Watervale Inn
Resorts · Traverse City, MI
Tucked away in Benzie County's pristine wilderness, Watervale Inn feels like stepping into a different era. This historic lakefront resort has welcomed families for over a century, maintaining its rustic charm while delivering genuine Northern Michigan hospitality. The property sits on Lower Herring Lake, where kids spend entire afternoons building sandcastles and parents rediscover the art of doing absolutely nothing. Simple cabins dot the shoreline, each one carrying stories of generations who've returned year after year. No TVs, no distractions – just lake breezes, evening bonfires, and the kind of vacation memories that stick.
Website
watervaleinn.comPhone
(231) 352-9083Tags
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