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Spacious Riverfront home. 10 Min to TC but far enough away from it all.

Photo gallery for Spacious Riverfront home. 10 Min to TC but far enough away from it all.

Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Interior
Interior
Exterior
Outdoor dining

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8223 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View map
Traverse City, MI
  • Place, Forest Lakes
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Arbutus Lake
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Spider Lake
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪13 min drive‬

Room options

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  • Washing machine
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About the area

Traverse City

Located in Traverse City, this vacation home is on the waterfront, a 3-minute drive from Forest Lakes and 6 minutes from Arbutus Lake. .This family-friendly vacation home is 10.4 mi (16.7 km) from Lake Michigan and 4.3 mi (6.9 km) from Spider Lake.
View more Holiday homes in Traverse CityOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Forest Lakes - 3 min drive - 2.6 km
  • Arbutus Lake - 3 min drive - 2.9 km
  • Spider Lake - 6 min drive - 7.2 km
  • Rennie Lake - 8 min drive - 9.0 km
  • Turtle Creek Stadium - 13 min drive - 13.1 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
  • ‪Samsara - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬12 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.

Spacious Riverfront home. 10 Min to TC but far enough away from it all.

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

River Life Paradise – Spacious Riverfront Home Near Traverse City | 2BR + Loft, Sleeps 8 | Pet Friendly | Kayaking, Fishing & More
Welcome to River Life Paradise, your peaceful retreat nestled along the beautiful Boardman River, just 10 miles outside of Traverse City, Michigan. This spacious 2,000 sq ft home offers room to relax, reconnect, and recharge with direct river frontage, a screened-in porch, shaded deck, and large private yard—perfect for families, groups, or couples looking for a nature-filled escape with modern comforts.
Surrounded by towering trees and the sounds of flowing water, you’ll feel like you’re deep in the woods—but you’re just a short drive to the best of Traverse City’s dining, wineries, beaches, and shops.
🏡 Property Overview
2 Bedrooms + Loft | 2 Full Bathrooms
Sleeps up to 8 guests
Downstairs master: King bed
Upstairs bedroom: 2 Queen beds
Loft area: 1 Queen bed
Open-concept layout with full kitchen (no dishwasher)
Large dining area and cozy living room with river views
6–8 person sectional sofa
Laundry room with washer & dryer
🌿 Outdoor Features
Screened-in porch and shaded deck
Large front and back yards – great for games, grilling, or relaxing
Just feet from the banks of the Boardman River
Bonfire pit, BBQ grill, and picnic table
On-site private hiking trail through woods and natural areas
Crystal-clear river access for kayaking, tubing, and swimming

