The Dunes at the Vintage Motel, Your Vacation rental in the Michigan Thumb

Escape to The Vintage Motel on Lake Huron — a fully remodeled 1950s motor lodge in Port Austin, Michigan, where mid-century character meets modern comfort at the very tip of Michigan's Thumb. Part of Lakeshore Pines Properties, The Vintage is one of Port Austin's most distinctive places to stay, offering three unique rooms with private Lake Huron beach access, a scenic shoreline trail, a shared fire pit and BBQ, and walkable proximity to everything that makes Port Austin a Great Lakes destination.
ABOUT THE VINTAGE MOTEL — PORT AUSTIN, MICHIGAN
The Vintage isn't your average Port Austin motel. We stripped this classic 1950s property down to the studs and rebuilt it with vacationers in mind — hotel-quality beds, spa-inspired bathrooms, quality linens, updated climate control, and the nostalgic character you can't fake. Each of our three rooms has its own personality while sharing the polished, clean-and-cozy feel our VRBO guests consistently rate five stars.
Whether you're planning a Lake Huron beach vacation, Couples Getaway, a fall color weekend, a Turnip Rock kayak trip, a fishing getaway, or a small family reunion, The Vintage delivers the kind of Port Austin stay that turns first-time visitors into repeat guests.
LAKE HURON BEACH ACCESS & OUTDOOR SPACE
*Private beach access trail leading to Lake Huron's sandy shoreline
*Shared fire pit/BBQ for evening bonfires under some of Michigan's darkest, starriest skies
*Outdoor seating for morning coffee with lake breezes
*Scenic walking paths through the pines surrounding the property and direct access trail to Huron Nature Preserve!
*Plenty of parking for vehicles, kayaks, and small trailers
*Sunset over Lake Huron from our beach is one of the most underrated views in Michigan.

THINGS TO DO NEAR THE VINTAGE MOTEL IN PORT AUSTIN, MI
Port Austin is Michigan's Thumb at its best — a walkable harbor town with serious beach-town charm.
*Beaches: Port Crescent State Park Beach, Bird Creek Park Beach, and Oak Beach County Park — all within a short drive.
*Turnip Rock Kayak Tour: Launch from Port Austin and paddle to one of the most photographed rock formations in the Great Lakes.
*Fishing & Boating: Port Austin Harbor, charter fishing for walleye and perch, and boat launches nearby.
*Port Austin Farmers Market: Every Saturday May through October — ranked among Michigan's top farmers markets.
*Downtown Port Austin: Local restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, The Bank 1884, Lighthouse Inn, ice cream, and boutique shopping — all walkable from The Vintage.
*Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse: Historic lighthouse and Lake Huron lightkeeper's museum.
*Huron County Parks: Wagener County Park, Philp Park, and miles of Lake Huron shoreline. Huron Nature Preserve has a linked trail out the back door!
*Biking & Hiking: Port Austin's quiet roads and state park trails are ideal for scenic rides and long walks.

DISTANCES FROM THE VINTAGE
Detroit: ~2.5 hours
Flint: ~1.5 hours
Saginaw/Bay City: ~1 to 1.5 hours
Frankenmuth: ~1.5 hours
Toledo, OH: ~3 hours

WHO STAYS AT THE VINTAGE

Couples wanting a romantic, quiet Lake Huron getaway
Families looking for an easy beach vacation in Michigan
Friend groups booking multiple rooms for a shared weekend
Fishermen and kayakers using Port Austin as basecamp
Fall color travelers catching the Thumb's underrated autumn
Weekend travelers from Detroit, Flint, Saginaw, Toledo, and Cleveland

With three units, The Vintage is ideal for small groups who want privacy plus shared fire pit evenings — or book a single room for a solo or couple's retreat. You can rent out the hotel for larger groups.

AMENITIES HIGHLIGHTS

Fully remodeled 1950s motel character
Hotel-quality beds and linens
Updated private bathrooms
Fast Wi-Fi
Smart TVs
Climate control
Private Lake Huron beach access
Shared fire pit and outdoor space
Free on-site parking
Contactless self check-in
Immaculately clean — read our reviews
Responsive, local host

YOUR HOST
Hi, I'm Brandon — a 25-year fire service Captain, Michigan's Thumb regular, and full-time host. I operate Lakeshore Pines Properties with one goal: give guests the Port Austin stay I'd want. That means quick communication, honest local recommendations, thoughtful details, and a property that's genuinely as clean and well-kept as the photos show. If you need anything during your stay, I'm a text away.
WHY BOOK THE VINTAGE MOTEL IN PORT AUSTIN
Port Austin has limited quality lodging — most options are basic motels, dated cottages, or full-home rentals priced for large groups. The Vintage fills the sweet spot: boutique motel character, vacation-rental comfort, walkable location, Lake Huron beach access, and honest pricing. Whether it's your first trip to the Thumb or your twentieth, we're built to be your favorite place to come back to.