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Torch River Retreat: Sun, Sand & Splashing – The Ultimate Summer Escape!

Photo gallery for Torch River Retreat: Sun, Sand & Splashing – The Ultimate Summer Escape!

Property grounds
Exterior
View From Roof-Top
Terrace/patio
Property grounds

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 462.2 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View map
Rapid City, MI
  • Place, Torch Lake
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Torch River
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Torch Lake Park
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪41 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

upstairs

1 Queen Bed

upstairs

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

upstairs

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Torch River Retreat: Sun, Sand & Splashing – The Ultimate Summer Escape!

TORCH RIVER RETREAT - directly ON Torch River
SLEEPS: 4 MAX
BEDROOMS: 2
BATHROOMS: 1
*RIVERFRONT (Torch River backdoor, Torch Lake front door + across the street)
*SWIMMING ON PROPERTY
*KAYAK Included (Memorial Day to Labor Day)
*PRIVATE DOCK-One side is available for guest use

This is cozy cottage located right on Torch River. This home is unique because from the front door you will see the popular all-sports Torch Lake and out the backdoor you gaze upon Torch River. The public beach access is directly across the street from the property, which has a small sand bar. In addition, with a private dock, this home allows you to use bring your own water vessel or you are free to use the kayak which is included in your stay. There is a waterway passage from the river to the lake and vise versa. When taking your boat (up to 30') to and from, please watch for stumps in the water. You may also want to observe other boats on how they get through because the waterway is not clearly marked.

Having a main floor and an upper level, there is enough space to separate yourselves for some peace and quiet! Upstairs plays host to the 2 bedrooms and only bathroom in the home, while the main floor is occupied by the kitchen and living room. An attached-garage is also where you will find water goodies and extra supplies. With patio furniture and fire-pit, you will thoroughly enjoy your time on Torch River.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ATV's: Not allowed on property

Bathroom: 1 full bathroom on upper level

Beach/Swimming: The public access beach is right across the street from the home (it is a small access). Swimming can also be done on the property. On the property, there is a break-wall, and then the water. It is shallow and gradually increases in depth.

Bedroom Configuration: Master Bedroom-upper floor: 1 Queen bed
Bedroom #2-upper floor: 1 Full bed

Boats: Kayak is included in you stay (Memorial Day to Labor Day)

Bugs: On top of your standard array of Michigan bugs such as mosquitos, spiders, ants, bees, ticks, flies, wasps, beetles, and stink bugs, every so often (2 times/year on average) we see no-see-ums, which find their way not only outside, yet through the screens)
Cell phone service: Sprint seems to work well

Distances:
* Traverse City: 35 minutes (24 miles)
* Grand Rapids: 2 ½ hours (147 miles)
* Mackinac Bridge: 2 hours (108 miles)

Dock: One side of the 30 foot private dock is available for your use

Fishing License: You can purchase your fishing license online.

Grill: Propane Grill is on property with an extra tank in the garage. Propane provided

Grocery Store: There is a convenient store about a mile up the road

Internet: Wi-Fi

Linens: Yes, we provide your sheets and linens. Just like a hotel, the beds will be made for you upon arrival. If you are fussy about the thread count of your sheets, just let me know, and I'll make sure we leave a bed open for your sheets. We have just the basic sheets, pillows, pillow cases and bath towels.

Parking: There is only parking for a single car on the property. No trailer parking available. There is no easy parking for your boat in front of the cottage. There is lot about 1.4 miles from the cabin you can use for your trailer and boat. Directly in front of the cottage/ right across the street is a No Parking Zoned Public Park. Tickets are not given you regularly, yet you are subject to a possible ticket or tow.

Pets: Dogs 15lbs or less will be considered. Please contact us. Freshwater Vacation Rentals currently charges $75/per pet for your entire stay. We do ask that you please clean up after them both inside and outside the cabin. Plus, if you allow them on the furniture, we do ask that you please bring your own linens/blankets for them to sleep on. Just let us know which bed you will be using with them, and we'll make sure it is ready for your sheets when you arrive. Plus, if the pet hair starts to build, we do ask that you please run the vacuum. Generally, dogs love the water and places to explore. Pet food does tend to attract mice, so vigilance is needed.

Smoking: No smoking allowed of any kind, on the property. Due to the close proximity of the neighbors, it is strictly prohibited.

Towels: Yes, we provide towels. It's always good to bring extra though.

Washer and dryer: The home does not have a washer/dryer.

Wood: Guests can find fire wood for sale about a mile from the home.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Lake view

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House Rules

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

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
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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

About the area

Rapid City

Located in Rapid City, this cottage is on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Torch Lake and Lake Michigan. Guntzviller's Spirit of the Woods Museum and Music House Museum are also worth visiting. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and cycling nearby.
Map
Rapid City, MI

What's nearby

  • Torch Lake - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Torch River - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Torch Lake Park - 6 min drive - 5.4 km
  • Traverse City Beach - 33 min drive - 39.7 km
  • Front Street - 40 min drive - 44.8 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 37 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Oasis Tavern - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Pearl's New Orleans Kitchen - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Blue Water Bistro & Pizzeria - Torch Lake Pizza - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Alden Bar - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Torch Lake Beer Company - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Torch River Retreat: Spring is right around the Corner pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Torch River Retreat: Sun, Sand & Splashing – The Ultimate Summer Escape!?

