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Boardman River Cabin

Riverfront vacation home with kitchen and balcony

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Interior
Interior
Dining
Dining
TV, fireplace, books, offices

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 82837 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Traverse City, MI
  • Place, Forest Lakes
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Arbutus Lake
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Spider Lake
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪14 min drive‬

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About the neighborhood

Traverse City

This vacation home is located within a few miles (5 km) of Forest Lakes and Arbutus Lake. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a fireplace, and a balcony.
View more Vacation Homes in Traverse CityOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Forest Lakes - 3 min drive - 1.8 miles
  • Arbutus Lake - 3 min drive - 2.1 miles
  • Spider Lake - 6 min drive - 4.7 miles
  • Rennie Lake - 8 min drive - 5.9 miles
  • Turtle Creek Stadium - 13 min drive - 7.9 miles

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 16 min drive

Restaurants

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

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 Cabin

Summary:

Enjoy true relaxation and peacefulness along the Boardman River!! Sit in our hot tub while listening to the tranquil river and watching the stars. Our single family home was built in 1955 along the quiet and peaceful setting of The Boardman River. The Boardman River starts in Kalkaska County and flows directly into the West Grand Traverse Bay. It's best known as one of the Top 10 Trout Streams in Michigan!



EB Twp Rental License 003000



The Space:

The house is located in a quiet, scenic and wildlife friendly location. There is plenty of acreage to hike, bird watch and explore! Still a short drive to the heart of Downtown Traverse City, you can have the best of both rural life and city life during your stay. If you are wanting a get away with the family, or a retreat with your closest friends this cabin is perfect for you.



As you come up the driveway you are immediately greeted by large trees and a view of the river along the house. Our home sits on a bend, allowing for the river to flow on either side of the home. Stepping inside the high ceiling and original log cabin walls will stun your eyes, they are so charming! Our uniquely styled house has a large fireplace with pudding stones and Petoskey stones set along each side. The living room is spacious and bright, with a great view of the forest and river and plenty of space for your friends and family to gather. The kitchen is straight ahead to your right as you walk in, fully equipped with anything you may need during your stay just behind the living room. Windows surround the house allowing bright natural light to soak the cabin walls, it truly feels magical.



On the second floor there is one bedroom with a king bed and a spacious storage area. Beside the bedroom is a large full bathroom with a tub for any relaxing, or spa nights you may have planned for your perfect getaway.



All three other beds are on the lower level, this includes; the master bedroom with a king size bed and ensuite, a second bedroom with a king size bed and an additional sleeping option is in our four season sunroom holding a futon. Down the hallway to get to the bedrooms downstairs you may notice warmth on your feet. The entire floor in the back of the house has heated tiling which makes the cabin even more comfortable and cozy. In the back of the house you’ll see there is plenty of storage space for food, items you may have brought with you, and the laundry units available for your use.



Outside you will see a deck with patio furniture that views the water, as well as our hot tub area! We have a lot of deer, and other wild life around the house, all we ask is that you will respect the house and wildlife as if they were your own.



At booking, you will receive a curated guide to our neighborhood from Bayshore Vacation Rentals!



Sleeping Arrangements:

Sunroom-1 Sleeper sofa

Master Bedroom-1 King bed

Upstairs bedroom-1 King bed

Bedroom 3-1 King bed



🔥 Add a Sauna to Your Stay!

Turn your getaway into a cozy retreat with a private wood-fired barrel sauna + cold plunge delivered right to the property by Northern Heat Sauna Rentals.



Bayshore guests get 10% off, just mention you’re staying with us when you book. The perfect way to warm up after a day of exploring!

Note: For stays of 30 nights or more, cancellations made at least 60 days prior to check-in will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations made within 60 days of check-in are non-refundable.



Guest Access:

The entire home.



The Neighborhood:

Sitting on a quiet and secluded setting along the Boardman River.



Getting Around:

You will need a vehicle to get around. The home is 11 miles from Downtown Traverse City.



Other Things to Note:

Things to note:

- This is a strictly non-smoking property, including all indoor and outdoor areas.

- The AC option is (2) window units and mini splits throughout the home

- Please no parties or events on the property!



Pet Policy:

Guests must inform us in advance or immediately after booking if they plan to bring a pet. A $100 non-refundable fee PER PET will apply, as well as a $500 refundable pet security deposit. We do not allow for any more than 2 pets per stay.



Check-In: Is at 4 pm

Check-Out: Is at 10 am



We hope you enjoy the house and natural setting as much as we do and make many cherished memories!
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 2.5 bathrooms, and a balcony, and there's space to spread out with 2 bedrooms. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a fireplace, and a sofa bed.

