This riverfront cabin in Fennville has an outdoor hot tub for soaking in a winter wonderland. | Photo courtesy of Airbnb

Sure, Michigan winters can be dark, cold and gray -- but with the right mindset, they can also be the sparkly backdrop to some great adventures.

In the spirit of making the most of this underrated season, we’ve been perusing Michigan vacation rentals and saving our favorites with winter amenities in mind: Think hot tubs, indoor fireplaces, proximity to snowy trails, and rustic-cozy vibes.

To help you start daydreaming about snuggled-up weekends, we’ve rounded up a dozen highly rated Michigan vacation rental cabins and cottages that stay open through the winter. Just don’t forget to pack a few extra layers and your snowshoes, of course.

The following listings all had dates available for winter 2021-2022 at the time of publication. Be sure to fully read all listings for any special guidelines for winter visits, and specific policies for pets and kids. Listings are subject to changes in availability. More Michigan listings are available at Airbnb.com.

A rustic midcentury cabin on the Sturgeon River. | Photo courtesy of Airbnb

Midcentury log cabin on the Sturgeon River -- Indian River, Mich. This retro, rustic beauty sits right on the banks of the Sturgeon -- and if you’ve never delighted in the beauty of a winter river, you’re in for a treat. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, accommodates two guests. Full listing here

An outdoor hot tub is one of the amenities at this Cedar Airbnb listing. Photo via Airbnb

Cabin in the woods -- Cedar, Mich. Hot tub? Check. Gas fireplace? Check. This sweet spot in the heart of Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula has all the amenities you’ll need to turn up the cozy vibes on a getaway just minutes from Sleeping Bear Dunes. 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, accommodates 6. Full listing here

This timber-frame cabin sits along a lake in southern Michigan. Photo courtesy of Airbnb

Lakeside timberframe cabin -- Galesburg, Mich. A stunning hand-built cabin that boasts privacy and serenity just 15 minutes from Kalamazoo. The large soaking tub in one of the baths seems like the perfect spot to unwind after a day of snowy adventures. 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, accommodates 4 guests. Full listing here

This cabin in Paradise, Mich., is just a short drive from Tahquamenon Falls. | Photo courtesy of Airbnb

Paradise View -- Paradise, Mich. The U.P.’s spectacular Tahquamenon Falls become even more breathtaking when the surrounding cedar forests are draped in snow. This lovely cabin is a short drive from Tahquemenon Falls State Park, plus it’s right on the waterfront of Whitefish Bay, allowing you to bask in the beauty of a winter-whipped Great Lake. 2 bedrooms, 2.5 guests, accommodates 4 guests. Full listing here

A fiery sky is reflected in the windows of this Lake Superior waterfront Airbnb. | Photo courtesy Airbnb

“Point of the Point” Lake Superior waterfront -- Marquette. Cozy up to the woodstove while enjoying icy lakefront views in this rustic modified A-frame. Guest reviews rave about the scenery and the top-notch hosting. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, accommodates 6 guests. Full listing here

"Hüüsli" in southwest Michigan is a romantic spot that feels like a Swiss cabin. | Photo courtesy of Airbnb

“Hüüsli” -- Michiana, Mich. Named for the hosts’ favorite hotel in Switzerland, this darling spot in southwest Michigan has stunning design details, modern amenities and a supremely cozy vibe. 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, accommodates four guests. Full listing here

The Lilypad is a sweet log cabin in Au Train, not far from Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. | Photo courtesy of Airbnb

The Lily Pad -- Au Train, Mich. This sweet abode along the AuTrain river has a gas fireplace to keep you toasty after a day of snowy fun at Pictured Rocks, just 15 minutes away. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, accommodates 2 guests. Full listing here

A charming cabin on Lake Fanny Hooe in Copper Harbor, Mich. | Photo courtesy of Airbnb

The Garden Cabin on Lake Fanny Hooe -- Copper Harbor, Mich. A charmer way up in the northern reaches of the wintry Keweenaw Peninsula, with waterfront on Lake Fannyhooe. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, accommodates 4 guests. Full listing here

RELATED: 8 places to witness the magic of frozen waterfalls in the U.P.

"The Fernhaus" is a luxury cabin in Elk Rapids, Mich. | Photo courtesy of Airbnb

“The Fernhaus” -- Elk Rapids, Mich. You’ll want to get snowed in at this luxury cabin: The kitchen boasts all the high-end appliances you’d need to make gourmet meals all weekend, and the space itself is so dreamy you may never want to leave. 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, accommodates 5 guests. Full listing here

Black Bear Lodge is a cabin in Baldwin, Mich. | Photo courtesy of Airbnb

Black Bear Lodge -- Baldwin, Mich. This spacious log cabin boats the vacation amenity trifecta: hot tub, indoor fireplace, waterfront setting. Guest reviews rave about the beauty and peace to be found at this property. 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, accommodates 8 guests. Full listing here

Snuggle up in a snow globe-worthy scene at this cabin in Evart, Mich. | Photo courtesy of Airbnb

Cozy cabin in the woods -- Evart, Mich. Come winter wonderland season, this rustic cabin offers plenty of seclusion, plus proximity to snowmobile/ORV trails. A pellet stove keeps things extra cozy. 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, accommodates 6 guests. Full listing here

This riverfront cabin has an outdoor hot tub for post-snow soaks. | Photo courtesy of Airbnb

“Fire & Water” Rejuvenating Stay on the Riverbend -- Fennville, Mich. You and a few of your close friends holed up for a winter weekend in this magical riverfront oasis, complete with a hot tub and game room? Swoon. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, accommodates six guests. Full listing here

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