Since 1917, families have gathered at Watervale Inn. Generations of families return year after year to reconnect with family and friends. With our vintage cottages and incredible natural setting that includes a mile of shoreline on both Lake Michigan and Lower Herring Lake, Watervale has provided generations with Northern Michigan vacation rentals, a gathering spot that is a constant in this ever-changing world.
Imagine pulling up an Adirondack chair, sipping some iced tea, watching the day slip away. Watervale is a great place to soak up Northern Michigan. We have a number of family-friendly options from Volleyball and Shuffle Board to Kayaks and Canoes. Cottages are available to rent through the end of October.
Imagine pulling up an Adirondack chair, sipping some iced tea, watching the day slip away. Watervale is a great place to soak up Northern Michigan. We have a number of family-friendly options from Volleyball and Shuffle Board to Kayaks and Canoes. Cottages are available to rent through the end of October.
Services
With the Benzie Conservation District, We've created a buffer garden on Lower Herring Lake which protects our water from contaminants. Each year, Innkeeper Dori Turner plants over 5000 bunches of beach grass to protect and reinforce our dunes. The Lower Herring Lake Association is on the forefront of combating invasive species, swimmer's itch and rising lake levels on our lake.
Spring in Northern Michigan is spectacular! The woods are blanketed with trillium, wild leeks and morel and the lilacs are blooming. Cottages are available to rent the beginning of May until Memorial Day weekend. We offer daily meal service during the summer season. Fall is a great time to visit Benzie County with our amazing colors, giant pumpkins and the Frankfort Film Festival, Frankfort Beer Week and Fall Fest.
Reservations are by the week (Saturday to Saturday) during the summer season. There is a two night minimum stay for cottages in the spring and fall. Rates do not include State of Michigan Tax (6%), Traverse City Tourism Assessment (5%), or any gratuities. Your cottage comes equipped with sheets and towels (but please bring your own beach towels).
The Outlet connects Lower Herring to Lake Michigan and is perfect for floating the day away. A mile of Lake Michigan shoreline allow everyone to carve out their own private spot of the beach. No Watervale stay is complete without a trip to Baldy-a sand dune rising 300 feet above Lake Michigan. The three-mile loop leads you through the woods, atop Mount Baldy and then back on the Lake Michigan beach to Watervale.
Reviews (1)
Katie B.
Apr 16, 2008
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Watervale Inn is simply amazing; the most important word being "simply". You will lose yourself here in amazing views, delicious home-cooked meals, and great company.
I stayed here for an anniversary party/family reunion, and what a perfect spot to be with the whole gang... plenty of space, huge dining room where you can all sit together for a hearty breakfast... this place is actually owned by my aunt's family, so it felt even more homey having a sense of familiarity here.
You can go hiking, swimming, boating, water skiing, or just sit on the porch of your cabin and breathe it
I stayed here for an anniversary party/family reunion, and what a perfect spot to be with the whole gang... plenty of space, huge dining room where you can all sit together for a hearty breakfast... this place is actually owned by my aunt's family, so it felt even more homey having a sense of familiarity here.
You can go hiking, swimming, boating, water skiing, or just sit on the porch of your cabin and breathe it
