Firefly Lodge on the Boardman River with Hot Tub and Woodstove
Retreat to Northern Michigan with your family or friends and book this 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath, Traverse City vacation rental! This riverfront home features 2 Smart TVs, a fully equipped kitchen, and an awesome outdoor space fit for the whole group. Stay on-site and lounge in the hot tub or roast s’mores over the fire pit! When you’re ready to explore, head downtown for quaint shopping or visit Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park and swim in Grand Traverse Bay. The Great Lakes State awaits!
We respect our guests' privacy and offer a seamless self check-in process. While we will not be present during your stay, we are readily available via the messaging app or phone if you need any assistance or local recommendations.
Our private road consists of homes with Boardman River frontage, private and serene, with easy access from the 55-mph beltway (Hammond Road) to anywhere in Traverse City, Interlochen, and Williamsburg. Especially great for access to Interlochen Arts Academy.
WATER RECREATION: Boardman River - Boardman Valley Boat Launch (7 miles), Silver Lake Recreation Area (7 miles), Duck Lake & Green Lake (10 miles), Grand Traverse Bay - Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park (10 miles), Long Lake (13 miles).
TRAILS: We are very close to lots of trails. The Brown Bridge Quiet Area offers miles of hiking trails. The Boardman Valley Trail System has 81 miles of trails! The Vasa Single Track is a great mountain bike trail system. The Vasa also is home to 25 km of groomed cross-country ski trails. Mount Holiday is only 11 minutes away, a local downhill ski hill that also offers snow tubing and zip lining. Crystal Mountain Ski Resort is only 27 miles away.
TRAVERSE CITY AREA: Downtown (7 miles), micro-breweries, wineries/vineyards, tall ship Manitou, parks, boat rentals, art galleries, The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, Historic Barns, National Cherry Festival, Traverse City State Park Beach (9.5 mi), Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel (17 miles), Mission Point Lighthouse (27 miles)
TEE OFF: The Crown Golf Club (8 miles), Interlochen Golf Course (10 miles), Bay Meadows Family Golf Course (11 miles).
FAMILY ACTIVITY: Incredible Mo’s (5 miles), Lucky Jack’s Bowling Center (7 miles), Pirate's Cove Adventure Park (10 miles), Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre (23 miles), Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (37 miles), Mackinac Island (122 miles to Mackinac Island Ferry Company).
AIRPORT: Cherry Capital Airport (7.8 miles)
Distance to: • Meijer (7.4 mi) • AMC Classic Cherry Blossom 14 (6.8 mi) • Munson Medical Center (9.1 mi) • Interlochen Center for the Arts (11 mi) • Chateau Grand Traverse Winery (17 mi) • Traverse City Horse Shows at Flintfields Horse Park (26 minutes)
Guests will have exclusive and private access to the entire 3,335 sq ft lodge, the surrounding yard, and the private riverfront area. You are not sharing any spaces with other guests or the host.
Firefly Lodge offers: - Pool table - Cozy wood stove - BBQ grill - Record player - Nintendo mini for vintage arcade games - Large smart TVs - Stocked laundry room - Well-equipped kitchen - Swimming towels - Free Wi-Fi - Smart lock - Pack 'n' Play
2,880 Sq Ft | Private Location | In-Unit Laundry | Outdoor Dining Area
Bedroom 1: King Bed | Bedroom 2: King Bed | Bedroom 3: King Bed | Bedroom 4: 2 Triple Twin Bunk Beds | Additional Sleeping: Pack 'n Play
INDOOR LIVING: 2 Smart TVs, wood-burning stove, dining table, breakfast bar, laptop workspace, game room w/ home theater system & pool table, ceiling fans
OUTDOOR LIVING: Furnished deck, private hot tub, heaters, wood-burning fire pit, basketball hoop, riverfront seating area, river views, fishing, skiing & snowmobiling nearby
The Firefly Lodge has a sister home next door (Boardman Monarch), in case your family group or company retreat needs space for up to 26 people!
The southern exposure means lots of light throughout the day!
This setting is perfect for relaxing riverfront vacationing away from the hustle of town, with easy access to all the fun activities this great area has to offer. Traverse City is well known for its lakefront, with countless shops and restaurants. The greater Traverse City Area is nationally recognized for Old Mission Peninsula's and the Leelanau Peninsula's many wineries, as well as the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park.
Festivals abound in this area, including Traverse City Film Festival, beer, music, and wine Festivals, and The Cherry Festival. Terrific shopping in waterfront villages and towns.
There is a lot of parking. The short River Drive is a 15mph private road with hidden driveways, mostly single lane. PLEASE tell your family to drive slowly as a courtesy to everyone.
Water & Ice: The lodge has well water, which is safe but contains natural minerals that may give it a distinct smell. The refrigerator's water and ice dispenser is disconnected; we provide ice trays for your use.
Wildlife: You are in a beautiful rural forest area and may encounter wildlife like deer, squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, turtles, mice, insects, raccoons, bears, and bobcats (among others). Please keep doors closed (including garage doors) to help keep them outdoors. If we notice the garage doors open for long periods (from the driveway cameras), we may contact you to request you close them. We do not offer refunds for wildlife sightings.
Security: For your security, exterior security cameras are located on the property, including monitoring the driveway.
River Use: Boardman River is fairly cold. We provide river tubes of various sizes for your enjoyment. (Small tube 32" and “is suitable for 50- 90 lbs”. Medium tube inflates to 36" “suitable for 120 lbs or less”. Large tube inflates to 40" “suitable for 120-200lb.” And 44” tubes handle “250lbs”.)
