The unique 1930 train caboose is nestled over looking the Big Manistee River in the heart of the Manistee National Forest. The caboose has been converted into a cabin, that offers sleeping of up to 6. It's location is close to hiking, canoeing, and fishing. Owners Michael & Jenni Tilmann have worked hard to make this a cozy and clean place to stay while enjoying your next rustic adventure. Capt. Michael is a river guide as well as a Charter Boat Captain, which makes for a great place to stay prior and post fishing trips. North West Michigan offers lots of activities such as Sleeping Bear Dunes, casinos, as well as the wonderful beaches of Lake Michigan! For further details please visit www.visitmanistee.com !
During your stay at this lodge, you're just a quick walk from Huron-Manistee National Forest.
21.3 miles (34.3 km) from Lake Michigan and 15.1 miles (24.2 km) from Little River Casino
The Lodge in Manistee offers its guests barbecue grills. The front desk is open around the clock.
This Manistee lodge is smoke free.
Property amenities
Things to do
Books
Outdoors
Barbecue grill
Firepit
On a river
Outdoor furniture
More
Smoke-free property
Room amenities
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
Shower
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Entertainment
TV with cable/satellite channels
Food and drink
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dining table
Hob
Kitchen
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Separate dining area
Toaster
More
Air conditioning
Heating
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 21
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Pets
No pets allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome.
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Cashless transactions are available
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, which will enable you to manage your booking.
Property is also known as
The Lodge in Manistee Lodge
The Lodge in Manistee Manistee
The Lodge in Manistee Lodge Manistee
The Lodge in Manistee Reviews
Reviews
7.8
Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 15 out of 30 reviews
10 - Excellent
15
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 30 reviews
8 - Good
7
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 30 reviews
6 - Okay
1
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 30 reviews
4 - Poor
4
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 30 reviews
2 - Terrible
3
7.6/10
Cleanliness
6.8/10
Staff & service
6.8/10
Amenities
6.8/10
Property conditions & facilities
6.8/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
4/10 Poor
Eric J.
6 Oct 2025
Overwhelming smell of a mold problem, a/c was a window unit that didn’t work, was in a side yard with barking dogs. Would not recommend.
Eric J.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Ron F.
4 Oct 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Very nice made a great fish camp
Ron F.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
10/10 Excellent
Derek C., New Albany Indiana
19 Sept 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Accommodations for fishing trip
Derek C.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
10/10 Excellent
Scott R.
7 Sept 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
It was good
Scott R.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
8/10 Good
Jeremy B.
13 Aug 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Giid stay for a couple guys in to salmon fish.
Jeremy B.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
4/10 Poor
Joe S.
7 Aug 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Sleeping accommodation
Sleeping accommodations were only good for two male adults Bunkbeds were for midgets or children
Joe S.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
8/10 Good
Karen L.
28 Jul 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Quiet beatiful view
Cute little cabin in manistee with decent view down to the river.
Karen L.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
4/10 Poor
Ethan M.
24 Jun 2025
Disliked: Cleanliness
Hot weekend
It was a hot weekend, and AC wasn’t running upon arrival had to turn it on to cool off the place. Old empty beer cans on back porch, and around fireplace. No hot water, and the floor is rotting in front of the shower. I came into town for a business meeting, and ended up driving home the same night. Wasn’t expecting it to be basically in the backyard of someone’s property too.
Ethan M.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Dave S.
16 Mar 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
great time
quiet. beautiful view.
Dave S.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
natasha m.
7 Nov 2024
natasha m.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Karen L.
23 Sept 2024
Fishing cabin
Decent accommodation for a cabin fitting 6
Karen L.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
chris s.
23 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Weekend trip
Really loved the location, Nice location over looking the Manistee River.
chris s.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Jason P.
31 Jul 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Jason P.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Roy A.
31 Jul 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Roy A.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024
2/10 Terrible
Michelle N.
23 Jul 2024
Disliked: Cleanliness
Slept in the car
I knew going in this had not-so-great reviews, but the property condition forced us to stay outside for the evening while the owner of the property next door within 30 feet had extremely loud music and yelling until 1:00 am. I know this because I slept in the car to get away from the mold. Evidence of extreme water damage within the walls.
Michelle N.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024
6/10 Okay
Dan M.
7 Jul 2024
It was OK
This is an ok property for a few guys for a fishing trip. Not a great place for a family stay. It is on the Manistee River, but you can barely see the river and there is no access to it. It is pretty clean inside, but definitely has a musty smell and the blakets and futon were damp from humidity. It worked ok for us(my wife, daughter and I) because we mostly just slept there and spent most of our time in Manistee, but we probably would not plan to return. It just depends on what you plan to use it for.
Dan M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Caden H.
10 Oct 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Great weekend of fishing with friends
Best fishing cabin we’ve stayed in on the manistee. We were very delighted to find the ohio state game on the tv! We will definitely be back! Thanks mike for letting us stay at your wonderful place!
Caden H.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
8/10 Good
Robert C.
7 Aug 2023
fishing and friends
The purpose of this trip was fishing, friends, and relaxing. We fish first with our friends enjoying the water and area. We eat real good and have time to relax, sleep and then more fishing. This is not a place my wife would stay at but for us it worked out just fine. Thanks Mike.
Robert C.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Eric A.
9 Jul 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Very Relaxing
This trip was great, the lodge was fantastic. If you want to relax this place offers that. Loved the whole atmosphere out there. The owner is very nice and friendly, would absolutely book again
Eric A.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
2/10 Terrible
Mike R.
26 Sept 2022
Disliked: Cleanliness
Musty ran down and nasty
Crusty
Mike R.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
10/10 Excellent
Nate L.
21 Sept 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Fish Camp
We had an excellent stay at fish camp! It is the perfect arrangement if you’re planning to visit Manistee and hit Lake Michigan. It is approximately 20 mins from the launch and has plenty of room to accommodate boat parking. We will definitely be staying again!