10 Famous Log Cabins in The U.S. And Great Lakes Region
by When someone says “log cabin,” you might picture Abraham Lincoln’s cozy childhood home—or maybe a big lodge with floor-to-ceiling windows and a hot tub. Either …
Author: Michael Hardy
Michael is a travel writer and local historian. His work can be found on a number of websites and print publications.
Well Water Taste and Odor Problems – 8 Testing and Troubleshooting Resources for Great Lakes Waterfront Owners
Well water taste and odor problems are often the first sign that something has changed in a private well, plumbing system or nearby groundwater. For …
Plug and Play Solar for Cabins – What Works, What Doesn’t, and What It Costs – 8 Scenarios
Plug and play solar cabin systems promise easy power for remote cottages. Here’s what they actually do, what they cost, and where they fall short.
First-Timer’s Guide to Michigans Inland Waterway – Crooked Lake to Lake Huron – 2026
A trip along Michigan’s Inland Waterway from Crooked Lake to Burt Lake offers more than a simple boat ride—it’s a test of skill, patience, and awareness. Narrow channels, strict no-wake zones, and the controlled passage through the Alanson Lock set the tone early. Along the way, boaters pass through tight bends, quiet marshes, and small-town access points where the pace slows and the details matter. This first stretch defines the entire route, where careful navigation and local knowledge make the difference between a smooth run and a stressful one.
How to Open Up Your Great Lakes Cottage this Spring – Checklist
Opening your cottage Great Lakes after winter takes planning. This step-by-step guide on how to open up your cottage covers inspections, utilities, and spring cleaning so your lake season starts smoothly.
5 Beautiful Great Lakes Islands to Explore
The Great Lakes, a breathtaking expanse of freshwater, are home to some of the most stunning islands just waiting to be explored. From the serene …
10 Joys of a Cottage Life in Minnesota
Experience the charm of rustic living with our exploration of the top 10 joys of a cottage life in Minnesota. Nestled between the serene Boundary …
7 Simple Wildlife Photography Tips for Late-Fall – A Cottage Season Guide
Late-fall brings calm light, steady wildlife, and quiet shores. These simple photography tips help cottage guests capture birds, deer, and small animals as the Great Lakes settle toward winter.
Cottage Reading List – Warm Hearth Books for Off-Season Lake Life
Cold months at the cottage call for quiet mornings, warm fires, and a good stack of books. This reading list brings novels, history, and gentle nature writing that pair with off-season lake life across the Great Lakes.
Cottage Maintenance Before Snowfall – Last-Minute Checklist
Before the snow flies, spend one last weekend getting your Great Lakes cottage ready for winter. This easy checklist covers p