10 Joys of a Cottage Life in Michigan

Discover the bliss of rustic living with our exploration of the top 10 joys of cottage life in Michigan. Nestled between the vast Great Lakes and lush forests, Michigan offers a unique retreat for those seeking a serene getaway. Our journey will take you through the simple pleasures and profound experiences that make cottage life in this beautiful state truly special. This article is a love letter to the charm, peace, and natural beauty that Michigan cottages offer. Get ready to be inspired and perhaps, to find your own happy place amidst the Michigan woods.

In a Cottage, What’s Old is New Again

It’s Different. At home you keep up appearances. With a cottage life you have the chance to cut some slack. Old books, fishing reels, a TV from the 1980’s  or earlier! (with no remote),  and ancient appliances can live out the rest of their useful lives. We have a 40 year old Snark sailboat that still makes it to the beach every year.

Gotta Have a Fire Pit

Bonfires and Fire Pits.  A fire ring or a circle of rocks is all you need to create an atmosphere for wonderful stories and conversation. People drop by for a beer, or just for a quick hello. Kids learn to roast marshmallows, hotdogs and popcorn. It’s a wonderful way to get everyone together.

A Yard…of mostly weeds

Your Yard, or Lack of One.  We let grass and other greens slowly take over the old gravel driveway.  The two tracks leading up to the cottage give it a rustic feel.

The Rustic Feel of Knotty Pine

Knotty Pine. The paneling and cabinets are over 50 years old and have a rich, butter-yellow tone. We must be careful not to brighten it up too much; otherwise, it will look weird.

The Smell of A Rustic Cottage

The Smell. Coming into the cottage after a long time away is always an interesting experience. Sometimes, the smell is benign. Sometimes, it’s dusty, and sometimes it’s musty. The initial smell goes away quickly when windows are opened or if someone puts a meal on the stove. 

Cottage Life – The Pantry

The Food Museum. We aren’t diligent about cycling through the canned goods. We have found cans of beans and vegetables in the inner recesses of my parents cottage that went back to the early 80s. The cottage pantry is always a trip back in time.

New Life for the Backyard Privy

The Shed. There was a time in the 1950s when the rustic cottages replaced the outhouse the a septic field. Some owners must have had a close connection with the privy as many of them we’re converted to storage sheds. However a few of the original outhouses can be spotted from time to time.

The Beach Comes Inside 

Sandy Feet-  By late August the vacuum cleaner has two pounds of beach sand in the bag. Sand is just part of being at the cottage and since it’s not dirt no one really minds tracking a bit in. Of course it’s a different story when you jump into bed with a bit of a sunburn and find the beach has followed you in.

The Little Store Down the Road

The Local Party Store. A trip into town is an ordeal. Plus you have to wade through all the tourists. (We don’t consider ourselves one, but some locals may disagree.) The little store is only a short bike ride away and it’s where some of us made our first purchases. It smells like bait, new t shirts, sweet candy and newsprint. You could just about find everything you needed for a day at the beach.

Keeping the Trash Pandas Out of Your Stuff

Caging Your Trash – Critters love the garbage cans. I once heard a horrendous racket outside only to find 3 young racoons treed next to a dumped out can full of a weeks worth of smellables. Some enterprising souls sell small wire mesh enclosures to keep the critters out.

Final Thoughts About Cottage Life

Embracing cottage life and owning a second home means immersing yourself in the simple joys and timeless traditions that make every visit special. Whether it’s the warmth of a fire pit gathering or the nostalgia of the local store, these experiences create cherished memories. Discover your own slice of paradise in the heart of Michigan’s natural beauty.