Entire home

Madison River Experience in the U.P.

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Exterior - Madison River Experience in the U.P. (Cornell)
Beach - Madison River Experience in the U.P. (Cornell)
TV, video games, stereo - Madison River Experience in the U.P. (Cornell)
Outdoor spa tub - Madison River Experience in the U.P. (Cornell)
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop - Madison River Experience in the U.P. (Cornell)
Experience tranquility at The Kingfisher Lodge, nestled along Michigan's serene Escanaba River. Unwind in the 7-person hot tub overlooking the river or lounge around the gas fire pit on the deck with serene views of nature. With a fully equipped kitchen, bar + shuffleboard and Xbox console for entertainment options, this retreat offers endless moments to connect with nature and create cherished memories.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 12

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Dryer
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space
  • Parking available

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About this property

Madison River Experience in the U.P.

  • You've made it. Just breathe. Pine and lilacs, cold water over moss, a nip of wild chives. Air so clean you didn't know air could feel this way. The river cascades over ancient granite just beyond the trees, calling. Alive and unhurried. A bald eagle in the pines calls her mate. Kingfishers loudly claim their water. An osprey's cry pierces the wind. The sound of the Northwoods just scrubbed the city off you without asking permission. You've been here a minute, but it already feels like forever.

    Chances are you'll leave your luggage at the door and walk right to the deck. And just stare. There's an Adirondack chair waiting. The river already knows you'll sit. You'll be back every morning with your coffee. And then it'll hit you, there's no one around. No one. Just you and the water and the woods. Peace and quiet as far as the eye can see. The city noise didn't follow you here. The river won't let it.

    The Kingfisher Lodge sits perched above a bend in the river where the water cascades over ancient granite formations, and the relaxing sound carries through every window. Deer wade the shallows at dusk. Mergansers slip through the current like they own it. Eagles circle. The river is always doing something. You don't watch this place. You become part of it.

    The lodge is the counterpoint. Clean, modern, intentional. Designed not to mirror the wilderness but to welcome you warmly when you come in from it. Scandinavian sensibility. White walls that step aside for the view. Wood and stone finishes placed carefully and on purpose, hinting at nature's beauty but never competing with what lies outside. A cozy blanket of a space that makes the outside feel even wilder by contrast.

    Four bedrooms and 3.5 baths sleep eleven in genuine comfort. Three king beds, a queen, and three singles. The great room, kitchen and dining flow together naturally whether you're cooking a big breakfast, playing a board game, or just watching the light change on the water.

    Downstairs the mood shifts. Full bar, nine-foot shuffleboard table, 80-inch TV, Xbox. The seven-person hot tub steams year-round above the river. Two fire pits glow after dark. Mountain bikes wait by the door for whenever the quiet country roads call. On clear nights the Milky Way opens wide overhead and the northern lights make occasional appearances. Binoculars sit on the windowsill because guests keep needing them.

    If you decide to go explore a bit, there's plenty to do within easy reach:

    - Sights at Pictured Rocks (60 min)
    - Walking around Marquette (60 min)
    - Kayaking the Au Train (45 min)
    - Gaming at Island Casino (20 min)
    - Golfing Sweetgrass (20 min)
    - Beers at Upper Hand (20 min)
    - Pampering at Drift Spa (20 min)
    - Beach day in Gladstone (15 min)
    - Dining at Fresh Water (15 min)
    - Hiking the Days River (15 min)
    - Fishing the Escanaba (backyard)

    Security Deposit
    To protect the property we love, guests sign a simple rental agreement and provide a fully refundable $500 deposit returned promptly after checkout.

    Parking
    Ample parking is available for trailers; 6 or more cars will easily fit in the driveway

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub

Internet

  • Available in the house: Internet access

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 3.5 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Games
  • Stereo
  • TV
  • Video games

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Dryer
  • Laundry facilities

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Garden

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

Frequently asked questions

Is Madison River Experience in the U.P. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Madison River Experience in the U.P.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Madison River Experience in the U.P.?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Madison River Experience in the U.P. located?

Situated in Cornell, this vacation home is within 20 mi (32 km) of Hiawatha National Forest, Lake Michigan, and Woody's Run Golf Course. Rapid River Ski Trail and Pioneer Trail Park are also within 20 mi (32 km).

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Reviews

Reviews

Exceptional

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 3 out of 3 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 3 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 3 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 3 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 3 reviews

10

Cleanliness

10

Location

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

James s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Remote pristine beauty in the U.P.!

Honestly, I've stayed at VRBO's for years, and this house was far and away the nicest home yet. From the peaceful setting overlooking the fast flowing Escanaba River; to the gorgeous and "Feng shui" furnishings and art objects everywhere, to the exquisite beds, you will not go wrong with this place, which feels more like a Four Seasons Resort than some poor schlub's home lol!! Did I mention the hot tub?
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gary S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Get away with friends

Great property. Quiet and perfectly appointed.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kelly B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025