Historic, quaint Victorian farmhouse set near the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park in Empire. Minutes from Lake Michigan’s top-rated scenic Empire Beach and in the heart of Leelanau Peninsula. Find yourself rocking to and fro on the front porch, enjoy the natural beauty.
In the heart of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, The Cottonwood Inn Bed & Breakfast is surrounded by giant cottonwood trees. It has all the ambiance you would expect from a historic farmhouse, including three rambling porches and a perfect red barn for events.
The Cottonwood Inn is within walking distance of Empire Beach on beautiful Lake Michigan and downtown Empire. We are more than a B&B; we host weddings, family reunions, and barn parties. Please browse our website for a tour of our grounds, accommodations, and peaceful surroundings.
At Cottonwood Inn Bed and Breakfast, guests enjoy the quaintness of a historic Victorian farmhouse in the heart of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
We invite you to enjoy an at-home feeling in our six updated B&B guest rooms or Carriage House. Nestled on a quiet side street, Cottonwood Inn Bed and Breakfast is just minutes from Empire Beach, one of the most pristine and scenic beaches along the northern Lake Michigan shore. We’re close to shops and restaurants and near hiking and biking trails.
If your destination is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park, its headquarters is in Empire.
This is the perfect space to make your home-away-from-home while you enjoy breathtaking sunsets from Empire’s beach or bluffs, which are “must-sees” for anyone traveling through. You can choose to play world-class golf courses. Or visit Michigan’s famous wineries, unique shops, lighthouses, and a wealth of great restaurants and breweries, all within the heart of the Leelanau Peninsula.
Did we mention that Empire is right on M-22, the 116-mile stretch of coastal highway that forms a giant U-shape starting in Manistee? It circles the edge of the Leelanau Peninsula, where it juts into Lake Michigan. It makes a happy ending in the heart of Traverse City, Cherry Capital, USA. When you choose Cottonwood Inn Bed and Breakfast, your trip is guaranteed to be among the most scenic in the world, whether you are coming to stay or heading home.
Empire, Michigan, is a charming village on Lake Michigan’s shores in the northwestern Lower Peninsula.
The town was founded in 1851 by John LaRue, and it quickly became a bustling lumber town, thanks to the Empire Lumber Company, which dominated the area from 1887 to 1917. This company, equipped with one of the largest hardwood mills, produced up to 20 million feet of lumber annually. Unfortunately, fires in 1906 and 1917 led to the mill’s demise.
The city’s name itself has a maritime origin. During a storm in 1865, the schooner “Empire” became icebound in the city. The locals decided to honor this vessel by naming their town after it. Everyone associates Empire with the popular Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, as the town is nestled within the Lakeshore. The iconic Empire Bluffs offer stunning views of the dunes, North Manitou and South Manitou islands, and Lake Michigan. Most postcard panoramas of the Sleeping Bear Dunes are captured from the walking trail leading to the top of the Empire Bluffs.
The Cottonwood Inn Bed & Breakfast in Empire, Michigan, exudes romance and charm. Set in a historical farmhouse surrounded by giant cottonwood trees, the inn offers a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere. Imagine sipping wine on one of its three rambling porches or strolling through the peaceful grounds.
The inn is conveniently located within walking distance of Empire Beach on beautiful Lake Michigan. Sunset walks along the shoreline create magical moments for couples.
For our guests looking for a place to hold special events, our barn and grounds are available for weddings, anniversaries, and reunions.
Empire, Michigan, nestled within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, boasts stunning waterways and beaches. Empire has it all if you’re seeking sunsets, water adventures, or scenic hikes!
Lake Michigan Beach Park offers sandy shores, crystal-clear waters, and unforgettable sunsets. It’s perfect for swimming, picnics, and beachcombing. Glen Lake is a short drive away and beckons with its aqua-blue waters. It is ideal for kayaking, paddle boarding, and relaxation.
North Bar and Esch Road Beach are also minutes from Empire, and these beaches are accessible by bike or car. Enjoy the pristine shoreline and Lake Michigan views.
Empire Bluff Trail, while not a beach, this trail provides panoramic vistas of Lake Michigan and the dunes. A must-visit for nature lovers
If you’re a wine enthusiast exploring Empire, Michigan, you’re in for a treat. Here are some wine trails and wineries to explore in the region:
Michigan Bed and Breakfast Association
6757 Cascade Road SE, Ste 241
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
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