Summary:
Two hundred feet of private Lake Superior shoreline, panoramic Whitefish Bay views from nearly every room, and a two-story stone fireplace waiting when you come back in. The Bear Den is your Eastern UP basecamp — 4 bedrooms, sleeps 10, game loft, firepit, and peak Northern Lights season right outside your door. Tahquamenon Falls and Whitefish Point are both within 20 minutes.
The Space:
There are cabins near Lake Superior. Then there is The Bear Den.
Spring and summer here run on their own schedule. Mornings start with Lake Superior stretching to the horizon from your bed. Days fill up fast — kayaking the private shoreline, hiking to Tahquamenon Falls at peak snowmelt, hunting Yooperlites along the beach after dark with a UV flashlight, watching raptors ride the spring migration north over Whitefish Point. Evenings wind down around the firepit with the kind of silence you only find this far into the UP. And on the right night, the Aurora Borealis lights up Whitefish Bay in a way that stops every conversation cold.
Come back inside to a two-story natural stone fireplace, a game loft stocked with shuffleboard, a vintage arcade console, and a poker table. A fully equipped kitchen built for group meals. Three full bathrooms. And 200 feet of private shoreline that belongs entirely to your group for the duration of your stay.
4 bedrooms, sleeps 10. Built for families and groups who want the full UP experience in every season.
WHY GUESTS LOVE IT — SPRING
🌸 Northern Lights at peak season — 200 feet of zero-light-pollution Lake Superior shoreline right outside makes The Bear Den one of the best Aurora viewing spots in the Lower 48
💧 Tahquamenon Falls running at full force — snowmelt turns the amber water thundering and wide, just 20 minutes south on M-123
🦅 Whitefish Point Bird Observatory spring migration — one of the premier raptor migration sites in North America peaks in April and May, 18 minutes north
🔥 Cool UP spring nights at the firepit by the water — pack a flannel, stay out late, and watch the stars from your private Lake Superior shoreline
🌊 Beat the summer crowds on 200 feet of private beachfront — the lake, the trails, and Pictured Rocks are all yours before peak season arrives
SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS — SLEEPS 10
Bedroom 1: King bed, master suite with private en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet — panoramic lake views
Bedroom 2: King bed
Bedroom 3: Queen bed
Bedroom 4: Two bunk beds — great for kids or a crew that wants its own space
Additional: Air mattress available for the 10th guest
3 full bathrooms — private en-suite with walk-in closet, plus two additional spacious bathrooms with large showers.
INSIDE THE CABIN
Two-story natural stone wood-burning fireplace — the centerpiece of every evening
Open-concept living and dining with large windows framing panoramic Lake Superior and Whitefish Bay views
Fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances — built for group meals
Game loft: shuffleboard table, vintage arcade console, poker table, and board games
Finished lower level — natural hangout space for kids or a second living room for larger groups
Central air conditioning
High-speed WiFi
Washer and dryer
Dedicated workspace
OUTSIDE
200 feet of private Lake Superior shoreline on Whitefish Bay — walk the beach at sunrise, kayak the calm morning water, search for agates and Yooperlites after dark with a UV flashlight, or sit at the water's edge and watch the freighters pass on the horizon while the sun sets
Large backyard firepit for sunset bonfires
Private deck with outdoor dining and Whitefish Bay views
Gas BBQ grill
EV charger — Level 2 Siemens VersiCharge available for guest use overnight
Free parking for 3 trucks and trailers — ORVs, boats, kayaks, snowmobile trailers all fit comfortably
WHAT GUESTS ARE SAYING
"Hands down the best location in the U.P." — ★★★★★
"Beautiful beachfront and an incredible home." — ★★★★★
"Perfect place to relax and explore Lake Superior." — ★★★★★
Rated 4.99 out of 5 across 100s of reviews. Guest Favorite. Top 10% of homes on Airbnb.
Save this listing — dates fill fast. We'd love to be your Lake Superior basecamp.
