Cabin

Cozy cabin on the river! Steps from the water, amazing views of river & wildlife

Photo gallery for Cozy cabin on the river! Steps from the water, amazing views of river & wildlife

Interior
Private kitchen
Dining
Private kitchen
Exterior

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bathroomSleeps 346.5 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
Traverse City, MI
  • Arbutus Lake
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Spider Lake
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Traverse City Beach
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪15 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

0 bedrooms (sleeps 3)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed and 2 Double Futons

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Cozy cabin on the river! Steps from the water, amazing views of river & wildlife

East Bay Township STR License #002938

Rivershire is on Ottawa and Chippewa land. As stewards of this land, we practice sustainability, inclusiveness, and welcome diversity.

The Retreat at Rivershire Cabin offers rustic cottage charm on the banks of the Boardman River, a Blue Ribbon trout stream. Open floor plan features picture window with amazing river views and possible wildlife sightings (trout, blue heron, beaver, otter, marten, muskrat, etc.); A/C and heat; queen bed (mattress replaced in 2024); comfortable futon; private bath; complete kitchen with dishes, glassware, pans, drip coffee maker, toaster, and utensils if you enjoy cooking your own meals; charcoal and gas grills; private dock and riverside patio. Cozy comfort awaits just steps from the river and minutes from downtown Traverse City. Shopping, restaurants for any taste and budget, and wineries/breweries/distilleries all nearby. Bring a book (there's no TV in the cabin, but the high-speed internet allows you to bring a computer and stream your favorite shows); your own kayaks; and fishing rods for peaceful relaxation and river enjoyment. Hiking trails just minutes away. Take in the scenic beauty of Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore (45 minutes); Lake Michigan (35-45 minutes) and Grand Traverse Bay beaches (20-30 minutes); Brown Bridge Quiet Area (just 2 minutes away); Leelanau County (30-45 minutes); Benzie County (30-45 minutes); Old Mission Peninsula (20-30 minutes) and more within minutes by car.

Located just 10 minutes from Traverse City (20 minutes from downtown), The Retreat at Rivershire Cabin offers peace and quiet in a natural setting with easy access to all that Traverse City and the surrounding area has to offer. Gaze up at the stars and planets in the night sky as the river flows smoothly by. Minutes away from Brown Bridge Quiet Area for accessible nature hikes and Ranch Rudolph for kayak rental and horseback riding. If you're looking for quiet, cozy comfort and plenty of rustic, natural charm, The Retreat at Rivershire Cabin is for you! Owner lives on the property and looks forward to welcoming you!

Please note: The Retreat at Rivershire offers quiet relaxation and enjoyment of property in a scenic nature setting. Fraternity/sorority gatherings and bachelor/bachelorette parties are not permitted. Also, per our house rules, only children ages 12-17 are permitted with accompanying adult(s). Minimum age for an accompanying adult is 25. Thank you for understanding and following these guidelines.

Keywords: Waterfront, Pure Michigan, Boardman River, East River Road, Traverse City, National Cherry Festival, Wineries, Beaches, Kingsley, Mayfield Township, Grand Traverse Bay, Paradise Township, Grand Traverse County, Kayaking, Fishing, Golfing, Swimming, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Restaurants, Dining, Distilleries, Breweries, Shopping, Rafting, Tubing, Camping, Shopping, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Orchards, Vineyards, Canoeing, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Traverse City Film Festival, Horse Shows By the Bay, Leelanau County, Old Mission Peninsula, Leelanau Peninsula, Benzie County, Dune Climb, Scenic Drives, Horseback Riding, Color Tours, Leaf Peepers, Water Frontage, Recreational, Photography/Painting/Viewing, Rivershire Retreat.

