Cabin Lake has been in the family for 56 years. Cabins are cherished and handed down, generation to generation. We know of just 3 cottages in Cabin Lake Club that sold since its creation in 1925. “Hillcrest” is a 2,140SF, 1945 cabin, full log, with full log 1939 guest house. Built well, they are lovingly maintained. You’ll treasure their antique ambiance. 

794+/- acres of hilly, attractive forest surrounds the lake, owned equally by 6 families. Your 1/6 ownership interest comes with Hillcrest! At Cabin Lake Club there are no dues, and no “association.” Cabins sit back from the shore with 5+/- acres on the lake. 7,000 feet of the shore is undeveloped by choice. The gated entrance is posted. Hillcrest has  end-of-the-road privacy. The 180-degree view through hardwoods and pines from this point on the lake is especially lovely.

And the rivers! Your shared acreage includes 2.7 miles of undeveloped frontage on The Rifle River and the West Branch of the Rifle, both State Designated Wild & Scenic Rivers, both excellent dry fly trout streams. Headwaters Land Conservancy has a conservation easement on a total of 949 acres surrounding the lake, insuring the beauty remains forever, and this conservation easement abuts a mile of State forest. Trails run through your land, wonderful for hunters, sightseeing, mountain biking, and off-road vehicles.

Cabin Lake is just right for row boats, canoes, paddleboats, kayaks, paddleboards, windsurfers and small sail boats. The lake is spring fed with no inlet or outlet. Fishing is wonderful. The lake has not been overfished as it is private and there are just nine cottages. We see deer, bald eagles, owls, wild songbirds and warblers. Ducks, geese, loons and herons live here.

This property is only two hours from the Detroit suburbs on I-75, so you’ll use it on a whim. The West Branch airport for light aircraft is 3 miles towards town. Please call for an appointment to see it.

Memories by an Owner:

The memories you make at Cabin Lake are ones you never forget. Once family and friends visit you will never have to invite them again because they will invite themselves.

The cottage is also known as Hillcrest. Originally built by Dr. Hill, a dentist from the Detroit area named it Hillcrest. It’s a perfect name because the cottage sits high overlooking 180 degree views of the lake, yet it has a gentle slope to walk down to the water. Later it was bought by the current owner’s father, Derrick Eaton, and has been in their family since 1962.

Derrick actually discovered Cabin Lake in 1958 on one of his many “investigative” trips. Derrick told his good friend about the special lake and, Donald W. Gilbert bought a cabin there. Derrick deer hunted at the Gilbert cabin for about five years before buying the Hillcrest cabin next door. After Derrick purchased it he thought he’d better tell his wife, Elaine, who had never seen it. Their marriage survived this little oversight, mostly because Elaine loved the place too. The Eaton and Gilbert families enjoyed many decades of family gatherings.

Cabin Lake has it all. Whether it’s enjoying swims off the raft, riding the trails, fishing, paddle boarding, hunting, kayaking, canoeing, ice skating, snowshoeing or just watching the wildlife,  it’s a great place to unwind and recharge your batteries. Many have shared that as soon as they see the lake a feeling of calm washes over them. There’s just something so peaceful about the surroundings of the lake and looking at the water. You can start your day by stepping outside and breathing in the fresh air, and end the day watching the moon reflect off the water. When you make your evening bonfire down by the lake you will be amazed at how many stars you see in the night sky.

Over the years there have been many visitors that have marveled at the interior craftsmanship of the cabin. Friends want to bring others to show them the beauty of the logs, the soaring vaulted great room with the grand fireplace, grand piano and large moose head hanging on the wall. The moose head is known as “Minnie Moose” because Derrick’s daughter was scared at the age of three when she first saw the moose on the wall. Derrick told her not to worry because it was actually “Minnie Moose”.

The porch is spectacular as well with large windows that enhance the water view. The porch is a great place to enjoy your favorite beverage, take a nap, read a book or gather to enjoy time with family and friends. Mornings on the porch are extra special and a wonderful place to sip your coffee and watch the fog lift from the water.

Cabin Lake and its surrounding property is a place like no other. Cabin Lake is a place so rare that a conservancy was created to preserve and maintain its natural beauty. If you love the outdoors you will love Cabin Lake and its natural scenic beauty.