Discount for Two Guests: Planning a smaller getaway? We offer a $100 discount on the cleaning fee for 2-person bookings. (This is already reflected on the 2-person listing.) If you book on the full-capacity listing, please contact us immediately after booking to claim it. A $150 penalty will be charged if more than two guests stay under this discount.
Fees: Please note that any refunds will not include credit card processing fees. Short stays, weekly and monthly, are available. Mid-stay cleaning is available at the same rate as the cleaning fee.
Access requires a few stairs.
The neighbors on River Drive appreciate the quiet, calm setting. Please help keep it that way.
Sister Property: Need more space? Our sister home, The Firefly Lodge, is next door. Together, the properties can accommodate up to 28 guests. Please inquire for availability, as it books far in advance.
Pet Policy: $125 for the first dog. Additional dogs $50 each. (Dogs only.)
Short stays, weekly and monthly, are available. Cleaning is available during the stay at the same rate as the cleaning fee.
House Rules: • Non-smoking. (There will be a $1000 penalty for smoking inside the premises.)
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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Must be at least 25 years old to book.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 3748591
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
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 first aid kit
About the neighborhood
Traverse City
Located in Traverse City, this vacation home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Shoppers can check out Front Street, while everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Michigan and Traverse City Beach. Great Wolf Lodge Water Park and Centre Ice Arena are also worth visiting.
Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve - 8 min drive - 7.2 km
Grand Traverse Mall - 11 min drive - 12.6 km
Arbutus Lake - 13 min drive - 13.1 km
Great Wolf Lodge Water Park - 14 min drive - 14.8 km
Getting around
Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 15 min drive
Restaurants
Chick-fil-A - 12 min drive
Culver's - 8 min drive
Starbucks - 12 min drive
Burger King - 7 min drive
McDonald's - 7 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Firefly Lodge on the Boardman River with Hot Tub and Woodstove pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Firefly Lodge on the Boardman River with Hot Tub and Woodstove?
As of May 11, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Firefly Lodge on the Boardman River with Hot Tub and Woodstove on May 17, 2026 start from $590, 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?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Firefly Lodge on the Boardman River with Hot Tub and Woodstove?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Firefly Lodge on the Boardman River with Hot Tub and Woodstove?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Firefly Lodge on the Boardman River with Hot Tub and Woodstove located?
Situated on the waterfront, this vacation home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve, Turtle Creek Stadium, and Forest Lakes. Arbutus Lake and World's Largest Cherry Pie Pan are also within 6 mi (10 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
My family stayed at Firefly Lodge for 5 days and the entire stay was relaxing and the host was incredibly helpful with arrival and departure details as well as quick to respond to any questions we had. The home is very well kept and clean.
Kadera S.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Christopher M.
Aug 18, 2025
Guest
Awesome house! Secluded, yet close to everything! Best of both worlds. We would definitely stay again!
Host was very responsive to my questions. She even let us check in a little early. Property was beautiful. There were extra towels which was really nice. Loved the hot tub and back patio
We found this to be the perfect spot for our family. A wonderful blend of nature, fishing, hiking, and relaxing together. Close enough to take in a few Traverse City activities, but also the state parks that surround this area.
Jeanne C.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on May 10, 2024
Thank you for staying at Firefly Lodge on the Boardman River! We are so glad it was the perfect spot for your family! Please come again!
Beautiful property and house that comfortably accommodated our group of 14. Highly recommend for a getaway in Traverse City. We especially enjoyed having direct access to the Boardman River. Hosts were lovely. Thanks so much!
A nice open concept downstairs with master bedroom. Plenty or room upstairs (3 bedrooms, bathroom, tv area and pool table).The location is a beautiful wooded area 30 feet from the Boardman River. A hot tub overlooks the river This place is perfect for a family gathering.
We spent a week at Firefly Lodge for spring break and absolutely loved it. The pictures didnt do it justice, the house is so beautiful. It had everything we needed. We were there with our three kids aged 1-8 and there was so much for them to do. The house was very clean and well appointed. The hot tub was also very clean. The location was perfect for having a private place to relax but also just a short drive to downtown.
Anthony P.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Sara S.
Sep 11, 2024
The Perfect Spot!
We had a perfect long weekend at the lodge. It felt cozy and had plenty of space for the all 12 of us! I appreciated that the home was well stocked with anything we might need and not having to clean before we left was an added bonus! Overall 10/10!
Wonderful stay! Thank you Natalie!Love the river retreat not far from Traverse City. Winter wonderland this time of year. Yet all the comforts to go with it. From the warmth of the wood burner to the hot tub, our hearts were full and content. Plenty of space for three families with kids. And the kids never tired of the upstairs hang out. Whenever a question or need arose, Natalie was quick to respond. if anything to note, the water pressure was lacking upstairs but Natalie said she would look into it. Thanks again for sharing your little slice of heaven with us!. respond. I
Tom V.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 12, 2025
Thank you so much, Tom! We have now replaced the shower head upstairs, which fixed the water pressure. :) We hope to host your families again!
- Firefly Lodge
Check-in was easy. Directions were clear and door code worked. We had a mixed group of seniors, middle age, young adult, teen, and older kid. Everyone had aspects of the property they liked. Reading by the river, using the hot tub, s’mores around a fire pit, the gaming nook. There was a cute movie setup area but we didn’t have time to utilize that or the pool table. Kitchen was easy to use and find stuff for meals. We had plenty of space for our group. Primary suite on main floor. And our young adult used a room that wasn’t a bedroom but had a door to sleep on a couch on the main floor. Half bath there as well. Upstairs we used both king bed bedrooms and the bunk room. One full bathroom upstairs. Kid also slept on the reclining chair one night. Great property for a visit in the north Michigan woods. The location was ideal. We loved it!