This Michigan Airbnb Looks Like It Belongs in the Swiss Alps

Michigan is full of stunning scenery and surprising landscapes, most notably ocean-like beaches and sprawling old-growth forests. That’s not surprising to most Midwesterners, but I didn’t know it also has some of the best verifiable mountain peaks in the region. And while it’s still only one-tenth the elevation of the Swiss Alps, the remote Gogebic Range on the Upper Peninsula does a pretty good job delivering ski mountain vibes. Yet what really solidifies a destination dupe is the place you stay, kind of like this mountain chalet in an alpine village. It’s literally a Michigan Airbnb that looks like it belongs in the Swiss Alps.

What Makes This Airbnb Look Like a Swiss Alps Stay

At first glance, this unique Airbnb in Michigan oozes Swiss charm. The adorable A-frame chalet with robin’s egg blue siding and chocolate-colored window shutters could make you believe it was plucked right off the slopes of Zermatt and dropped in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The Airbnb is framed by a dense evergreen acreage and a dazzling blanket of snow during ski season. In the warmer months, the hushed slopes are abundant with waterfalls and wildflowers, just like any proper Swiss mountain village. Speaking of skis and slopes, if you stay here, you’re just five minutes from Big Powderhorn, 15 minutes from Copper Peak, Indianhead, and Blackjack; that’s four Michigan ski resorts just down the road. 

Why Travelers Love This Unique Airbnb in Michigan

Interestingly, this unique Airbnb in Michigan isn’t as luxurious or expensive as “Swiss Chalet” makes it sound. Rather than ostentatious, it’s cozy and affordable, a true mountain-lover's escape, beyond the shadows of the ski resort, and tucked into the quieter side of the mountain. That’s how it’s earned nearly perfect five-star reviews from almost 200 guests. Travelers frequently mention how clean, quiet, spacious, and cozy their stay is, and how much they loved communicating with the owners, Olga and Slaveiko. Amenities they love the most include the cedar sauna, the fondue set, and the fireplaces. And it’s repeated over and over again, how much this Airbnb feels like an authentic, historic Swiss chalet. Other perks include its proximity to natural attractions and the nearby town, which makes it feel secluded yet not isolated.

Nearby Attractions To Explore While Staying in Ironwood

Beyond skiing, there are endless ways to enjoy the outdoors while staying in Ironwood. It’s a typical Midwestern small town, with a quaint, historic downtown and fewer than 5,000 full-time residents. In other words, there are far more woodland creatures than people, which is the bulk of its charm. My favorite things to do in Ironwood include exploring the neighboring Ottawa National Forest, visiting the Black River waterfalls, and exploring the Lake Superior shoreline.

The Porcupine Mountains are also only about an hour away, and are on the way to my favorite place in the United States: the Keweenaw Peninsula, just over 100 miles from Ironwood. I recommend at least one week to explore this incredibly remote and rustic wilderness area. If you need help, Only In Your State's AI-powered itinerary planner is a handy tool for planning road trips just like this.