Guest Access:
Guests will have full and private access to the entire home and its 200 feet of private shoreline. This includes all bedrooms, bathrooms, the gourmet kitchen, laundry facilities, the main living area, the game loft, the finished lower level, and all outdoor spaces, including the decks, yard, and firepit. For your convenience and security, entry is managed via a keyless lock. You will receive your unique access code 72 hours before your scheduled check-in.
The Neighborhood:
The Bear Den sits on the shores of Whitefish Bay in Paradise, Michigan — one of the most adventure-rich corners of the Eastern Upper Peninsula. Tahquamenon Falls, Whitefish Point, and one of the best Lake Superior shorelines in the UP are all within 20 minutes. Everything else worth seeing in the Eastern and Central UP is within easy reach from here.
STEPS FROM THE CABIN
Your Private Lake Superior Shoreline
Two hundred feet of private Whitefish Bay beachfront is literally out the back door. Walk it at sunrise. Search for agates and Yooperlites after dark with a UV flashlight — the Bear Den's shoreline is one of the best spots in the UP for finding them. Watch the freighters pass on the horizon. Stay out as long as you want.
Paradise Village — 10 minutes
Grab a pasty, coffee, or dinner at the Tahquamenon Falls Brewery & Pub and explore one of the UP's most characterful small towns before heading out for the day. Everything you need for a day trip — gas, supplies, a good meal — is right down the road.
WITHIN 20 MINUTES
Tahquamenon Falls State Park — 30 minutes
One of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi and the anchor attraction of the Eastern UP. The amber-colored water — stained by cedar tannins — runs wide and powerful at the Upper Falls, and the Lower Falls offers rowboat rentals to explore cascades around a mid-river island. Worth multiple visits across different seasons.
Whitefish Point Lighthouse — 8 minutes
The oldest active lighthouse on Lake Superior, standing since 1861 at the most dangerous stretch of water on the Great Lakes. Three distinct experiences in one stop: the lighthouse and grounds, the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum (including the recovered Edmund Fitzgerald bell), and the Whitefish Point Bird Observatory — one of the premier raptor migration sites in North America, at its peak in April and May.
Oswald's Bear Ranch — 60 minutes
The largest bear-only rescue sanctuary in the United States, located just south on M-123. More than 40 rescued black bears across four natural habitats, including cubs you can photograph. A genuine family favorite and one of the most unique wildlife experiences in the UP. Open Memorial Day weekend through mid-October.
WORTH THE DRIVE
Crisp Point Lighthouse — approximately 45 minutes
One of the most remote and dramatic lighthouse settings in Michigan — a historic 1904 light tower standing alone on a wild stretch of Lake Superior shoreline between Whitefish Point and Grand Marais. The last 18 miles require a seasonal dirt road and an AWD vehicle. Plan a full day, bring gas, water, and snacks, and don't attempt it after rain. Completely worth the effort if your group is up for the adventure. Seasonal — open mid-May through mid-October.
Sault Ste. Marie — approximately 60 minutes
Watch massive international freighters pass through the Soo Locks — one of the great engineering feats of the Great Lakes, with narrated boat tours running throughout the summer season. Combine with the Tower of History panoramic overlook and Point Iroquois Lighthouse for a full day.
St. Ignace and Mackinac Island — approximately 60 minutes
Catch the ferry from St. Ignace to Mackinac Island — Michigan's most iconic destination, with no cars, 8 miles of shoreline to explore by bike, historic Fort Mackinac, and the famous Grand Hotel. A full-day trip best reserved for a mid-week slot when crowds are lighter.
Munising and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore — approximately 90 minutes
Michigan's most iconic water landscape — 42 miles of colorful sandstone cliffs, hidden sea caves, and Lake Superior shoreline accessible by kayak tour, hiking trail, or glass-bottom boat. Factor in a full day and book kayak or boat tours in advance during summer. The drive along Lake Superior on M-28 is spectacular on its own.
After booking, you'll receive access to our Guest Boarding Pass — your curated guide to the best dining, trails, activities, and hidden gems across the Eastern Upper Peninsula, updated every season.
Interaction with Guests:
We prioritize your privacy and provide a seamless self-check-in experience. While we won't be on the property during your stay, we're always available via the messaging platform to answer any questions or address anything you need to ensure a comfortable 5-Star stay.
