Kayaks & Fire Pits: Waterfront Portage Getaway!
Guest rating: 4.7 / 5
Overview
Kayaks & Fire Pits: Waterfront Portage Getaway! is a 3-bedroom, 3-bath waterfront vacation rental on Dombey Lake in New Chicago (Portage area), designed around lake views and outdoor time. The home is smoke-free and is set up for self-sufficient stays with multiple living areas and at-home essentials. Guests also note a serene, clean lake and a quiet setting that feels geared toward relaxation.
Space & Sleeping
This 2,504 sq ft, single-story property (with 2 steps to enter) sleeps across three bedrooms plus additional sleeping in a studio and family room. Bedroom arrangements include two queen bedrooms, a bedroom with two twin beds, a studio with a twin daybed and twin trundle, and two twin sleeper chairs in the family room. Indoor features include a dining table, dry bar, board games, and two Smart TVs (with cable TV also listed).
Kitchen & Laundry
A full kitchen with stainless-steel appliances supports longer stays, including an oven/stove, microwave, and cooking basics, plus dishware/flatware and a breakfast bar. Coffee is set up with a Keurig and complimentary K-Cups. A washer/dryer, ironing board, linens/towels, and hair dryers are provided.
Outdoor Amenities & Recreation
Outdoor living is a highlight, with a furnished deck for outdoor dining, a gas grill, and a private hot tub. On the water, there’s a waterfront deck plus two wood-burning fire pits. The home provides kayaks (2 single adult and 2 kid kayaks) and life vests (children, youth, and adult sizes).
Location & Nearby
The home is about 3 miles from Lake Michigan and a short drive to Indiana Dunes trails, with Portage Lakefront & Riverwalk Pavilion around 5 miles away. For rail access, Miller station is about 4,957 m away and Portage/Ogden Dunes station about 4,130 m away. Nearby dining includes Raise the Roost (about 518 m) plus several bar & grill and steakhouse options within a few miles; Chicago Midway International Airport is roughly 50 km away and Chicago O’Hare about 72.5 km away.
Best for
This waterfront rental suits families and mixed-age groups who want a “stay-in” lake getaway with built-in activities—kayaks, fire pits, a private hot tub, board games, and multiple living areas. It also fits outdoorsy travelers planning day trips to Lake Michigan and Indiana Dunes trails while returning to a quieter lakeside base.
Travel tips
If you’re arriving without a car, the closest train options are Portage/Ogden Dunes (about 4.1 km) and Miller (about 5.0 km), but most guests will find driving easiest for beaches, dunes, and dining. Parking is in the driveway for up to 5 vehicles. Note the property has a security alarm and three outward-facing exterior security cameras (including a doorbell camera).
What guests say
Reviews consistently emphasize the lake setting, describing the water as serene with an especially enjoyable view to wake up to. Guests frequently highlight the range of amenities that keep both adults and kids engaged, particularly the kayaks, hot tub, and fire pit nights, along with comfortable indoor space for groups. Location feedback focuses on easy driving access to Indiana Dunes trails and nearby beaches, with the home serving as a relaxing base for day trips. When issues arise, guests mention responsive, helpful host support; one minor downside noted is that the surrounding town itself is less of a draw compared with the property and nearby nature areas.
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