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Boardman River Cottage, 2 bedroom 1 Bath steps away from the banks of the river

Photo gallery for Boardman River Cottage, 2 bedroom 1 Bath steps away from the banks of the river

Outdoor dining
Smart TV, fireplace, books
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Interior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 683 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer

Explore the area

View map
Traverse City, MI
  • Place, Forest Lakes
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Arbutus Lake
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, beach near Barbeau Drive
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪15 min drive‬

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About the area

Traverse City

Located in Traverse City, this cottage is on the waterfront, a 4-minute drive from Forest Lakes and 6 minutes from Arbutus Lake. .This cottage is 10.4 mi (16.7 km) from Lake Michigan and 10.8 mi (17.5 km) from Traverse City Beach.
View more Cottages in Traverse CityOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Forest Lakes - 3 min drive - 3.7 km
  • Arbutus Lake - 3 min drive - 4.8 km
  • beach near Barbeau Drive - 3 min drive - 4.8 km
  • beach near Arbutus Lake - 6 min drive - 6.6 km
  • Spider Lake - 7 min drive - 8.0 km

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 16 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Culver's - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Kingsley Local Brewing - ‬9 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Boardman River Cottage, 2 bedroom 1 Bath steps away from the banks of the river

East Bay Township Short Term Rental License Number: EBT-STR003162

Welcome to River Life Paradise, a cozy 2-bedroom, 1-bath cottage tucked into 18 acres of private forested land with 2,600+ feet of direct frontage on the Boardman River — just 10 miles from downtown Traverse City. Enjoy a relaxing getaway surrounded by nature with a year-round hot tub, outdoor patio, fire pit, hiking trails, and access to world-class fishing and paddling right outside your door.
Perfect for couples, families, or outdoor enthusiasts, this home offers the best of both worlds: peaceful seclusion and easy access to Northern Michigan’s top destinations.
🛏 Property Details:
2 bedrooms (sleeps up to 6)
1 full bathroom
Open floor plan with fully equipped kitchen
with washer & dryer on site.
Central heat and Mini Split A/C
High-speed WiFi + Internet TV (Hulu, Netflix, Amazon)
🌲 Outdoor Features:
Private hot tub (open all year)
Large patio overlooking the Boardman River
Bonfire pit, BBQ grill, and patio table
On-site hiking trail through peaceful woods
50 feet from the riverbank for swimming, paddling & fishing
🎣 Activities On-Site & Nearby:
Kayaking, tubing & canoeing (equipment available upon request)
Blue Ribbon trout fishing (Brown & Brook trout)
Swimming in the crystal-clear Boardman River
Bird watching, mushroom hunting & wildlife viewing
Access to ATV & snowmobile trails (1/4 mile away)
Just minutes from Brown Bridge Quiet Area hiking trails
Ranch Rudolph (horseback riding, snowmobile rentals & dining)
🐾 Pet Friendly
We welcome up to 2 dogs for a one-time $85 pet fee. With acres of trails and river access, your pets will love the stay as much as you do.
🧭 Explore the Traverse City Area
Located just 10 miles from your cottage door, Traverse City is one of Michigan’s most popular destinations, known for its natural beauty, food scene, and vibrant events. Make the most of your trip with these local activities:
🍷 Wineries & Breweries
Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail – scenic drive + award-winning tastings
Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail
Dozens of local craft breweries & cideries including Right Brain Brewery, The Workshop Brewing Company, and Hop Lot
🍽 Dining & Shopping
Local favorites: Trattoria Stella, The Cook’s House, and Boathouse Restaurant
Eclectic downtown with boutique shopping, art galleries, and live music
🏖 Beaches & Parks
Clinch Park Beach (downtown)
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – hike the dunes or take in the lake views
Traverse City State Park – sandy beach, picnicking, and paved trails
🎉 Events & Seasonal Activities
National Cherry Festival (July)
Traverse City Film Festival (summer)
Fall Color Tours on scenic M-22
Winter fun: snowshoeing, skiing at Crystal Mountain (40 mins), and ice fishing
⛳ Golf & Recreation
Championship golf courses nearby including The Bear at Grand Traverse Resort
Mountain biking, paddle boarding, sailing, and more
✅ Amenities:
Hot Tub
Full Kitchen w/ Dishwasher
Washer & Dryer
Central Air & Heat
High-Speed WiFi + Streaming TV
Patio + Fire Pit + BBQ Grill
Private Trails
Parking for Multiple Vehicles
Whether you're casting a line into the river, sipping wine along the peninsula, stargazing from the hot tub, or exploring the dunes and beaches of Lake Michigan, River Life Paradise is your gateway to a perfect Pure Michigan experience.
🗓 Book your stay today – dates fill quickly, especially in peak seasons!
Keywords: Traverse City, Boardman River, Cottage Rental, Hot Tub, Pet Friendly, Waterfront, Kayaking, Fishing, Hiking, Wine Tasting, Cherry Festival, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Northern Michigan Getaway, VRBO Michigan, Snowmobiling, Cabin River Life Paradise – Waterfront Cottage Near Traverse City with Hot Tub, Pet Friendly,
Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned cottage, which features a fireplace and a Smart TV. There's a private patio. A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a stovetop. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected.
Enjoy recreation amenities such as a hot tub or take in the view from a garden. This cottage also features concierge services and barbecue grills.
Guests will find features like internet access, onsite parking, and a car charging station.

