Ellis Lake Resort

We are tent campers in the summer and love the TC area, wanted a peaceful winter weekend getaway and that is exactly what we got. We stayed in the ‘Elm’ perfect for two people but can accommodate 4 (queen bed with a pull out couch), full kitchen w/​appliances, full bathroom with a small stand up shower (that I avoided using for the two days we were there; it was small and dark and uninviting, only real downfall of the place in my book), and an old furnace that works but we enjoyed the woodstove for the ambiance and extra warmth. You can buy nice bundles of wood at the office for $ 5 each. We rented snowshoes also $ 15/​pair for the day, nice trails around Ellis Lake and into the back woods, a lot of fun and a good workout. You can sign up for the hot tub for one-​hour time periods, this is nice so you and your party can enjoy it alone. The cabin was about 11 miles from downtown TC which we went numerous times to enjoy good food and all the local breweries. The owners were very friendly, check in/​out was quick and a breeze. I would recommend staying here if you enjoy getting a little rustic now and then. We might just have to make this an annual winter stay ourselves!

My fiancée and I recently stayed at Ellis Lake and really enjoyed our time there. We were able to bring our two dogs with us for a reasonable daily fee. Although I think their website does a great job explaining their cabins, I would agree with the previous reviewer that these are more «rustic» than «luxury.» But don’t let that fool you, it was still a great place to stay. The fishing pond (Ellis Lake) is a short walk from any of the cabins and there are canoes/​kayaks available if you’d like to get out there. Although we were not in the front row of cabins, we never had any noise issues with the nearby highway. A hot tub is also available with a daily sign-​up outside the main office. Overall, we both enjoyed our time here and would definitely recommend it to anyone else traveling to the TC area.
Tip for the summer: Since there are a lot of lakes around and it’s located in the woods, mosquitoes can be quite bad so be sure to bring some bug spray.

This is a quaint, charming (more ‘rustic’; definitely not ‘luxury’) cottage rental in the woods (off the highway for those of you bothered by white street noise, which I rarely heard, being in one of the cabins closest to the highway). The owner is very warm, friendly, and hospitable! The canoes & kayaks are available whenever, to use in the pond (this must be Ellis Lake.) on the grounds. The cabins may be a bit close together (people/​loud groups coming in/​out sometimes, if your neighboring cabin is a large party), but this probably depends on who is there when. There were many times it was completely quiet, too. If this is a concern, I’m sure they would advise if you were to ask.
The giant ants were a bit disturbing, but completely understandable since ants live in the forest where the cabins are.

My husband and I come to Ellis Lake every winter to stay in the cabins. We love it. They have cross country skis, snowshoes, and beautiful trails. It is close to interlochen and Traverse City. I love having the woodstove and kitchennette. The owners are super friendly. Such a great place to relax and reconnect.

My previous review was removed, which should raise suspicion about how many other reviews have mysteriously disappeared. Ellis Lake is a big pond. None of the cabins are lakefront, although the website photos infer that they are. You have to walk down a little trail to get to the Lake. What is amply available in every cabin is outrageous highway noise day and night. The kitchens are punishing to try to cook in. Don’t waste your money. And don’t delete this review!

Ellis Lake Resort is a little slice of heaven left over from the 1940’s that everyone should experience. We have been staying here every fall in October for the last 10 years and even though we now live 1100 miles away, we keep coming back. The cabins are warm and cozy on a crisp autumn night and the beautiful fall colors of northern Michigan can’t be beat. We would visit more often if we could… but once a year has to suffice for now. The surrounding area has the best in shopping (antiquing to souvenirs), the wineries are some of the best in the country, and you can find every type of dining (high end to inexpensive) you could want. For shopping we like Walt’s Barn and Wilson’s for antiques. Wildflowers for home décor, and Cherry Republic in Glen Arbor. For restaurants, a special occasion like an anniversary calls for Hannah in T.C., meatloaf dinner is great at Blue Tractor also in T.C. and for the best cajun in the area, a little drive to Elk Rapids to dine at Pearls is called for. For something different, Poppycock’s in T.C. has an eclectic menu and live jazz on the weekends. Every Tuesday night they have great martini specials at the top of the Park Place hotel in T.C. These are just a few suggestions that we enjoy every year… we hope they are of some help to anyone reading this. Just have fun.

I would not call this place a resort, but it was a great place to stay. Less than a dozen «single family» cabins line the property. Private lake with free row boats and canoes. Also a hot tub for all to enjoy.
Each cabin has a kitchen and bathroom. I got the smallest, cheapest cabin on the lot and I really enjoyed it. It was a little noisy in my cabin being so close to the road, but I was able to pick up the wifi the main office broadcasts; a trade off well worth it.
I had a stove, a normal size fridge, a coffee pot, and all the cooking things I needed. All the cabins have an area out back with a grill, picnic bench, chairs and a fire pit.
My son and I went on a row boat and had a great time. Next time I’ll bring a fishing rod!