Entire home

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

Riverfront cottage with kitchen and patio

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

Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Interior
Exterior
Outdoor dining
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Nestled on 18 acres of private property along the Boardman River, River Life Paradise offers a tranquil retreat. Enjoy kayaking or tubing down the river, relax in the year-round hot tub, and unwind by a bonfire pit under starry skies. With a fully equipped kitchen and wireless internet, this cottage provides comfort and convenience.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 683 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer

Add dates for prices

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 $75 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,

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 transportation

  • 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
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • 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
  • No elevator (single-level property)
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking
  • Smoking not allowed
  • 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

Similar properties

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

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
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

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!!

Events

Events allowed
Please contact prior to booking!!

Smoking

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

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

About the neighborhood

Map
Traverse City, MI

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
  • Centre Ice Arena - 13 min drive - 12.2 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 - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬12 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 is parking?

Onsite 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?

Check-out 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 mi (10 km).

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

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 221 out of 229 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 229 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 229 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 229 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 229 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

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

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
John is very helpful and congenial. He is Avery kind person!
Stayed 11 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sandy H.

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

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Barb K.

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

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Katherine S.

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

Very satisfied

Clean and quiet and the owner was very responsive. Would stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Kendra B.

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

Great place to celebrate a birthday!

Loved the river and enjoyed a cold dip! All the details were thought out, great place to stay and close to downtown!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rhonda C.

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

Christmas getaway

Cottage was peaceful and cozy! Really enjoyed the river view and hot tub! John was easy to get a hold of and a wonderful host!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mark V.

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

Great, cozy spot near Traverse City

Great little spot near everything, yet quiet & perfectly remote. Would definitely stay again!! Love the property, the river, & the ambiance…
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Harry F.

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

Great stay

I had a wonderful time with my partner and service dog. It’s beautiful and cozy and I would definitely come back.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vette S.

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

Annual Family Gathering

Simply wonderful cabin in the woods!!! We love this property!!! Hot tub is our favorite!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jack P.

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

Beautiful Site

Being right on the Boardman River, this is a great spot to catch your breath and enjoy the peace and quiet. The house is well-appointed and clean, and the hosts are great. Looking forward to staying again and going after some trout.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kim P.

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

Wonderful weekend

Very clean, well organized, and beautiful location on the river.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marsha E.

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

SERENE

We had a great stay. Hot tub was amazing, river view is awesome and a short drive to traverse City. Highly recommend this place!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alyssa B.

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

Perfect Getaway!

We were extremely satisfied with our stay! The place was clean and cute - perfect for a friends reunion/mom getaway weekend. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dani D.

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

Beautiful and relaxing

These a beautiful place to spend a relaxing vacation. Only 15 minutes from downtown Traverse City! We hope to be able to stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023