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach towels

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby
  • Snowboarding nearby

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Car recommended
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Chef service
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 2 accessible parking spaces
  • In-room accessibility
  • No lift (single-level property)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking
  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: Smoking inside any buidling will result in removal

Services and conveniences

  • Concierge services
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near the marina
  • On a river
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Bicycles
  • Kayak
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Canoeing nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Ice skating nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Parasailing nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Snowmobiling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Bicycles
  • Electric car charging station
  • Garden
  • Unit size: 890 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Contactless check-in available

Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:

Load and start the dishwasher

Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash

Turn off the lights

Clean all dishes, pots pans, and glasses and place back in cabinets where found

Pets

Pets allowed

Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees

Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation

Note from host: Please email or call owner to discuss your pets.

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Note from host: Kids have a blast here!!

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events are allowed on site
Note from host: Please contact prior to booking!!
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number 2021-0011

We should mention

A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Boardman River Cottage 2 Bedroom 1 Bath Steps Away Banks River

Boardman River Cottage 2 Bedroom 1 Bath Steps Away Banks River

Boardman River 2 Bedroom 1 Bath Steps Away Banks River

Boardman River Cottage, 2 bedroom 1 Bath steps away from the banks of the river Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 227 out of 235 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 235 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 235 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 235 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 235 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Nancy M.

Liked: Cleanliness
So secluded and beautiful and peaceful!! Loved the place and definitely would go back again!!!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026

10/10 Excellent

Marcos S.

Liked: Cleanliness
We had a great time at this location. It was a beautiful place. The cabin was clean and spacious and well equipped. We were able to build a fire by the scenic river and really enjoyed the peaceful location. We will definitely return. A big thanks to John.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026

10/10 Excellent

Amy C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Everything was perfect, except for the weather. Will definitley think about coming back in the summer!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026

10/10 Excellent

Alli V.

Liked: Cleanliness
This is our third year staying here! We love it so much & the host is great. The cottage is so homey and we enjoy relaxing in the hot tub!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026

10/10 Excellent

Susie W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Easy to stay with easy contact and instruction. Beautiful spot!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Ashley M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Loved this property and location! Cozy, private and had everything we need! John was super accommodating as well. We will definitely be back if not for a long term rental in the future.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Cassy P.

Liked: Cleanliness
The host was very helpful and welcoming. Cabin was absolutely amazing. Couldn’t have been a better girls getaway with my friends. Hot tub felt great with the chilly weather. Definitely will be back again in the future for another trip.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cathy S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cottage is clean, comfy, and cozy! Highly recommend! Quiet and relaxing atmosphere.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Martha M.

Liked: Cleanliness
The good: - We enjoyed using the hot tub at night while looking at the stars.- It was relaxing to sit in the chairs in the backyard in the late afternoon/early evening and watch the river go by.The not-so-good:- This property appears to be part of some kind of “compound”, consisting of multiple rentals. There is an RV/camper right outside the front of this property, plus another property (or 2?) just on the other side of this RV. The host lives or stays in the property just downstream from the rental. However, we didn’t see too many other people, but I think I would feel cramped in the summer when all properties are occupied.- The bed is a double, NOT a queen, as stated in the property listing. (We measured it.) If I had known this before booking, I wouldn’t have booked this property. My partner and I had to sleep in separate bedrooms. Major bummer.- The bathroom has only a single, dim light, on the ceiling. When you stand at the sink in front of the mirror, you block that dim light, causing the mirror to be basically useless.- We found cookware with burnt-on gunk that we had to scrub before use. We also found a greasy baking sheet with baked-on crumbs which we mentioned to the host so that the next renters would not have to deal with this.- The heating/cooling unit on the wall by the kitchen was very noisy. I think it’s primarily for cooling, so we just turned it off.- While the bathroom floor is a cool idea, the embedded river stone is not easy on the feet.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Barbara R., Salisbury, NC

