The Northern Michigan Lakeside Escape You’ll Want to Take All Year

As the seasons start to shift, I feel the same urge in me. My internal clock knows it’s time to make a change, to take a break, and sneak away for a quiet weekend in Northern Michigan.

Interlochen, Michigan, is just up the road from us, but it feels like it’s hours away. Nestled between Duck and Green Lakes, it is full of charm, with just enough things to do for a weekend away. I decided to stay in a cottage at Brookside Lake Resort, a newly renovated lakeside resort that is designed for equal parts activity and connection.

Thank you Brookside Lake Resort for partnering with us to showcase the perfect Northern Michigan getaway!

Brookside Lake Resort: The Perfect Northern Michigan Getaway

Located at 3870 E Duck Lake Rd, Grawn, MI 49637

Our family pulls into our cottage, appropriately named “The Retreat”, and it’s immediately evident that this place is something special. I feel my heart rate slow, and that first feeling of peace enters my bloodstream.

With 14 cottages, one large primary house, an in-ground pool, a private beach, a game room, and a playground, Brookside Lake Resort is an ideal destination for large family gatherings and year-round lakeside getaways.

Our Cozy Cabin

We walk into our adorable cabin, taking in each detail- there are vintage pictures on the wall, unique reclaimed furniture furnishing each room, and tiny nods to nature around every corner.  With three bedrooms, a full kitchen, bathroom, covered porch, and cozy living area, I find myself surprised by how large our cottage is, and I know we are in for a truly memorable weekend. 

In the kitchen, my daughter finds a handwritten note from the owners, Angela & Blake Bernard, with supplies for s’mores, set out just for us. There is a stack of fresh wood for our own personal firepit, and blankets throughout the cottage for staying cozy during this fall weekend. It is evident they have put in time, energy, and extreme thoughtfulness to restoring this family camp. My daughter, eager to explore the grounds, pulls me back outside for a walk.

On the Shores of Duck Lake

The resort sits on the shores of Duck Lake, with docks, sailboats, and a full fleet of kayaks, paddleboards, and paddleboats for each visitor’s use. A playground is set close to the beach area, with hammocks tied between trees, gently swaying in the breeze. Wandering further, we see inviting nooks to rest- lounge chairs beneath a grand willow tree, and a bench that sits along a running river. 

The Type of Retreat That Has Everything You Need

The delights keep coming as we wander past a Little Free Library that is full of books to borrow, and then into the game room, which has ping-pong, foosball, a large pool table, and old-school arcade games like Pac-Man.

Not to mention the hot tub and pool area, which has been well stocked with pool toys, loungers, and a clear view of the lake. There are endless activities here at Brookside Lake Resort, making the property the type of retreat that has everything you need.

Sunset on the Lake

As the sun dips in the sky, we race to climb aboard a paddleboat, gliding across the glassy water, chasing the sunset. We spot one, then two, then three loons together, calling out along the water to one another. The colors are brilliant in the sky, and the sun seems to set just above our heads. We paddle out past a swimming raft and stop, taking in the changing colors of the leaves and listening to the wildlife’s chorus that now fills the air. Crickets chirp, loons call, ducks quack, and my heart rests. 

The sun, now set, leaves the sky with the aftermath of beauty, and we paddle back in to start a fire and roast some marshmallows. The resort is now silent, apart from the crackling of the fire, and I exhale all the busyness of life that rests on my shoulders. The Brookside offers the opportunity for connection- all that I have to do is be here, be present, and be in this moment. 

And so, I wrap myself in a blanket and sit out by the flames until the stars glitter like diamonds in the sky. With our heads tilted towards the heavens, we name constellations, spot shooting stars, and listen to the stillness until our eyes are heavy and we retreat to bed.

Small Town Charm in Interlochen

In the morning, we read on the porch with coffee until our children wake. Off we go, eager to explore Interlochen and take in what the town has to offer.

Breakfast at Bud’s

Located at 3061 J. Maddy Pkwy, Interlochen, MI, 49643

Our first stop is at Bud’s– a quaint spot known for baked goods and fresh hot drinks. We order an array of donuts, a locally made hot tea, and steaming hot coffees. Each bite is exceptional, and we are tempted by the many other treats that Bud’s offers.

Their menu ranges from handcrafted sandwiches, salads, and traditional breakfast plates, with a cooler available for grab-and-go cakes and treats. Although it’s only breakfast, my kids spy the ice cream case, with unique flavors. In addition to their food offerings, it’s also a gift shop, with goods made by artisans in the area. 

Blue Vase Books: A Reader’s Delight

Located at 2048 J. Maddy Pkwy, Interlochen, MI 49643

After our breakfast, we decided to spend the rest of the morning exploring the second-hand book shop, Blue Vase Books. I tell you now, this place is a hidden GEM. Chock-full of both new and used books, it had everything and more. The store is mostly comprised of used books, all marked at $4.50 or under. There are sections of books for children and teens, as well as a whole selection of used DVD’s. I was on the hunt for some hard-to-find poetry, and not only did I find what I was looking for, but I came home with a few other editions I didn’t even know existed. 

If the book you are looking for isn’t on the floor, there is a computer you can search for a book by, and chances are, it’s back behind the counter in their storeroom, where an employee will happily go and find it.

