Escaping to a cabin for a little R&R might be just the Michigan family vacation you need.

Renting a cabin is really easy these days, thanks to platforms like VRBO and Airbnb. Rent a cabin in the fall to catch the fall colors. Rent a cabin in the summertime to enjoy nearby beaches. Perhaps the cabin rental you find will provide fishing or boating opportunities. Cabin rentals in Michigan in the winter might just let you try snowmobiling, snowshoeing, or skiing for the first time.

Families have floated the Platte River for generations, and for good reason. It’s easy to maneuver a kayak, stand up paddleboard, canoe, raft, or tube down the river. And… it ends at a lovely Lake Michigan beach. This article tells you how to make the trip happen, either with rental equipment or your own gear.