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Waterfront Cottage on the Boardman River

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Outdoor dining - Waterfront Cottage on the Boardman River (Traverse City)
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop - Waterfront Cottage on the Boardman River (Traverse City)
Exterior - Waterfront Cottage on the Boardman River (Traverse City)
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop - Waterfront Cottage on the Boardman River (Traverse City)
Smart TV, fireplace, DVD player, books - Waterfront Cottage on the Boardman River (Traverse City)
In rural Traverse City, this riverfront home offers a serene escape near the Boardman River. With central heating and air conditioning, enjoy relaxing on the new 600 square foot back porch or by the fire pit next to the river. Visit nearby Chums Corner for off-roading adventures or drive up Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas for winery trails.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8130 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

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.

Waterfront Cottage on the Boardman River

Enjoy rural Traverse City's outdoor haven with this riverfront non-smoking home situated directly on the Boardman River just 15-20 minutes south of downtown Traverse City. Hop in the river and kayak or float the spring-fed Boardman River! This home is only minutes away from off-roading in Chums Corner and is a short drive to winery trails up the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas. Visit Traverse City's bustling downtown area that is home to many restaurants, charter boat companies, and TART trails. Take a drive northwest to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes for a day. This home is far enough away from the city to enjoy peace and quiet at the fire pit right next to the river or lounge on the new 600 square foot back porch, but plenty close enough to enjoy what Traverse City has to offer! Home is equipped with central heating and air conditioning! This property is about 45 minutes away from Crystal Mountain, one hour away from Caberfae Peaks, and 1.5 hours away from Boyne Mountain. For snowmobilers, this home offers a close place to stay being only 5-10 minutes away from Mayfield's snowmobile trailhead! Outfitted with central heating and air conditioning. This home is not wheelchair accessible - there are stairs to the entry door and narrow halls and doors inside, as well as stairs to the second floor. NO PETS ALLOWED. NO SMOKING ALLOWED. THERE WILL BE A $500.00 ADDITIONAL CHARGE IF PETS COME TO PROPERTY.

Property amenities

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

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

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

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.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Smoke-free property

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

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Snowmobiling nearby
  • Wildlife walks 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)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 1,400 square feet

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  • Dryer
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  • Air-conditioning
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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out

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

Rules

Do not book this property for your kids who do not meet the minimum age requirement if you are not going to be staying at this property with them.
Absolutely NO pets allowed. $500.00 fee if pets are brought to property.

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
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

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is required for transport to and from this property

Property is also known as

Waterfront Cottage Boardman River House Traverse City
Waterfront Cottage Boardman River House
Waterfront Cottage Boardman River Traverse City
Waterfront Cottage Boardman River
Waterfront Boardman River
Waterfront Cottage on the Boardman River Traverse City
Waterfront Cottage on the Boardman River Private vacation home

About the area

Located in Traverse City, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Centre Ice Arena and Great Wolf Lodge Water Park are local attractions and those in the mood for shopping can visit Grand Traverse Mall and Front Street. Interlochen Center for the Arts and Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching. Visit our Traverse City travel guide
View more Holiday homes in Traverse City
Map
Traverse City, MI

What's nearby

  • View of Spider Lake with numerous trees in Traverse City, Michigan, United States.
    Spider Lake
    11 min drive - 11.9 km
  • Forest Lakes
    7 min drive - 7.3 km
  • Arbutus Lake
    8 min drive - 7.6 km
  • Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve
    9 min drive - 9.4 km
  • Turtle Creek Stadium
    9 min drive - 9.1 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • Culver's
    10 min drive
  • Starbucks
    15 min drive
  • McDonald's
    9 min drive
  • Burger King
    10 min drive
  • Cracker Barrel
    14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Waterfront Cottage on the Boardman River pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Waterfront Cottage on the Boardman River?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Waterfront Cottage on the Boardman River?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Waterfront Cottage on the Boardman River?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Waterfront Cottage on the Boardman River located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is within 6 miles (10 km) of Forest Lakes, Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve and Turtle Creek Stadium. Arbutus Lake and Centre Ice Arena are also within 9 miles (15 km).

