Nestled along the Boardman River, Slice of River Life is a serene retreat offering riverfront views and endless activities. Unwind in the swim spa or outdoor sauna, enjoy stargazing at the firepit surrounded by beach sand and Adirondack chairs, or challenge friends to a game in the game room with pool table.
Reviews
9.89.8 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 82500 sq ft
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free Wi-Fi
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, Fire pit, Game Room, Hot tub, Sauna
Slice of River Life is on the Boardman River. The swim spa has been listed as both a pool and a hot tub because it is between the two. It can fit everyone in your party, and you can swim against the current or just bop around. There are also two hot tub chairs with jets!
Just seven miles from downtown Traverse City, this riverfront home is a retreat off the beaten path but still close enough to get to all the best of Traverse City. The cottage sits on close to five acres (most of it across the river, for added privacy) along the banks of the Boardman River, a blue-ribbon trout stream where you can fly fish right out the front door or drive about a mile downstream and tube back for a fantastic BBQ.
Sleeps eight with an adjustable king bed upstairs. The master bedroom has a private bathroom with a shower and a soaking bath. Two bedrooms have queen beds. There is a queen sleeper sofa on the main level with a bathroom and an outdoor shower by the hot tub.
The large open kitchen-dining-living area has a magnificent stone gas fireplace. This property offers riverfront direct access, a large swim spa, and an outdoor shower! There is also a game room with a bar, pool table, darts, and TV. The fire pit is something to see, beach sand and eight Adirondack chairs surround it for peaceful stargazing! This home even has a professional putting green!
Enjoy kayaking, canoeing, inner-tubing, swimming, fishing, fly fishing, and Morel mushrooming. With bird watching, catching a glimpse of a deer or other wildlife in the area! Sixteen miles to Flint Fields for the Horses By the Bay Horse Show in season.
A small dog is allowed with a pet fee
-- THE PROPERTY –
Central Air | gas grill | fire pit | gas fireplace | swim spa (Hot tub) | sauna | putting green | game room with Pool table| 140-gallon Cichlid fish tank (please let us take care of the fish and tank)
Sleeps 8.
Bedroom 1: king adjustable Bed || Bedroom 2: queen Bed || Bedroom 3: queen Bed || queen sofa bed in den
OUTDOORS: Weber grill, deck, grassy lawn, sand fire pit, lounge chairs, outdoor dining table & chairs, outdoor shower, swim spa, sauna, putting green (pro-grade AstroTurf), bring your own tubes and putters
INDOORS: WIFI, Smart TV, satellite TV, board games, gas fireplace
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
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher 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
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.
About the area
Located in Traverse City, this holiday 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. Jet skiing and waterskiing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and ecotours nearby. Visit our Traverse City travel guide
Is Boardman River, Fire pit, Game Room, Hot tub, Sauna pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Boardman River, Fire pit, Game Room, Hot tub, Sauna?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Boardman River, Fire pit, Game Room, Hot tub, Sauna?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Boardman River, Fire pit, Game Room, Hot tub, Sauna?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Boardman River, Fire pit, Game Room, Hot tub, Sauna located?
Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is within 6 miles (10 km) of Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve, Turtle Creek Stadium and Arbutus Lake. Forest Lakes and World's Largest Cherry Pie Pan are also within 6 miles (10 km).
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Boardman River, Fire pit, Game Room, Hot tub, Sauna 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.
The property is great! Very clean, a lot of fun activities and nice swim tub right by the river! Great stay!
Daniel M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Steve M.
3 Nov 2025
Fall Family Getaway
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
We had a long weekend family trip planned and this house was great for the whole family. The kids loved the game room and especially the pool table and we all got use from the hot tub and sauna as well. The property was in a very quiet peaceful area right on the river, but still a quick drive into downtown Traverse City.
We stayed two nights and spent a day touring wineries. The rest of the time we spent relaxing at the VRBO site. The spa/hot tub was amazing, the sauna was wonderful and the location on the river was beautiful. We would definitely book another weekend at this property.
Kevin C.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Solomon W.
3 Jun 2025
Great Private Getaway Spot
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Loved this House on the River for our family trip. Scenic view of the Boardman River was so peaceful. Huge firepit, hot tub and spa. Great location to the Lake and the Breweries.
This was a great house. The kitchen was well stocked. The beds were comfortable. It was relaxing sitting on the deck or at the fire pit listening to the river.
We enjoyed our winter weekend away at the riverside home near Traverse City. The swim spa was relaxing as well as the gorgeous stone fireplace! We would love to book in the summer to enjoy the fire pit and game room. Thank you
We loved this house! Great views of the river. Our kids enjoyed the putting green & hot tub! We would definitely recommend this house to anyone! Everything you need all in one place.
Short drive to downtown TC.
Loved the view of the river so close to the property and being able to sit outside and enjoy the beauty of nature and the surroundings. Just lovely amenities!! Would love to come back again!!!
Traveling for work every week, this place (and area), was ideal for a family R&R. The home was the perfect size; beautiful and comfortable. They thought of every last detail, to make your stay absolutely perfect. Good communication as well. Highly recommend.
James G.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Nataliia H.
3 Jan 2025
A wonderful holiday for the new year
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
The house is beautiful, cozy and clean, wonderful views of the water and nature. We had a great time. And we plan to come here again in the summer. I recommend visiting this place.)))
We enjoy staying on the Boardman River. The house worked out perfectly for the three of us. Plenty of space in and out of the house. The house was clean and in good shape. Already talking about coming back.
This is a beautiful and private property. We enjoyed the amenities including the hot tub/pool and sauna which were wonderful in the cool fall weather. This fireplace is also very nice. Great kitchen. Quiet area and very comfortable beds made for good sleeping. If you are on the fence just book it. You will not be disappointed.