🎣 On-Site Activities & Nature
Kayaking, canoeing & tubing on the Boardman River (equipment available upon request)
Blue Ribbon trout fishing – renowned for Brown and Brook trout
Swimming & rock hunting in cool, clear waters
Wildlife watching: Bald eagles, deer, beavers, otters, hawks, owls, and more
Birding & mushroom hunting in the surrounding forest
Painting & photography opportunities with every sunrise and sunset
🌟 Explore Traverse City – Just 10 Miles Away
River Life Paradise offers peace and privacy with quick access to everything Traverse City has to offer. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventure, culinary delights, or seasonal festivals, it’s all just a short drive away:
🍷 Wineries & Breweries
Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail – scenic tasting rooms with lake views
Leelanau Peninsula wineries
Local breweries: Right Brain Brewery, Hop Lot Brewing Co., Rare Bird Brewpub
🏖 Beaches & Parks
Clinch Park Beach in downtown TC
Traverse City State Park – perfect for picnics and swimming
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – hike the dunes or cruise scenic M-22
🍽 Dining & Shopping
Farm-to-table restaurants like The Cook’s House, Trattoria Stella, and Boathouse
Downtown Traverse City for boutique shopping, art galleries, and cherry treats
🗓 Events & Seasonal Fun
National Cherry Festival (July)
Traverse City Film Festival
Fall color tours, pumpkin patches, and harvest festivals
Winter activities: skiing at Crystal Mountain, snowmobiling, and ice fishing
🚴‍♀️ Outdoor Recreation
ATV & snowmobile trails just 1/4 mile from the house
Horseback riding at Ranch Rudolph
Nearby trails for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing
✅ Home Amenities
Air Conditioning / Radiant Heat
High-Speed Wireless Internet
Internet TV (Hulu, Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime)
Fire pit + BBQ grill
Washer/Dryer
Fully stocked kitchen (no dishwasher)
Plenty of on-site parking
Whether you’re fly fishing at dawn, paddling down the river, stargazing by the fire pit, or sipping local wine after a beach day, River Life Paradise offers a true taste of Pure Michigan. Relax in comfort, surrounded by the sounds and sights of the wild—then venture into Traverse City for unforgettable experiences.
🗓 Reserve your stay today—dates book fast, especially in peak seasons!
Keywords: Traverse City Vacation Rental, Boardman River Home, Waterfront, Blue Ribbon Trout Stream, Pet Friendly, Family Friendly, Hot Tub Nearby, Kayaking, Fishing, Wine Trail, Cherry Festival, Hiking, Snowmobiling, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Pure Michigan
Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned vacation home, 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. Conveniences include a safe and a microwave.
Pamper yourself with onsite massages or enjoy recreation amenities such as a water park. Additional features at this vacation home include concierge services, an arcade/game room, and barbecue grills.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.

Property amenities

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby
  • Snowboarding nearby

Pool/Spa

  • Massage

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

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

Dining

  • Chef service

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • In-room accessibility
  • No lift (single-level property)
  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: smoking in any building will result in removal

Services and conveniences

  • Concierge services
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Safe

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near the bay
  • Near the marina
  • On a river
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Kayak
  • Water park
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Canoeing nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Ecotours 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
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Parasailing 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
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 2,400 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
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:
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights and return the keys
Please make sure that all dishes, pots, pans, and glasses are clean and put away

Pets

Pets not allowed
Note from host: personal interview regarding pet required.

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Please contact us directly to set up events
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 and a deadbolt lock
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

Property is also known as

Private Campsite Expierience Boardman River 18 Acres Woods
Private Expierience Boardman River 18 Acres Woods Traverse City
Private Campsite Expierience Boardman River 18 Acres Woods
Private Expierience Boardman River 18 Acres Woods Traverse City
Private Expierience Boardman River 18 Acres Woods

Spacious Riverfront home. 10 Min to TC but far enough away from it all. Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 84 out of 86 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 86 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 86 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 86 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 86 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

John N., Brighton, mi

Liked: Cleanliness
This is a wonderful home situated on the beautiful Boardman RIver. Enjoy all the Grand Traverse region, return to dip your toes in the river, and prepare a home cooked meal in the well stocked kitchen. Our family loved every minute! We would return in a heartbeat. Thank you for sharing.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

John O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great spot to enjoy the outdoors. Lots of stuff to do in the area. Host communicated well.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristen P.

Liked: Cleanliness
This property is everything! We enjoyed being close to the city while enjoying the privacy and quietness of the property. The house had everything we needed and more! We will definitely be back.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

TheIcedLatte

Liked: Cleanliness
Very beautiful home! The temperature inside was perfect, the TV and sound system was amazing, and the creek was beautiful. Id love to stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
We had a great time. The location along the river ensured fun activities and there were lots of spaces inside and out to sit with family and visit. We would love to stay again next time we visit Traverse City.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amy W.

Liked: Cleanliness
John and his wife were terrific. They helped us get to a kayak destination and offered advice about the Boardman River. House had everything in the kitchen that we needed.Communication was great. Beautiful place.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joshua S.

Liked: Cleanliness
This house has everything you need for a week away. The location to Traverse city is great, the house is fully stocked with everything you might have forgotten and sitting by the river is unmatched. Would give them more stars if I could. Will definitely be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dusty B.