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Waterfront Cottage on the Boardman River Reviews

Reviews

Exceptional

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 98 out of 100 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 100 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 100 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 100 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 100 reviews

10

Cleanliness

9.8

Location

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Rene O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very clean , wonderful patio and amenities A short drive to Traverse city
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Macy P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing property, very thoughtful and accommodating hosts! Everything was super clean and well stocked!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jill G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful place to stay! Secluded, quiet, loved the firepit right on the river, beautiful deck. Not far from Traverse City. Heather immediately answered our question about nearby pizza. Allison called us about 2 hrs before check in with some details and to see if we had questions. The kitchen had everything you could need, spacious and comfortable bedrooms, pretty decor and very clean! It was perfect for 6 of us!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kelsey W.

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

Excellent location!

We loved this location! Close to everything and the host was quick to respond and so helpful!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Grant G.

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

A wonderful place to stay

This place was great! The house was well kept and very accommodating. The atmosphere was wonderful, secluded on the Boardman River while still close to all the destinations in Traverse City. Would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Scott S.

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

Great relaxing oasis

Loved the outdoor space right by the river.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

erinn w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This house is a hidden gem! Anything we needed they had. Anything we wanted, they had. The property was beautiful and the house was spotless. It was like home. Everything was clean and warm and inviting. They had puzzles, games, books and netflix. The management even called on the way there to see if there was anything we needed and make sure we had her number in case of an emergency! We are definitely coming back and spending more time next time. One of the best rentals I've ever had! Way to go management! You're killing it!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Antonio M.

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

What a wonderful stay!

The house and host were amazing. The house was quietly located on a beautiful river had yard games available and very comfortable and clean inside. The host was friendly helpful and available as needed (but we didn’t need anything).
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lea L.

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

Girls Trip Review

This property was perfect for our girls we can get away! It was great to be right by the river. We also went on a wine tour in the bus was able to pick us up at the property. Very clean and equipped with everything we could need during our stay. I would love to use this property again on another trip!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lindsay-Erin B.

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

Girls Trip

Beautiful home stocked with everything we could possibly need for our girls weekend! The host was so friendly and easy to communicate with, she even connected with me beforehand to ensure a smooth arrival. Would absolutely stay here again and recommend to anyone travelling to Traverse City & area!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

cody m.

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

The river is enough

The view from sitting down by the river with a fire going made this trip great. The house was clean and the property manager was in good contact the whole time as well.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Monica D.

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

Flawless wedding weekend stay

Thank you for providing this amazing home for our family during my daughter’s wedding weekend. Everything from arrival to departure was flawless. This home is absolutely beautiful & equipped with everything we needed and more!! Amazing location & amenities When we come back to TC, we will most definitely book here again. Highly highly recommend!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Fabulous house!

Beautiful house just 20 minutes from Traverse City. Very clean, kitchen well stocked, everything labeled and clear directions. New patio and fire pit were a 10. Looking forward to coming back!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Scott W.

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

Beautiful home with everything you need!

We absolutely loved our stay for a girl’s weekend at this beautiful home. Every detail was taken into account, communication was top-notch, impeccably clean, and included everything guests may need down to chip clips and sound machines! The private yard and outdoor area, including the fire pit and large deck with lights and flowers, made it so inviting! Would definitely stay there again and recommend to anyone looking to explore the Traverse City area.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ann T.

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

Adorable Cottage

We had an amazing stay at this adorable cottage. Being here allowed family from the West and East coasts to enjoy a little get away together without anyone having to “host”. The home was stocked with everything we needed, it was very clean & had a great patio with lots of fun games to enjoy too. Being on the river was so peaceful and relaxing. Thank you to Allison for being super helpful and kind throughout our time here. We will absolutely be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Les M.

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

An AWESOME place!

My family, which included me and my wife, our two adult sons and daughter-in-law and two grandchildren, had such a great time together and this home was the perfect place for all of us to hang out together for the long weekend! We cannot say enough good about our stay at this home on the Boardman River!! Heather and Allison were prompt, thorough, and friendly with all of their communications. This house had everything, with ample amenities, and then some! The location was perfect for day trips but we also had plenty to do and enjoy at the house and on the property! We will definitely stay there again the next time we plan a trip to Traverse City!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Patrick H.

