Entire home
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





Reviews
10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6890 sq ft
Popular amenities
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 $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,
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,
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
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Welcome to Serenity Shores! 🌅 Soak in the private hot tub, unwind by the fire pit 🔥, and savor calming lake views. Pet-friendly 🐾 and perfect for recharging, exploring, and making memories.
Welcome to Serenity Shores! 🌅 Soak in the private hot tub, unwind by the fire pit 🔥, and savor calming lake views. Pet-friendly 🐾 and perfect for recharging, exploring, and making memories.
- Hot tub
- Kitchen
- Washing machine
- Dryer
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (1 review)
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Kids have a blast here!!
Events
Events allowed
Please contact prior to booking!!
Pets
Pets allowed
Please email or call owner to discuss your pets.
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
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
Property Registration Number 2021-0011
We should mention
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
About the area
Traverse City
Located in Traverse City, this cottage is near a water park and on the waterfront. The Dennos Museum Center and Old Town Playhouse are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Centre Ice Arena and Grand Traverse Distillery. Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf and Great Wolf Lodge Water Park are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

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
- Turtle Creek Stadium - 13 min drive - 13.1 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Culver's - 13 min drive
- McDonald's - 12 min drive
- Burger King - 12 min drive
- Taco Bell - 12 min drive
- Samsara - 12 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
Verified
5 Mar, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Ashley M.
20 Jan, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Ashley M.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2026
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Cassy P.
16 Nov, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cassy P.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Andrea T.
5 Sept, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Andrea T.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Monica K.
1 Sept, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Monica K.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
kim s.
23 Jun, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Girls weekend
kim s.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Nicole T.
13 Aug, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nicole T.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Dennis S.
25 Aug, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy



Dennis S.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Rick C.
4 Apr, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Spring Break up North
Rick C.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Lawrence G.
22 Apr, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very Positive Stay
Lawrence G.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Caterina T.
6 Apr, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Getaway
Caterina T.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
28 Jul, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Verified traveller
Stayed 11 nights in Jul 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Sandy H.
7 Jul, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
peaceful, dog-friendly river cottage
Sandy H.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Barbara R.
16 Sept, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Barbara R.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Heather D.
29 Jun, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Christmas trip
Heather D.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Barb K.
3 Jun, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great property! Right on the Boardman River




Barb K.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Katherine T.
30 Jun, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing with great location
Katherine T.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jeff G.
16 Dec, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Weekend Getaway
Jeff G.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Katherine S.
14 Feb, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very satisfied
Katherine S.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Amanda O.
3 Sept, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family loved it
Amanda O.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Neva A.
23 Jun, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved our stay
Neva A.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jon Y.
20 Apr, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hope to come back!
Jon Y.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Rhonda C.
28 Dec, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Christmas getaway
Rhonda C.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Kendra B.
19 Mar, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place to celebrate a birthday!
Kendra B.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Mark V.
1 Nov, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great, cozy spot near Traverse City
Mark V.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
About the host
Hosted by John Jury
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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