Property manager

Tricia Frey
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available
Water view

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
default

Children

Adults only
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

No pets allowed
default

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
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 and a deadlock

About the area

Traverse City

Located in Traverse City, this cabin 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 Grand Traverse Bay. Centre Ice Arena 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.
Map
Traverse City, MI

What's nearby

  • Arbutus Lake - 5 min drive - 3.0 km
  • Spider Lake - 11 min drive - 6.3 km
  • Turtle Creek Stadium - 16 min drive - 12.6 km
  • Traverse City Beach - 17 min drive - 16.6 km
  • Front Street - 18 min drive - 19.2 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 15 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Peegeo’s - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪K I Bar And Grill - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪China Lee - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Village Ice Cream Shoppe - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Taqueria TC Latino Dos - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Cozy cabin on the river! Steps from the water, amazing views of river & wildlife pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Cozy cabin on the river! Steps from the water, amazing views of river & wildlife?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Cozy cabin on the river! Steps from the water, amazing views of river & wildlife?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Cozy cabin on the river! Steps from the water, amazing views of river & wildlife located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is 1.6 mi (2.6 km) from Forest Lakes and 1.8 mi (2.9 km) from Arbutus Lake. Spider Lake and Rennie Lake are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 26 out of 33 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 33 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 33 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 33 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 33 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Leanne B.

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

Great get away

Was a great cabin. Loved the river
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mike G.

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

Stay at rivershire

We had a wonderful time!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bob S.

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

Half week stay

Tricia was a wonderful host and the cabin was well cared for and appointed. I would highly recommend for a single person or couple.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Andrew D.

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

Nice place

Good location, nice view.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lily C.

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

Beautiful

Strongly recommend! Loved our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy D.

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

Relaxing and Beautiful stay

We had a great stay. The view from the main room is amazing, and it is a very quiet and peaceful spot. This was everything we were looking for to have a quiet and relaxing weekend. It is also very close to Traverse City and area outdoor adventures.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Vanessa C.

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

Great small getaway!

We had a wonderful time in this small cabin. Immersed in nature, but not far from the city!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bonnie J.

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

Quaint and cozy!

We loved Rivershire❤️ Nice, quiet, and very clean.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Linda M.

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

Pure Serenity

Wonderful place! Peaceful and close to Traverse City. Several attractions just a short drive away!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

David

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

Comfy Cabin

Comfy Cabin
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

william w.

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

Very cool river retreat

The place has the perfect woodland mystique and allure! The view and access to the river is rare and special. Also Tricia is so kind and hospitable, made us feel very welcome and was always available to answer questions. Would love to return! Dasha and William
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ronald D.

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

Cottage on the Boardman River

Our stay at the cottage on the Boardman River was relaxing. The river flows right outside the cottage, making its way toward Grand Traverse Bay. The cottage is nestled in a bucolic setting, which adds to the overall peacefulness of the setting. If you decide to stay, bring a good book or your fly fishing gear--either route you won't be disappointed.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anthony B.

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

Cabin

Cozy cabin right on the river
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ashleigh B.

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

Great Little Cabin

Loved waking up each morning and sitting beside the river. Quaint little cabin. Awesome experience.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott K.

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

Relaxing River Retreat

Had a wonderful stay and the location was absolutely the best. Very peaceful and relaxing. Our host was very accommodating. I highly recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Erin H.

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

Relaxing long weekend

We had a wonderful stay at the cabin! The property was beautiful and the river was tranquil. It was easy to get to Old Mission Peninsula and downtown Traverse City. We will definitely return!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Vanessa S., Midland, Michigan

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

Wonderful Stay.

Absolutely everything we were looking for. Beautiful, peaceful, adorable cabin on the Boardman River. Tricia our Host was absolutely amazing. We are already checking out next years dates to visit this location again! RiverShire is everything and more.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carlos

Our favorite part of the property was the deck and dock that extend into the river. Although there isn’t a lot of room on the property to explore, we went went up the road and enjoyed miles of hiking trails. The property is very peaceful and quiet and everything about the cabin was just as advertised. Would absolutely stay there again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bruce C.

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

Exactly as advertised

If you're looking for a remote, quiet place right on the beautifully clear Boardman River yet a quick drive into TC, this is the place.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Katrina J.

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

Relax by the river

We enjoyed sitting on the patio and watching the water. I can't wait to learn more about the river and retuning to float!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Carol G.

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

Wonderful River Cabin

We really enjoyed our stay here and meeting Tricia. She was very friendly and helpful. The cabin came with all the amenities we needed. It's location along the river is beautiful. We were close enough to stores and restaurants to not be inconvenienced. Trips to the nearby lighthouses, state and national recreation areas could easily be made.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rodger B.

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

Scattered Family

The sylvan setting was beautiful, serene and restful. The bed was comfortable, the shower had hot, soft water and the towels were thick and fluffy. The flatware was early hunting camp but more than adequate for my breakfast and dinner. Most of all, it was possible to touch all the family in need of consolation.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tina P.