Liked: Cleanliness
We had an absolutely amazing time at Riverside House! Hosts are wonderful, location is perfect, the house and property are beautiful and SO well stocked. We could not have asked for anything more. John gave us great suggestions to make our trips into the city even better and our kayak trip was the perfect ending. Thank you for sharing your space with us. We will be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sara W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful property

Convenient location and amenities, gorgeous view, and super relaxing surroundings!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful property, well maintained and excellent accommodations from John. I highly recommend stay at this property!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chase B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great time, cabin was perfect was nice having the river right in the back. JOHN was a great host very accommodating. Would recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful stay over July 4th weekend. Everything was perfect- the house, the water and entire stay!

We loved our kayak trip down the river. Thank you for being fabulous hosts!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Lovely location

This is a waterfront property close to Traverse City. It is a beautiful lot and the river running by makes it very peaceful. The interior space was very comfortable for us. The owner was helpful and quickly fixed the small issue that we had. We would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Riverfront stay

Very nice home feet away from the river. Was perfect for my husband participating in the Fly Fishing School.
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kim H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Quick family stay

Although we had a few issues, they were quickly addressed. The river location was very cool and it was fun to get into the river. Frequent and quick communication with the host which was appreciated. Easy spot for getting to area locations easily.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great experience!

The location was great and not too far from Traverse City and what we planned to do. We came up for a friend’s bachelor trip and the house gave all 8 of us a comfortable stay. Would definitely recommend this spot!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sally P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Getaway

The location was awesome. Beautiful being on the river. Host was very helpful and made our kayaking experience fun. We enjoyed fishing even without success. Beds were comfy, may need new pillows on some. Very interesting furnishings. A bit of a museum, which we enjoyed. Could use a minimizing of things, but we loved the space and would definitely do it again. A lot of history here.💕
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dan W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Dan Wojcik

Wonderful. Ideal for families and right onna beautiful river . Very peaceful and quit. Younger folks enjoyed the kayak float
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Debra L.

Liked: Cleanliness

2nd stay at this great Property!

We were so happy to return to this beautiful river house. The location right on the river is so close you can hear the river rushing. The house is so well stocked and the beds are really comfortable. John our host is a terrific person and so easy to communicate with. and so helpful. There are great trails for hiking close by and the river is great for Kayaking. Can't wait to return!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marygail M.

Liked: Cleanliness

River life

Excellent place to stay. Lodging well maintained and location close to many great places to explore. Use of kayaks a plus!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Abigail T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Must visit!

We stayed at John’s for my bachelorette weekend. I wanted something more laid back and in nature. John’s place is absolutely amazing! The location, the river, and house are just to die for. I can’t wait to venture back. The house has everything you could need, we didn’t cook but there was every amenity you could think of. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katie S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Spacious

This place was accommodating and had enough space for teenagers to be separate from adults. The owners were very friendly and made the stay easy! Plenty of towels and kitchen utensils. Hoping yo stay again next year!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sharon H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Mother/Daughter Girls Weekend

This is a great property! We were very satisfied with the accommodations for our group of 5, the cleanliness of the home and all of the amenities provided. Relaxing outside by the river was so peaceful. We hope to return again. Thanks for sharing with us!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Rest and relaxation

My children and grandchildren thoroughly enjoyed this location on the river. Not only could they play and fish but the host took several of the grandkids 3 hour up the river and let them use his kayaks to paddle back to the house. Wenjoyed the
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wendi L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Annual Sibling Trip

"FABULOUS" sums it up! What a great time we had staying at this property. The home accommodated the seven of us perfectly. The beds were very comfortable. The outdoor space was beautiful. John, the property owner, was easy to work with and responded to questions promptly. He arranged for us to kayak which was much appreciated. We left our trip with plans to return. By far this was the best VRBO experience we've had. Thank you, John, for making our stay a memorable one. Cheers!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024