Liked: Cleanliness
Such a beautiful and comfortable property in an amazing area of Michigan! This cottage is exceptionally appointed, with premium linens, kitchenware, condiments and bathroom needs. Everything is provided and clearly marked for guest use. The property is well-kept and quiet, with easy backyard access to the Boardman River. John provided us with wonderful day trip and restaurant suggestions in the Leelanau Peninsula. Downtown Traverse City was a short 15 min.drive away and there were several grocery stores even closer. As many others have mentioned, the hot tub is not to be missed!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrea T., St. Johns, MI

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent experience! Beautiful property. Super friendly & helpful hosts.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Monica K.

Liked: Cleanliness
We enjoyed our stay! The house was clean, the location was near many places (drive in, sleeping bear sand dunes, grocery, downtown tc) the backyard was nice & fenced in with the river a few feet away and the communication with management was great. It is on community shared property which turned out to be fine!We had a wonderful time!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Kathleen P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely yard and view of river, unfortunately the shoreline has eroded and it was a steep drop to actually get into the river. The cabin was very clean with plenty of towels, toilet paper, etc. The queen size bed described in the listing is actually only full size and rather uncomfortable as you can feel the springs beginning to pop through in certain areas. There is also the same problem with the springs on both lower bunk beds. There was no handle on the refrigerator and the microwave door was cracked. The kitchen is stocked with plenty of dishes, cups, silverware, etc. and has plenty of counter space. Unfortunately the only place to eat indoors requires climbing up on tall bar stools at the counter which is somewhat difficult for we senior citizens. My husband and grandson were looking forward to the fishing in the river but sadly we must have come at the wrong time of year because they never got so much as a nibble and never even saw a fish. Luckily there are other fishing locations nearby where they had much better luck! This cabin is very close to the main Traverse City area and there are many good restaurants if you don’t have the urge to cook during your vacation.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dennis S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Really nice two bedroom cottage just a few steps from the Boardman River. Comfortable sitting areas, both inside and out. Kitchen was fully equipped and functional. Main bedroom was nice sized and comfortable. We had a delightful time.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicole T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Super easy check-in. All kitchen utilities included.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christine S.

Liked: Cleanliness
We had a wonderful stay at the boardman river cottage. Everything was exactly as pictured and John provided all the details needed for our stay. Location was perfect right on the river and our boys enjoyed fishing everyday. We would love to come back and stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
John is very helpful and congenial. He is Avery kind person!
Stayed 11 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sandy H.

Liked: Cleanliness

peaceful, dog-friendly river cottage

the cottage was beautifully updated and clean. Host attention to detail was impeccable (all supplies for both guests and dg were ample). We were grateful for the secure riverfront area for our dog. Host was extremely easy to access with questions.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heather D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Christmas trip

We got a weekend away for our daughter and her future husband for Christmas. They loved it! Thank you.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

kim s.

Liked: Cleanliness

Girls weekend

We had so much looking forward to staying here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Barb K., Holland, MI

Liked: Cleanliness

Great property! Right on the Boardman River

We spent a week at the property and loved it! It’s quiet, peaceful, fully stocked and 50 feet from the Boardman River. We took advantage of the hot tub every night. The bbq grill was great and the fire pit was a welcome feature. The Brown Bridge Quiet Area trails are only a few miles away. Beautiful place to hike.
Right on the river
Tall pines in front of cottage
Back of cottage
Flowers growing next to the river
Stayed 6 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lawrence G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Very Positive Stay

We had a very positive experience staying at the cottage. John was so accommodating and an excellent host.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melissa S., FREELAND

Liked: Cleanliness

Peaceful and Relaxing

Our mom and daughter’s trip was everything we hoped it would be! We loved hanging out in the hot tub and enjoyed sitting around the bon fire listening to the river. The home was cozy and had all the amenities needed to enjoy our stay. John was friendly and even brought us some dry wood. Our furry baby had a blast zipping around the fenced in yard. We would love to return! It was a wonderful trip!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Caterina T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Family Getaway

We had a great stay! The place was clean, hot tub was nice to relax in. The location was near by great restaurants and some public lakes we tried out. We will definitely be back in the summer time.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rick C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Spring Break up North

Great place and Great stay. Very cozy.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025