Lake Erie is the fourth-largest lake of the five Great Lakes in North America and ranks the eleventh-largest lake globally! If you're looking to "dive" into many water activities from swimming, fishing, boating, birdwatching, and hiking, look no further! In addition to its water activities, Lake Erie is the largest grape-growing region east of the Rockies. It has become home to 24 commercial and estate wineries.
Lake Erie touches the U.S. shores of Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York, so there's a lot of land to cover and visit. Of course, no matter what adventure you choose, you'll have to find a place to rest your head at night to recoup and get ready for the next day's worth of water activities. Check out some of our favorite family vacation and rental properties on the U.S. shores of Lake Erie for your next waterfront adventure. Of course, to make it easier for you, most of these rental properties are pet-friendly, air-conditioned, and have high-performance WiFi for your remote-working needs.
Vacation Rentals on Lake Erie
Land Acknowledgement
Before we dive into the sunset-blushed horizons of Lake Erie's shores, we must first acknowledge that this land belongs to the Indigenous tribe of the Iroquois. The Erie people named the lake, who lived along its southern shore. The tribal name "Erie" is a shortened form of the Iroquoian word erielhonan, meaning "long tail."
10. Geneva-On-The-Lake Vacation Rental
What could be better than enjoying the scenic views of Lake Erie with direct lake access from a private back deck and being within walking distance to some of the best local wineries? Situated directly on Lake Erie at the old-fashioned lakefront getaway Geneva-on-the-Lake in Ohio, this two-story home rental offers four bedrooms and two bathrooms, accommodating ten people! If you want to enjoy a larger-group vacation enjoying Geneva's local Tuesday concerts within walking distance to Township Park, exploring Northeast Ohio's 20+ wineries just minutes away, photographing spectacular sunsets, and more, this lakefront oasis is for you.
9. Beachfront & Forest Cottage
If you're looking for a mix of both lakefront access and a forest adventure, look no further. Nestled on Chautauqua County, NY's Lake Erie shores, this one-bedroom cottage offers up to six guests access to Lake Erie and seven forested acres less than a 200-foot walk from the front steps!
With its close access, you can spend more time on the beach collecting sea glass and driftwood, exploring the Barcelona Harbor and marina, and hiking in the house's beautiful wooded land. If that weren't enough, four inland lakes are just a short drive away, offering added attractions at Chautauqua Lake, including Chautauqua Institution, Midway Amusement Park, Long Point State Park, and more.
8. Dreamy Cliffside Lake House
You know what they say, the most critical aspect of a rental property is location, location, location! Resting atop a 60-foot cliff above Lake Erie, you're sure to swoon over every room's epic and picturesque views.
Offering up three bedrooms and eight total guests, this modern and updated home sits in a quiet neighborhood in Erie, PA, allowing the space for a more reserved vacation. Along with its fantastic lake views, the house also features a spacious and modern kitchen, a 65" smart tv and big games, and quick access to a public pavilion and public beach full of colorful beach glass.
7. Sunset Chalet Getaway
Open floors and big windows and over 100-feet of exclusive lake frontage? Count us in! Located in Portland, NY, this wooded contemporary lake house can sleep up to 14, so the whole family can join! If you're traveling with kids, there's also a private bunkhouse just steps from the main house that sleep four. Boasting a large green backyard with an outdoor wooden staircase leading to a private beach, you may never want to leave here. Add its indoor wood-burning stove, natural wood interior with vaulted ceilings, outdoor firepit, air conditioning, a pet-friendly atmosphere, and a close drive to local wineries and breweries; this is a top Lake Erie vacation rental.
6. Lake Erie Island Condo
Did you know that there is a chain of archipelagic islands on Lake Erie off the coast of Ohio? Often called the "Key West of the North," Put-in-Bay ranks among one of the most popular and historic islands of Lake Erie. This family-friendly, modern and quaint lakefront condo offers beautiful Lake Erie views at your fingertips, serenading guests with the sounds of the waves for a rejuvenating and relaxing getaway.
5. Lakeside Sunrise Deck Abode
Who doesn't want their private deck to wake up with the sun? Situated only a few minutes outside downtown Monroe, MI, this two-bedroom lake house boasts breathtaking views from its sunroom and private main bedroom sundeck. With its crisp, modern feel with a hint of eclectic furniture, the space is perfect for a romantic getaway or time alone. This vacation rental also has a dedicated workspace with high-performing WiFi so that you can work remotely with some fantastic lakeside views.
4. Glass House Getaway
You know what they say about throwing stones in a glass house...they end up in Lake Erie! This Mid-Century modern Ohio rental property offers large picture windows across the front and rear of the house for unobstructed views of Lake Erie and Sandusky Bay. Paired with the mahogany wood walls, open living area, and direct private beach access, this one is a sure-win booking for your next Lake Erie vacation rental.
3. Historic Lakefront Home
If you're itching for some history, look no further. This 1950s home sits in the heart of Marblehead, OH's historic Lakeside Community, providing you with a range of Lake Erie activities for all ages and $1 million views. With it only being less than two miles away from the Marblehead Lighthouse, the oldest, continuously operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes, as well as The Keeper's House, and a short 6.3 miles away from Catawba Island State Park, make this your next lakeside vacation rental if you want to dive into some of Lake Erie's history. Additionally, this rental property offers guests WiFi, a fireplace, bicycles, air-conditioning, and more.
2. Private Michigan Lakeview Mansion
As our most significant Lake Erie vacation home sleeping up to 18 total people, this enchanting 50' beachfront destination checks everything off the list. Offering a classic lake cottage feel with modern features, this cottage features stunning water views of Lake Erie, a massive 50-foot expansive shaded deck, a covered porch, a fenced backyard, a breathtaking sunrise walk, and free use of kayaks, paddleboards, and a canoe. Additionally, an inside family-friendly multi-game room with Foosball and an outside offering of Horseshoes, Corn Hole, Yard Dice, and Croquet will ensure there's never a shortage of fun activities for the whole crew. If you're trying to bring the whole and then some, consider this Lake Erie vacation home gem.
1. Lulu's Lakeview House
Pennsylvania has good views...especially if you're resting on a 25-foot cliff overlooking Lake Erie. Load up the car and bring the dog to this "perfect" family getaway centrally between Presque Isle's beaches and Lake Erie's famous wine country.
Consider this Pennsylvania Lake Erie shoreline lake rental for your rental featuring a large outdoor deck overlooking the lake, firepit, large grass backyard, and proximity to a boat ramp, Shades Beach, and Presque Isle State Park next lakefront vacation rental.
Runner-Ups
- Lake Front Beach House Near Peek N' Peak Resort
- Lake Erie Sunset Vacation Rental Cabin in Chautauqua County, NY
- Hidden Cove Lake Erie Rental Property In Mina, NY
- Modern Island Vacation Home With Hot Tub In Michigan
Mikala Lugen is an avid adventure lifestylist, rooting her life around music, mindfulness, and travel. She's currently based in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she works among the mountains every day, writing about some of the country's best musical events, as well as hiking, skiing, rock climbing, and playing with her dog Jameson in-between all of her adventures.
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