In addition, they have a program of trading in books- you can bring in books you are done with, and trade them for ones you want to buy. My kids love buying collections of books, and this is the best way to do it. My husband, son, and daughter all found numerous books that they were eager to read, and I knew that this would not be our last stop at Blue Vase Books.

Rockin’ Resale: Thrifting at Its Best

Located at 9664 US-31, Interlochen, MI 49643

Our next stop was to the Rockin’ Resale across the road- another second-hand shop! I’ve been to a lot of thrift stores, and this now ranks near the top of my list. One room was dedicated to home goods and games, with the other large room full of clothes, jackets, shoes, and accessories. The store is organized, clean, and welcoming, which is not always what you find at a thrift store!

We quickly went to work, spotting treasures at every turn. We walked away with a Sudoku board game, new fall flannels, some wildflower pictures for my daughter’s room, and a few pottery dishes to display around the house. At the register, the kind employees had a basket of goodies for the kids for free- just another small gesture of kindness I was beginning to see that Interlochen must be known for.

The Hammered Heifer: A Must-Stop for Burgers

Located at 15273 Honor Hwy, Interlochen, MI 49643

Before we went back to the Brookside, we decided to stop for some lunch. A little bit outside of Interlochen lies the Hammered Heifer, a newly established burger joint. I’ll tell you right now, it’s not a place to miss. The restaurant has a building where you order, and a beer barn with covered seating. In between these is a large outdoor seating and game area that is perfect for kids. We sized up the menu, which specializes in smashburgers and fried chicken sandwiches, and decided to order their standout “Heifer” burger, alongside an order of onion rings, French fries, and a unique take on elote corn. 

I don’t think I’ve ever seen my teenager devour a burger as quickly as this one. Bite after bite, he claims this is the best burger he has ever had, and believe me, he’s had a lot. Our sides were also exceptional, with the onion rings being a winner. Huge and freshly breaded, they were perfectly crispy and loaded with flavor. This spot checks all the boxes- a great selection of beer and cocktails, darn delicious food, and an atmosphere that has personality.

A Relaxing Afternoon at Brookside

We drove the country roads back to Brookside Lake Resort, marveling at the slowly changing colors and spying beautiful homes perched on the lake. As soon as we parked, our kids raced to change into their suits to head to the pool, as they knew these warm fall days would soon be coming to an end. My husband and I sat in the hot tub, laughing at their antics, and enjoying views of the lake. They splashed, dove, played pool tag, and eventually made their way to the hot tub to join us.

“We have to come back here,” they exclaimed, and, “I want to bring my cousins here!” Yes, we agreed, this property is set up perfectly to host a family reunion, or a friends gathering, or a girls trip. With 14 cottages and a large primary house, I could easily see Brookside being used for so many occasions.

Golden Hour on the Lake

As the afternoon transitioned to golden hour, we made the most of our time, with all the activities on site built for connection. Our kids came up with a tournament of sorts- first, challenging us to a game of basketball, then into the game room for a ping pong and pool game. Laughter was the soundtrack to each of these competitions, and each activity drew me closer to the ones I love. 

As the sun dipped lower, again, we ran towards the shore and into paddleboats. The kids battled the waves, and my husband and I raced after their boat, playing “tag” in the water. For these few hours, I became a child again, satisfied with the simplicity of spending time in nature. 

Later, I sat under the willow tree, refreshed, reset, and reminded of life’s goodness. The river sings, the breeze whistles through the branches, the loon calls yet again. These are the sounds of peace, and this is the feeling of contentment. I have the feeling I am right where I should be, in this seat, under a twilight sky, at Brookside.

Scenic Local Hiking Trails in Interlochen

We sleep soundly and spend the morning with one last cup of coffee at our Cottage. My kids sadly say goodbye to our cozy Cottage, and we depart for a few last adventures of the weekend.

The Lost Lake Pathway

We head towards a local favorite trail, the Lost Lake Pathway, not far from the heart of Interlochen. There are various connecting loops part of this trail system- ranging from 2.5 miles to a longer 6. The main trail follows the edge of Lake Dubbonnet, with views of the still water.

It’s a perfect trail to take in the scenes of fall, with benches along the way that invite you to stop and marvel. My daughter finds a leaf that is tinged with orange and she takes it with her as a reminder of the changing season.

Interlochen State Park

Our final stop is at Interlochen State Park, where we drive through the grounds to see what it has to offer. Situated between Green and Duck Lake, it has a little something for everyone.

The campground is stunning, with shade from old-growth pines, and has a waterfront area for boating and fishing. A picnic area is available for day use, and there are a variety of camping spots that you can reserve. A gentle Interlochen State Park Loop, at an easy 1.5 miles, is a nice walk that wanders through the campground roads and along the shore.

I can see why so many of the sites are reserved- it is a well-maintained campground that provides easy access to both Interlochen and isn’t too far from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. 

The Perfect Family Getaway

As we drive home, the feeling of peace is palpable in the car. We each talk through our favorite memories of the weekend at Brookside Lake Resort, from shooting hoops, to paddling into waves, to the majestic sunsets and shooting stars. These moments weave us together, ushering us into this autumn season.

Weekends like this help us remember that slowing down and taking time to connect will always leave us feeling more full than rushing from one thing to another. I breathe in, give thanks, and hold it in for as long as I can.