Darryl G.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Ken G.
17 Nov 2024
Great Stay, Beautiful Home
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was very clean.
I was very happy with the location.
I was satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Very fun home in a great location. The house has tons of amenities. Something died under the porch and there is a smell that should be looked at but overall a beautiful home with the largest hot tub I've ever been in.
The property is in a fantastic location! Coffee in the morning listening to nature and watching the river flow by was the best! The interior was very clean as were the firepit chairs. The canoe needs new cross support bars as the ones on there are rotted. There are several locations to put in kayaks. Shumsky road and Brown Bridge canoe launch. Both let you exit the river at the property! This was definitely one of our favorites! Would stay again! Also close to several trails, the dunes and Traverse City.
Our family really enjoyed this home for our mid-winter break vacation. 20 minutes to the ski resort, and an hour away from sledding on Sleeping Bear Dunes, one of our favorite activities. 15 minutes into town where there are plenty of restaurants to enjoy. The property was very clean and well maintained. It's a wonderful place to get away and unplug from the craziness of life. The property was clean beautifully decorated. It was nice to have the gameroom with the pool table. As a side note, the gameroom is in an adjacent building, not connected to the main home, but there was no issue with that. The gameroom doesn't have central heating, so in the winter it was a bit cold, but a space heater was provided, which was nice. Overall, we had a great time here and would recommend.
My spouse, our 7 month old, sister in law, 2 nieces, mother/father in law up from Texas visited this spot right after Christmas. We love Traverse City area and wanted to share it with them. We chose this location based on the pictures of the river. It was so calm and peaceful. On the listing, they say the swimspa isn't available during the wjnter. I reached out to the hosts and they said it is available. It was a perfect setting in the woods and peaceful river. Plenty of space for us all. We have already been making plans for the Summer. The game room did not have a heater but the host brought us one within half hour of inquiring. It was a perfect way to have family close during the holiday season.
Mitchell V.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer Z.
24 Oct 2023
Quiet & Relaxing Vacation on the Boardman River
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was very clean.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Slice of River Life. The home is very comfortable with everything we could have possibly needed. The description and photos of the property are accurate. We had a blast playing pool and creating games on the putting green. Unfortunately, we didn't catch any fish...only a pair of old glasses; but, it was sure fun and peaceful to on the river. The location of the home is terrific. You are close enough to restaurants, shopping, wineries, and attractions; but, you get to come home to a secluded, quiet, and relaxing space to recharge for the next day. I would definitely recommend this property to friends and family.
Lovely Slice of River and a perfect getaway home for those families looking for a quiet, quaint location that’s close to town. We had two families with teen kids. Boys spent the evening playing pool while the adults cooked and grilled out. Everyone enjoyed the hot tub and nights by the fire pit (sauna was not working). Kids floated the river from the Shumsky launch to the house (1hr 15min). Everything was easy in this home. Though heads up, the master bedroom has skylights so if you’re not an early riser or can’t sleep in with the sun in your room, you may want to plan to stay downstairs. Also the fourth “bedroom” is an open living space with a pullout sofa (new) opposite the den. Easy to sleep in that space if your young. Not as ideal for older teenagers and adults. That said, we would all certainly book again if we ever come back to Traverse City. Big thank you to the family for hosting us.
Slice of River is a good choice for a fun casual family vacation full of great outdoor activities near Traverse City, MI. The grounds are located alongside the Boardman River allowing for easy access to fishing, kayaking, or tubing (although equipment is not provided). The landscape surrounding the property is lovely with a colorful fire pit and small putting green (but bring your own putters and balls). There is an enjoyable swim spa and sauna as well as a separate detached structure which serves as a game room (pool table, dart board, bar bowling) however at least while we stayed not all the games were functional. Some of the outdoor areas (hardscape) can use a bit of TLC so watch your step.
The inside of the home was clean and comfortable. The kitchen was well equipped. There is a large master loft-style suite with large master bath. There are two additional bedrooms and full bathroom on the first level. The layout is a bit confusing as was the decor, but overall the home met our families needs.
Linda Z.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Tonya L.
11 Sept 2024
Highly recommend! Beautiful views, so relaxing, entertainment...
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
This rental exceeded our expectations. The pictures really did t do it justice. Clean, quiet, all the amenities you need to never even leave. Beds were pretty comfortable, kitchen was awesome to cook in, plenty of seating and we used both indoor and outdoor eating areas. The spa was by far our favorite and big enough that we could float around on swim tube's. TV was nice in the evening and what a clear picture! Lots of wildlife to see. We were able to hang out in the game room, listen to their stereo, and play pool and enjoy drinks. The fire pit was nice and sandy and the chairs were super comfy, we cooked hot dogs and enjoyed watching the river. The fireplace did not work and the owner came right out and had a repair service fix it 1st day, so we were able to use it our whole stay and it was so enjoyable for cooler days. Their customer service is fantastic....always very nice when talking to us. Also, they offered us tickets for a firework show because they heard it was 2 of our birthdays! If you are looking for a relaxing stay in a luxury feel place then this place is it. The only thing that would help would be written instructions for the sauna and make sure batteries are changed in all the remotes. Thanks Up North Vacation Rentals for the great getaway!
What a beautiful location! This was a great spot for a winter getaway. The pool/hot tub overlooking the river was amazing. Well-equipped kitchen had all that we needed. Comfortable beds and very clean.
Great location and house! We appreciated all the extras like the putting green, lake, and game room.My only recommendation would be to bring a few extra blankets.
stacey h.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
STEVE A.
16 Oct 2025
Fall color tour
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
The house was well equipped and very clean. It was a very enjoyable experience.