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

Fantastic Guy’s Trip Location

Terrific house for longtime college friends to connect and unwind. Backyard direct-access to the Boardman River, fire pit, and super-comfortable back deck were perfect for dining and activities. Our group of 7 guys had plenty of space inside and the kitchen was well-stocked for our big meals. Bedrooms and bathrooms were nice and mattresses were better than typical VRBO’s. We were blessed with beautiful summer weather and spent much of it enjoying the backyard area and exploring Traverse City. If we return to the area, we would certainly rent this home again. Well done!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katie C., Oak Park, IL

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

Sweet and comfy river house--LOVED it!

I booked this house for my 50th birthday celebration with friends after seeing the great photos and stellar reviews. The property manager checked in ahead of our check-in time and I mentioned it was my birthday...and when we arrived we found a cake and balloons! Everything was adorable, nice quality, clean. The kitchen was well-equipped with essentials, snacks, and kitchen tools. Gorgeous (huge) backyard and the prettiest brand-new wraparound deck with brand-new gorgeous deck furniture. The campfire area was fun and beautiful. Location felt remote while being only 5 miles from a major supermarket. I would definitely recommend this house for a group of adults looking for a getaway! Well-maintained and a perfect place to gather in comfort and style. :)
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nancy L.

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

Family reunion in Traverse City

We were traveling to Traverse City for a family reunion. The other 10 people going to the reunion were staying in a hotel on Lake Michigan in Traverse City (very expensive I might add). Our group of 8 decided since we had a 3 and 5 year old in our group that a house might work better for us. I found this VRBO that was absolutely PERFECT for my husband and I (grandma & grandpa), my son, daughter-in-law and 2 grandkids, and my daughter and son-in-law. There were plenty of bedrooms for all of us - with room to spare. The spacious yard was nice for the kids to be able to run around in. The river in our backyard was great for the kids to fish in and for us to wade around in to cool off. I could not have chosen a better spot for our group to stay in. It was very clean and the beds were comfortable. The kitchen was well equipped. My grandsons were thrilled with the DVD collection they had to choose from. Heather (the owner) and Allison (the property manager) were very easy to communicate with - answered any questions we had promptly. This property gets a 10 out of 10 for sure!! We would definitely stay here again if we come back to Traverse City.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brandi G.

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

Well Equipped & would stay again

This home is by far the most well equipped rental we’ve had in vacation rentals. All we really had to bring is food, clothes, and our preferred recreational gear for fun. Alison and Heather are great hosts and were quick to respond to any questions or issues we had. The property was well maintained on a beautiful setting along the river. There was a bookshelf full of games, books, and some movies (plus Netflix) for in house entertainment, but we didn’t use it much because we wanted to be outside. The back deck is fantastic. They had plenty of yard games too. To set expectations for the serious river recreation enthusiasts, please note that the river is swift moving at the house and just upstream from a public access site. It was a little tougher to get in and out of the river at the house, but the public access site (in short walking distance) was easier for all to use. It was a popular spot for kayakers to go in or out. For the trout fishermen, it was a more difficult place to fish but there are other locations within a short drive that we had success with (caught 3 species). If you want more options check out the railroad trestle 3 miles down River Road (respect private property) or the trail systems down stream. Just do your river research early to make the most of your trip. Traverse City is a fantastic vacation region with tons of places to eat, hike, fish, or whatever other recreational fun. We would definitely stay again and recommend to others.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Matthew L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
I highly recommend this property as it is very clean, has everything you need for a comfortable stay and the property manager is easy to get a hold of if ever needed. Book with confidence!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tracie W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was very clean and well maintained! One of the best stocked VRBOs I have stayed in! We were there for a wedding and the location was close to everything! Heather was a great host, we got a phone call on the day of our arrival with instructions and asked if we had questions, very impressed and would definitely stay there again!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Les M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is the second year in a row in which our family stayed at this home for a weekend of fun and memory-making in the Traverse City area. It was so perfect for us last year that it was a no-brainer to book it again this year! Once again, the home and Heather and Allison's attention to detail did not disappoint!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was clean and even stocked with some basic condiments. The area was quiet and restful, just what we were looking for. On the other hand, there the big grassy yard that would have been wonderful for a family gathering with children of all ages who wanted to run around and play games.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Barbara B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Heather and Allison were the perfect hostess. We had everything we needed at the house. The house beautiful and cozy. Allison called me before we arrived, she left us house warming gift, she explained everything. We will definitely come back again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025