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NEW Boardman River House with a Hot Tub
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NEW Boardman River House with a Hot Tub

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 2.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace

Entertainment

  • Books
  • TV

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Office

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Location highlights

  • On a river
  • On the waterfront

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

General

  • Unit size: 2,837 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 26

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Rules

By receiving this you agree to the Terms & Conditions below. ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE: Check-in time is firmly after 4:00 pm (EST) on the day of s...

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets
  • Service animals exempt from fees
  • Note from host: Charge may apply

Children and extra beds

Children allowed: ages 0-17

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
This property accepts cash
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
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
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 26

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts cash.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.

Property is also known as

House
Boardman River Retreat Traverse City
Boardman River Retreat Private vacation home
Boardman River Retreat Private vacation home Traverse City
621e557288ee000033af840b
Boardman River Retreat New Log Cabin With Private Frontage!

Frequently asked questions

What can I see near this vacation home?

This vacation home is located in Traverse City, close to Spider Lake, Centre Ice Arena, and Turtle Creek Stadium. You'll also find Forest Lakes and Arbutus Lake within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at this vacation home?

No, there isn't parking available at the vacation home.

Is this vacation home adjacent to a casino?

No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at this vacation home?

No, this vacation home doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is a hot tub.

Is Boardman River Cabin good for couples?

At this riverfront vacation home, amenities that appeal to couples include a fireplace and a kitchen in each accommodation with some featuring fireplaces.

Does Boardman River Cabin have a hot tub?

Yes, guests can enjoy a spa tub at this vacation home.

Does this vacation home include breakfast service?

No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.

Will this vacation home allow pets to stay for free?

Although pets can't stay for free, they are welcome at this vacation home.

Are there connecting rooms at this vacation home?

No, this vacation home doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How far is the airport from this vacation home?

The closest major airport to this vacation home is Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), which is 10.8 mi away (16 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Boardman River Cabin?

Yes, every accommodation at Boardman River Cabin comes with a balcony with some featuring water views.

Boardman River Cabin Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 16 out of 21 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 21 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 21 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Katrina C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful cabin with plenty of amenities. The host always replied very quickly to message. We had a great time!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

2/10 Terrible

Brent S.

Liked: Cleanliness
I have to leave 1 star simply because I have never had a host experience as bad as this one. Visiting during summer’s peak heat, I confirmed with the host beforehand that past A/C issues were fixed. However, the master bedroom’s air conditioning didn’t work when we arrived.Early in the week, milder weather made it tolerable, but as temperatures rose, I informed the host, noting our 3-year-old and 9-month-old were in that room. They claimed no prior complaints and said they’d fix it after we left. They also tried to blame it on user error and that the remote wasn't set properly. When asked, I emailed them a picture of the remote settings and they never responded back.By week’s end, with outdoor temperatures at over 90 degrees, the master became unlivable. With family in the other rooms, we moved the crib to the living room and our family had to sleep on the couches.After checkout, the host complained we left trash in the garage bins instead of dragging it 100 yards to the road, but “graciously” waived a 100 fee, citing the A/C issue as an excuse. When I explained the impact on our stay, they responded, “If your toddler’s comfort was a real concern, we would have encouraged you to use one of those rooms for their safety and comfort,” claiming an adjacent room’s A/C, behind a closed door, was supposed to cool the master.This gaslighting and refusal to take responsibility ruined our costly trip. I’ll never book or recommend Bayshore Vacations again.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bobby D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Travis N.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect amount of seclusion and peace with acces to TC if needed!

This perfectly fit our needs for a "decompression vacation". We were secluded enough and surrounded by the peacefully flowing river. Paired with the big wood burning fireplace left us with such a sense of relaxation, we felt rejuvenated enough to go back and face work after the weekend. Still didnt want to leave, but felt better after staying!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christine R.

Liked: Cleanliness

So special

We loved our stay here and can’t wait to come back! Managed very well and the process was stress free. You can feel the warmth of family history throughout the home and such a happy place to make your own family memories. We will be back!
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Meredith H., Battle Creek, MI

Liked: Cleanliness

Yearly Boardman Retreat Vacation

My husband and I make a trip up to this cabin at least once per year and it never disappoints. We enjoy the solitude and quiet away from the bustle of the city. We use the fireplace daily and sit in the living room just watching the river. We will be back soon!
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Best rental yet!

