MelDale Riverhouse: Pere Marquette River Fall Getaway | Hot Tub | Sleeps 8

MELDALE RIVER HOUSE
SLEEPS: 8 (including visitors)
BEDROOMS: 3
BATHROOMS: 4
*Riverfront on the Pere Marquette River
*Open year-round
*Near Ludington, Michigan
*Pet friendly
*New hot tub – 2025
*Outdoor surveillance cameras on property
*Located in a quiet residential neighborhood
*Quiet hours are 9 PM–8 AM

MelDale River House is a spacious riverfront retreat on the Pere Marquette River, perfect for families and groups looking to relax and enjoy the outdoors. This year-round home sleeps 8 and features a brand-new hot tub (2025), plenty of games for a rainy day, dedicated office space, and a cozy wood-burning fireplace. Enjoy peaceful river views, an outdoor fire pit, pet-friendly accommodations, and easy access to fishing, trails, and nearby Lake Michigan destinations.
Please note: MelDale River House is located in a quiet residential neighborhood, not a secluded vacation-rental community. The surrounding area is peaceful, and sound travels easily, especially outdoors and along the river. Guests are expected to be respectful of the neighbors and keep noise at a reasonable level at all times. Quiet hours are strictly observed from 9 PM–8 AM.
This home is best suited for guests who are looking to relax, reconnect, and enjoy the river and surrounding area—not for parties, loud gatherings, or late-night outdoor activities. We appreciate your help in keeping the neighborhood peaceful and enjoyable for everyone.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Air Conditioning: Yes

ATV's: Yes, trails nearby (not directly accessible from property)

Animals: Deer, bear, coyotes, otters and numerous birds are common in the area. There's even a large woodpecker who visits the property frequently and may knock on the door!

Bathrooms:
Bathroom 1: Master on main floor, full bath tub/shower with double vanity and heated floors
Bathroom 2: Main floor level with tub, shower and single vanity
Bathroom 3: Upper level 1/2 bath ensuite bathroom
Bathroom 4: Lower level 1/2 bath

Beach/Swimming: Not on property. Ludington State Beach is a 35 min drive away.

Bedroom Configurations:
Main floor primary: King bed
Upstairs bedroom: Queen bed
Lower-level bedroom: 1 full size bed & 1 twin size bunk bed

Boats: No dock or launch on property but there is a kayak launch nearby and DNR launches in the area.

Bugs: Mosquitos are common in the summer months.

Cable: There is no cable but there are Google televisions on the property

Cell Phone Service: Can be spotty so it is best to use Wi-Fi calling.

Coffee Maker: 12 cup coffee maker and Keurig coffee makers are available. Coffee filters are provided.

Distances:
Ludington: 28 min drive/18.4 miles
Historic White Pine Village: 30 min drive/21.5 miles
Ludington State Park Beach: 35 min drive/25.6 miles
Lakeside Links Golf Course: 27 min drive/19.9 miles
Knotty Girl Charter Fishing: 27 min drive/18.4 miles
Silver Lake State Park (w/off road vehicle area) 48 min drive/41.7 miles
Traverse City: 2hr drive/102 miles
Saugatuck: 2 hr. drive/116 miles

Dock: There is no dock on the property.

Drinking Water: Well water but there is a whole house filter and reverse osmosis at the kitchen sink.

Drugs/Smoking/Fireworks: Freshwater does not permit illegal drugs of any kind on the property. Due to the location of the properties, smoking is strongly discouraged around the home and strictly prohibited in the home. Fireworks are prohibited at a Freshwater location for the safety of all persons in and around the property, even if it is legal in that city.

Fireplace: Yes there is a natural wood only fireplace. (No Firestarter logs, nothing but regular firewood)

Fire-pit: There is a firepit on the property for guest use. Firewood is provided.

Fishing: Salmon and 3 species of trout can be found in the nearby river.

Fishing License: A license is required to fish in Michigan.

Golf: Marquette Trails Golf Club is 21 minutes/15.9 miles away
The Edge Disc Golf Course is 17 minutes/10.8 miles away
Hemlock Golf Club-Ludgolf18 is 27 minutes/19.9 miles away
Lincoln Hills Golf Club is 30 minutes/21.3 miles away

Grill: There is a propane grill for guest use.

Grocery Store:
Dollar General is a 5 minute drive (1.7 miles) away for very limited basics.
Meijer and Aldi are a 21 minute drive away (15.7 miles).
Houseman's Foods Center is a 26 minute drive (20.1 miles) away for a larger selection

Heat: Forced air furnace heat.

Hunting: Hunting is not allowed on the property.

Internet/WIFI: Yes!

Linens: Yes, we provide your sheets and linens. Just like a hotel, the beds will be made for you upon arrival. We have just the basic sheets, pillows, pillowcases, and bath towels.

Neighbors: This is a VERY quiet lakefront neighborhood. Quiet time is between 9p-8a. Voices carry across the water. Neighbors are closer than they may appear. Please be mindful.

Parking: There is room for up to 6 vehicles on the property. 2 cars can be parked in the garage and 4 on the driveway. A 4-wheel drive vehicle is required for the winter. Keep in mind that he driveway is about 0.6 miles off the 1 mile county road.

Pets: Freshwater Vacation Rentals currently charges $75/per pet for your entire stay. Yes, we do accept dogs, yet we do ask that you please clean up after them both inside and outside the cabin. Plus, if you allow them on the furniture, we do ask that you please bring your own linens/blankets for them to sleep on. Just let us know which bed you will be using with them, and we'll make sure it is ready for your sheets when you arrive. Plus, if the pet hair starts to build, we do ask that you please run the vacuum. Generally, dogs love the water and places to explore. Pet food does tend to attract mice, so vigilance is needed.

Privacy: Semi, secluded, the property is over 2 acres, though neighboring homes can be seen in the distance.

Snowmobiles: A person (resident and nonresident) that operates a snowmobile in Michigan is required to purchase a snowmobile trail permit. The trail permit enables snowmobilers to ride state-designated trails and thousands more miles of public roads and on public lands (where authorized). It is valid for one year, which begins Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30 of the following year. State-designated trails are open Dec. 1-March 31 and grooming occurs when there is enough snow on the ground.

Space: Multiple level home at the end of a 2-track which is 1.6 miles off the main road, which is maintained by the county. A 4-wheel drive vehicle is required during the winter.

Special Features:
*Hot tub-ground level for guest use, located near the fire pit.
*Games-Pong, bean bag toss, skee ball, board games, darts, card games and Puzzles.
*Office space-dedicated area in an upstairs loft with two computer monitors, a regular/standing desk, and a docking station.

Seniors: Seniors are welcome

Televisions: There are four Google Smart televisions for guest use. A large one in the living room, a large one in the primary bedroom, a medium-sized television on a movable cart upstairs, and another medium sized television on a movable cart in the downstairs bunk bed area.

Towels: All bath and kitchen towels will be provided during your stay. Please bring beach towels with you!

Washer and Dryer: Yes, on the main floor just off the kitchen.

Wood: Yes, firewood is provided for the indoor fireplace and the outdoor firepit.

Winter Activities:
Big M Cross-Country Ski and Mountain Bike Trail, 44 mins/ 30.3 miles away
Crystal Valley XC Ski Area, 30 mins/19.3 miles away