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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

Front Of Cottage
Interior
Living area
Living area
Living area

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area

Highlights

  • Bring your furry friends
    Top-rated for creating memorable stays with your pets.
  • Your own private chef
    One of the few properties offering private chef services.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Spa pool on site
  • Deck or patio
  • Barbecue
  • Electric vehicle charging point
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

2 Single Bunk Beds

Master Bedroom

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

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,

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Kids have a blast here!!
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Events

Events allowed
Please contact prior to booking!!
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Pets

Pets allowed
Please email or call owner to discuss your pets.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking inside any buidling will result in removal

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights
Clean all dishes, pots pans, and glasses and place back in cabinets where found
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number 2021-0011
Property # 1016137vb
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 that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

About the area

Traverse City

Located in Traverse City, this cottage is near a water park and on the waterfront. Shoppers can check out Front Street, while everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Michigan and Traverse City Beach. Centre Ice Arena and Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf are also worth visiting. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or try out other outdoor activities such as snowmobiling and sledging.
Map
Traverse City, MI

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

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 16 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Culver's - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Peegeo's - ‬16 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Boardman River Cottage, 2 bedroom 1 Bath steps away from the banks of the river pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much does it cost to stay at Boardman River Cottage, 2 bedroom 1 Bath steps away from the banks of the river?

As of 18 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Boardman River Cottage, 2 bedroom 1 Bath steps away from the banks of the river on 2 November 2026 start from NZ$497, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Boardman River Cottage, 2 bedroom 1 Bath steps away from the banks of the river?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Boardman River Cottage, 2 bedroom 1 Bath steps away from the banks of the river?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Boardman River Cottage, 2 bedroom 1 Bath steps away from the banks of the river?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Boardman River Cottage, 2 bedroom 1 Bath steps away from the banks of the river located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is 2.2 mi (3.5 km) from Forest Lakes and 2.4 mi (3.9 km) from Arbutus Lake. Spider Lake and Rennie Lake are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 231 out of 239 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 239 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 239 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 239 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 239 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cortney W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent place! Will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Thomas C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It’s a beautiful and very clean property with a well stocked kitchen and a private backyard. The host was extremely responsive and accommodating throughout our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nancy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
So secluded and beautiful and peaceful!! Loved the place and definitely would go back again!!!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Meghan V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved our stay at this cottage! It was the perfect home base for our family of four—close to the beach, a national park, and other local adventures, while still feeling peaceful and relaxing.The hot tub and beautiful river were highlights of our trip, and we appreciated all the thoughtful touches throughout the cottage. The kitchen was well stocked, and details like the ice maker, glass rinser, and a variety of kitchenware made it feel like the hosts had thought of everything.One of our favorite parts of the trip was simply spending time together playing games and relaxing after a day of exploring. We would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marcos S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alli V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susie W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Easy to stay with easy contact and instruction. Beautiful spot!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was perfect, except for the weather. Will definitley think about coming back in the summer!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ashley M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cassy P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cathy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cottage is clean, comfy, and cozy! Highly recommend! Quiet and relaxing atmosphere.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrea T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent experience! Beautiful property. Super friendly & helpful hosts.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christine S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

kim s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Girls weekend

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

10/10 Excellent

Monica K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rick C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spring Break up North

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

10/10 Excellent

Nicole T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Super easy check-in. All kitchen utilities included.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dennis S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lawrence G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Caterina T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katherine T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing with great location

Wonderful relaxing property in a great location
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amanda O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family loved it

Great few days away
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Neva A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved our stay

Pretty awesome property. Everything was immaculate and we all, including our dogs, enjoyed our time here
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeff G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Weekend Getaway

Highly recommend! Great location, great house and great management. Perfect spot for a weekend recharge!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jon Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Hope to come back!

We enjoyed our stay at the River Cottage. Very relaxing and the Hot Tub was great! Clean and good location.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

About the host

Hosted by John Jury

Host profile image
John and Agnes have been married since 2002. John grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and Agnes is from Poland and Canada. They have an 11 year old boy. They are avid campers and love nature. They are onsite and there to help you with anything you may need during your stay. They are also very good at just allowing you to enjoy your time without interruptions. Your enjoyment is their utmost goal.

What makes this property unique

Private setting with lots of space and incredible view of the Boardman River. We will make sure your stay is enjoyable and memorable.

Languages:

English, French, Polish

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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