fun track all the way around. Never too crowded and a fairly spread out course.
more
Image - Devil's Knob Golf Course
Place
Devil's Knob Golf Course
Matt:[5.2 miles from the cottage] Closet course nearby and a good track to get a nice round in. Pretty flat and greens can be a challenge.

Ski. Snowboarding, Tubing

Close by and beyond

Image - Snow Snake Ski & Golf
Place
Snow Snake Ski & Golf
Matt:[6.0 miles from the cottage] Just a few minutes down the road and a popular hangout during the winter. Skiing, Snowboarding, and tubing!
Image - Mt. Brighton Ski Resort
Place
Mt. Brighton Ski Resort
Matt:Another favorite not too far.
Image - Caberfae Peaks
Place
Caberfae Peaks
Matt:[55.2 miles from the cottage] A lot more challenging than what we have locally. Worth the drive.

Kayaking & Canoeing

Rentals and guides

Image - Duggan's Canoe Livery & Campground, Inc.
Place
Duggan's Canoe Livery & Campground, Inc.
Matt:[13.4 miles from the cottage] Most popular spot for rentals, guides, and they have campsites all along their routes on the river.
Image - MHH of Michigan Paddlesports
Place
MHH of Michigan Paddlesports
Matt:[1.5 miles from the cottage] You can rent kayaks and canoes for the day to enjoy on Budd Lake, Little Long Lake, or any other nearby lake.

Day Trip Destinations Up North

Under a 2 hour drive but worth it if you're here more than a couple days.

Image - Mackinac Island
Place
Mackinac Island
Matt:[131 miles from the cottage] "For centuries, visitors have found this national landmark to be the ideal vacation spot. No cars. No chain hotels. Just world-famous Mackinac Island Fudge, historic Fort Mackinac, unique shopping and diverse dining. Unforgettable sunsets, awe-inspiring sunrises and extraordinary nightlife befit our ranking as a Top 10 U.S. Island by TripAdvisor and USA Today. ​Start planning your trip to Mackinac Island…the Jewel of the Great Lakes."
more
Image - Traverse City
Place
Traverse City
Matt:[87.2 miles from the cottage] Be wowed by the architectural and historical significance that is the Village at Grand Traverse Commons; or be entertained at one of the performance arts venues. In the warmer months, head out on a Tall Ship cruise that glides along West Grand Traverse Bay. If traveling on land is more your style, enjoy a carriage ride at Fantail Farm, a stunning fall color tour or a winter sleigh ride. It’s being shocked silent by the grand expanse of Lake Michigan, the wish for endless selfies at the Sleeping Bear Dunes and the feeling of stepping back in time at a lighthouse. When these moments happen, you know you’re in a pretty great place.
more
Image - Glen Arbor
Place
Glen Arbor
Matt:[108 miles from the cottage] Visit the quaint town of Glen Arbor, nestled among the Crystal River, the Glen Lakes and Lake Michigan. Due to its close proximity to the Sleeping Bear Dunes, Maple City, and Empire – Glen Arbor offers year round recreation. With a variety of activities, you’ll discover there’s something here for everyone.
more
Image - Lake Leelanau
Place
Lake Leelanau
Matt:[101 miles from the cottage] "LAKE LEELANAU is situated in the middle of Leelanau County and reaches from Leland to Traverse City. Crossing the narrows on M-204, you will find great spots to dine, fishing licenses (at the Bait Shop) with great fishing and a place to pick up some groceries. Dick’s Pour House has been a staple in the area for generations. Fig’s Breakfast & Lunch is a great stop for farm-to-table fare or try Peddling Beans for a cup of great coffee and tasty treats. Lake Leelanau boasts wineries and a distillery too. You can also find antique stores and thrift shops. Fresh fruit at roadside stands or organic baked goods & breakfast and lunch at 9 Bean Rows on your way to Lake Leelanau from Suttons Bay. Lake Leelanau is West of Suttons Bay and East of Leland. Check out the yearly Walleye Festival in the spring."
more

Wonderguide map

  1. Up North Coffee
  2. 505 Cafe
  3. Kiss Me Specialty Coffee Shoppe
  4. Northern Expresso
  5. Momma Cillie's Pizzaria
  6. Jackpine Restaurant
  7. Budd Lake Bar & Restaurant
  8. The Whitehouse Restaurant
  9. Herrick House
  10. Timeout Tavern
  11. Ruckle's Pier
  12. Buccilli's Pizza of Clare
  13. Doherty Hotel
  14. Horseshoe Bar
  15. Walraven's Country Gardens Fruit Market
  16. Dairy Queen (Treat)
  17. Cops & Doughnuts Headquarters
  18. Four Leaf Brewing
  19. The Merry-Hearted Cidery
  20. Midland Brewing Company
  21. Dead Bear Brewing Co
  22. Rolling Oak Brewing Co
  23. Grape Beginnings Winery, LLC
  24. Wilson State Park
  25. Arnold Lake
  26. Budd Lake
  27. Little Long Lake
  28. Arnold Lake
  29. Houghton Lake
  30. Higgins Lake
  31. Sutherland Lake
  32. The Party Dock
  33. Ken's Landing
  34. K-D Quik Stop/Duggan Propane
  35. Almost UP North
  36. Living The Good Life Alpaca Acres
  37. Clare Antique Mall
  38. Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club
  39. The Tamaracks
  40. Snow Snake Ski & Golf
  41. Devil's Knob Golf Course
  42. Snow Snake Ski & Golf
  43. Mt. Brighton Ski Resort
  44. Caberfae Peaks
  45. Duggan's Canoe Livery & Campground, Inc.
  46. MHH of Michigan Paddlesports
  47. Mackinac Island
  48. Traverse City
  49. Glen Arbor
  50. Lake Leelanau

Like these tips?
High Five Matt