This is definitely the coolest rental I've ever had. The house was beautiful and very clean. Such a cool property and house with the river wrapping all the way around. The hot tub was very clean and enjoyable. The steam shower was very nice also after completing the Iceman Race. I would definitely recommend this to others, especially in the summer time.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Brenda M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Paul J U., Roseburg Oregon

Liked: Cleanliness

Return to the Boardman

We enjoyed a lovely week reconnecting with the Boardman after 75 years. Only issue was a very hot cabin on arrival and no easy way to cool it given the 88 °F temps. Called property management twice asking assistance but had to leave word. No one ever returned our calls during our week-long visit. No one at thr emergeny number on their recording had any record of our reservation or the property. Frustrating few hours on arrival. We had to drive into town to buy replacement batteries for the AC remote as the old ones were dead. Owner might want to replace the sreeens on a couple of doors. Very comfortable traditional log cabin with several generations of additions and upgrades. We traveled from southern Oregon for this special visit.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeff L., Houston, Texas

Liked: Cleanliness

Awesome place, smelly water.

This place is so awesome. It's tucked away at the back of a private driveway and surrounded by tress and a beautiful river. The interior is super quaint and cozy and the beds are very comfortable. The only thing we found wrong was that the water smelled like a perm. I was as little concerned about it but I read online that it's a safe bacteria that gets in well waters and can cause an odor. Apparently it can be treated easily but maybe the host was not aware of it and therefore hasn't done anything to remedy that. It may be fine when you get there. I'm just making you aware that this minor issue exists. I'd return!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

daniel h.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful old style cabin retreat

We had a great stay. Cabin is in great shape for its age and very clean. The sulfur in the water smells funny but we just bought a couple jugs for drinking. The property is very relaxing and feels removed from the world. Occasional Kayakers cursing down the Boardman are fun to watch.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julia M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful!

This place is so pretty! The air conditioning system is not the best so it got a little hot! On two occasions contractors showed up during our stay to work on the property and we were not notified which was disappointing. It was a little hard to get a hold of the property management. Overall, we did enjoy our stay. The cabin and location is worth the “cons”.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Meredith H., Battle Creek, MI

Liked: Cleanliness

Getaway Cabin

My husband and I have stayed at this cabin several times and we absolutely LOVE it. The river view is unmatched and it is our favorite cabin to go for some much needed peace and quiet. A couple things we noted during our recent stay...nothing major, just worth noting. 1) The dishwasher was running continuously on our last day. We did our dishes by hand prior to that. My husband had to actually turn the breaker off because we were worried about permanently damaging it. 2) There was a lot more smoke coming from the fireplace than normal. The wood at the cabin was wet and did not burn well without smoke. Not sure if it may be time to clean the chimney? 3) The blinds in the master bedroom are broken so we had to just leave them closed the whole time. Again, all minor things. It is the best place we stay up north and look forward to coming back.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2022

8/10 Good

Susan W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Spectacular setting

We truly enjoyed our stay. It is a unique log home on the Boardman River with a true “up north” feeling. The place was well equipped and decorated nicely. We were able to accommodate the water leak in the hallway. The autumn colors were beautiful. The weather was cold and rainy so we had numerous fires in the fireplace and many trips to the hot tub. We hope to be back
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Amy M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful home with everything you need

The home and location are excellent. The location on the river is beautiful!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

jim e.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful property

Great location very clean. Easy check in. We had a wonderful time
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Mother + Sisters Weekend Away

As soon as we arrived to the property we were in awe of how quant and cozy the cabin was all tucked back in the woods by a river. We spent so much of the weekend sitting by the river and just enjoying the sounds of nature. The cabin was clean and had everything we needed. We left rejuvenated and ended up canceling plans to go into Traverse City so we could stay together in this special place. Thank you for this experience, we will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Meredith H., Battle Creek, MI

Liked: Cleanliness

Couple Retreat

This was our third visit to this cabin and we fully intend to return! It’s our private escape in the most serene atmosphere.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kristen W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Lovely weekend getaway

Very cozy cabin. Perfect for a smaller group. Lots of charm. Great location.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Meredith H., Battle Creek, MI

Liked: Cleanliness

Boardman River Retreat

This is absolutely one of our favorite VRBO rentals. This was our second time at this gorgeous cabin and we intend to return. The cabin is beautiful and the atmosphere is so serene. Just what we needed for a re-charge!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021

8/10 Good

Meredith H., Battle Creek, MI

Liked: Cleanliness

Cabin on the river

My husband and I stayed for a long weekend. We absolutely loved the cabin and the privacy. We had some trouble figuring out the lock box for the key to the cabin and got no answer when we called for assistance. To be fair it was a Friday night at 8pm because of my work schedule. Once we finally got in it was absolutely beautiful. Would love to stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

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