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

Awesome Cozy Cabin on the River

We were very pleased with the accommodations. Everything was clean and well represented in the listing. It was so nice to build a fire with the river only 15ft away and just sit and listen to it flow. We had a nice coal and gas grill available as well as a stove/oven and microwave to cook on/in so we didn’t spend a lot of money eating out! We would recommend this place to any couple who want a little private getaway for the weekend or even a week!! We will definitely go back and have reserved it for next year’s anniversary!!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

6/10 Okay

Charles Cathie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication
Disliked: Listing accuracy

Cozy cabin on river

No TV which we expected. Outside of that, our experience was fine. BUT, their wesite is misleading and needs to be corrected.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Barrie M.

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

Relaxing

Cabin was fine. Little dock over creek was wonderful for morning tea and reading. Good location. Hiked, kayaked and picked cherries close by. Got some nice recommendations from host for some local places. No frills but very relaxing
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

About the host

Hosted by Tricia Frey

Host profile image
My name is Tricia Frey and I will be your host at Rivershire although you may never see me. My sister Sandra and I co-own the property and allow guests the space and quiet relaxation they desire without intrusion. Of course, if you need something, I am here to help and take care of any issues promptly.

We love the beauty and wonder of the Boardman River and enjoy kayaking, gardening, watching for wildlife, and relaxing by the river with a good book (and a glass of wine!) ... we know you will, too. (And no, you won't be expected to garden while you're here!) Please bring your own kayaks, canoes, or innertubes (these are not provided) or let the trusted folks at Ranch Rudolph (just a few miles up the road) take care of the details by providing kayaks and taking you four miles upstream for a lovely float back to the ranch to pick up your car. They also provide horseback riding.

I'm also the author of two books, both of which are set at Rivershire and feature two very special pets: a Sheltie named Sheldon and a Cat named Snickers. You can read all about them in my 2020 memoir River Love: The True Story of a Wayward Sheltie, a Woman, and a Magical Place Called Rivershire and its children's book counterpart Sheldon's Journey: The Story of a Sweet-Natured Dog in Search of His True Home. Copies of the books are in the cabin for your reading enjoyment.

If you're a writer or an artist, Rivershire is a great place for doing both. Bring your creative spirit!

We hope you make your way to Rivershire!

Tricia & Sandra

Why they chose this property

Rivershire is a magical place! The flowing Boardman River, stately pines and hardwoods, lovely gardens, and relaxed, natural setting make it the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

However, should you want hustle and bustle, nearby Traverse City has plenty to offer including a plethora of restaurants and shopping venues for every taste and budget, breweries, distilleries, and entertainment options galore. (Interlochen Center for the Arts is just 15 minutes away ... downtown Traverse City offers two historic, state-of-the-art movie theatres ... and Turtle Creek Casino is a 20 minute drive from here if you're feeling lucky!)

Did someone say beaches, dunes, boating, and wine? Walk a Lake Michigan beach or climb a dune at Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore ... both are just 45 minutes away. Grand Traverse Bay is 20 minutes north of Rivershire for beaches and boating. The area offers many small inland lakes for boating and floating, too. And both Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas offer plenty of wineries, orchards, and stunning views.

And don't forget hiking and bike riding! Grand Traverse, Leelanau, and Benzie counties have more hiking and biking trails that we can count and all are an easy trip from Rivershire. As a matter of fact, Brown Bridge Quiet Area is just TWO minutes away and many other trails can be accessed within 5- 10 minutes. Bring your bike or go for a hike!

If that sounds like more effort than you bargained for, simply spend your lazy days by the Boardman River. Bring your own kayaks, canoes, innertubes, and fly rods for a leisurely river experience. Put your feet up. Read a good book. Pour a glass of wine.

And, with high speed internet on the property, your devices will run perfectly for streaming or whatever may be to your liking. We've got your covered.

We can't think of any reason why you wouldn't want to visit Rivershire!

What makes this property unique

Hmmm ... pretty much covered "unique benefits" in the space above, but how about this? You may see a couple of martens playfully running on the opposite bank of the river. How's THAT for unique? Who knows what else you may spot if you keep your eyes open. Don't forget to look up ... an eagle may just soar overhead. Magical!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests