From deterioration to near restoration – this historic cottage on North Manitou Island has been a special project for PHSB.

Dozens of volunteers working 24 weeks over several years, and thousands of hours and dollars have accomplished this transformation. As part of Cottage Row, a row of cottages sitting high looking over Lake Michigan, the historic feeling here is palpable.

Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear submitted a proposal to the park for a historic lease to open this beauty up to the public once again for rustic accommodations. We are waiting word on how to install a fire suppression system out there without a water system. Last year we completed floor sanding and finishing upstairs; floor repairs; restoring all external doors and continuing to clean and stain walls.  In 2025 contractors with the National Park Service will be working on the island so our volunteers will not be working out there. If you would like to volunteer with us in 2026, please email us at phsbpark@gmail.com.