As of 2 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Torch River Retreat: Sun, Sand & Splashing – The Ultimate Summer Escape! on 4 June 2026 start from AU$429, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Torch River Retreat: Spring is right around the Corner?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Torch River Retreat: Spring is right around the Corner?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Torch River Retreat: Spring is right around the Corner?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Torch River Retreat: Spring is right around the Corner located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is steps away from Torch River and Torch Lake. Lake Skegemog and Elk Lake are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

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. 40 out of 57 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 57 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 57 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 57 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 57 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect location loved the kayaks, etc very comfortable house well stocked in the kitchen
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Oct 2025
We’re happy to hear you enjoyed the location, the kayaks, and the comfort of the house. Glad the kitchen had everything you needed we’d love to host you again anytime! -Van, FVR
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Falcon H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house had EVERYTHING we needed, the house is much better in person, it was the perfect house in the perfect location for having the “lake house experience” with boats, boards, kayaks etc. walk to boat rental few blocks, store right down the street in case you forgot something - they literally sold anything you could need for your stay Very clean, no issues at all
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Oct 2025
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re so happy to hear you had the full “lake house experience” and that the home exceeded your expectations. It’s great to know the location and amenities made your stay easy and enjoyable. We’d love to welcome you back anytime! -Van FVR
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lucas B.

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

Torch lake vacation

Perfect location to visit torch lake.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Aug 2022
Lucas, we're so glad that Torch River Retreat worked out so well for you. We hope to work with you again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Great Location

Perfect for us for that time of year.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Sept 2023
Rick, we love hearing that the property was perfect for you, and we hope that you come back again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Denise K.

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

Torch Lake Getaway

Perfect location
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Aug 2023
Denise, we're happy to hear that Torch Lake Getaway was the perfect place for you, and we hope that you come back again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Faaron P.

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

Great location

Great location for kayaking both the Torch river and Torch lake. The house is compact, modern, clean, and perfect for a couple looking for a long weekend or extended stay vacation.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 17 June 2024
Faaron, thank you for this lovely review. We're glad that the cottage fit your needs, and we hope that you come back again. - Claire, FVR
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steve W.

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

Great spot

Nice get a way spot next to sand bar.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Dec 2024
Thank you for your review Steven! We're thrilled you enjoyed this getaway spot near the sandbar. You were excellent guests, and we'd love to host you again! -Van FVR
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew S.

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

Great spot

Nice spot across from public beach on Torch Lake.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 28 June 2020
Andrew, we are glad that you enjoyed your stay at Torch River Retreat. It sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms and is small dog friendly. It has a private dock, a kayak and a paddle boat for guests to enjoy.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa M.

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

Stunning

Very beautiful and relaxing.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Oct 2024
I am glad that you found the property to be beautiful and relaxing. We are delightful to have you as our guest, we'd love working with you again. - Van FVR
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Matthew O.

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

Great location for torch lake and torch river access. Took the wife here for her birthday.

Couldnt ask for more it was a fantastic stay properties really nice. Very clean. Great views of both Torch lake and river. Took my wife here for her birthday enjoyed the time. Close by 2 stores for food and other stuff. Would stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 11 June 2022
Matthew, we love that you celebrated your wife's birthday with us! Thanks for taking time to write this review, and we do hope that you come back again.
Verified

8/10 Good

Patricia G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location

No washer/dryer

It’s stated that a washer is an amenity on this property. It’s not. I asked for more towels and no one ever brought them. Great location to enjoy the outdoors. Could walk across street to beach entrance for torch lake. All and all would stay there again definitely. My family and I had a blast. Crystal clear water
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Brian

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
The place was lovely. Unfortunately we had rainy weather and didn’t get to enjoy allot had to offer. The location would have been perfect if the weather was nice.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

ahmed h.

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

Family gateway

Wonderful
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Oct 2024
HI Ahmed! Thanks for the review, we enjoyed having you with us and look forward to having you back soon! - Jayne FVR
Verified

8/10 Good

Megan R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Parking is an issue

The house was great and the location was excellent. Parking on the other hand isnt the greatest. Our pick up barely fit in the driveway and there was no where to park our boat trailer. The public parking by the house doesnt allow overnight parking. We were told that the township will have it towed if you leave vehicles overnight.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 5 July 2025
Thank you for your feedback Megan, we're so glad you enjoyed the house and the excellent location! We appreciate you mentioning the parking challenges as well; it's helpful for us and future guests to be aware. You were great guests, and we’d be happy to welcome you back anytime! -Van FVR
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cindy P.

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

Perfect Torch Lake Getaway

Property is in the perfect location -- bayou (and dock) in the backyard and public beach lake access directly across the street. Even better, this property is less than 1/4 mile from my husband's family cottage from his childhood. Property manager was very responsive. It was a great vacation.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Sept 2023
Cindy, we're glad that you had a great trip, and what a bonus that the cottage was near to family! Thank you for your kind words for FVR. It means a lot to us. We hope to work with you again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shelley D.

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

Had a awesome time

Property was clean with many staple items in the cabinets. Can’t wait till next year.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Nov 2024
Thank you for your kind words Shelley! We’re so glad you enjoyed the well-stocked property and had a great stay. We can’t wait to welcome you back again soon! - Van FVR
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jessica D.

Awesome time at Torch lake!

We had an amazing time. The house is in a great location, you really can't beat relaxing in the back on the river, and being on torch lake sandbar in the front! Very close walking distance to Fabianos as well. Awesome little house, could use a bit of updating, but for the amount of time we spent inside it really didn't matter.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Mar 2020
Torch River Retreat is a cozy, old-school cottage located right on Torch River, with a public beach access right across the street from the home. Swimming can also be done on the property, and there is a private 30 foot dock. It's 35 minutes to Traverse City, making it a great day trip.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marjie W.

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

Wonderful

Recommend it to anyone
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Oct 2022
Marjie, thanks for the recommendation, and we hope to work with you again!
Verified

8/10 Good

Leslie G.

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

Excellent water access

Very nice, updated property. The home met all of our needs and we enjoyed the access to the water. There was an issue with the heat and property manager and owner acted immediately and remained in constant contact with us which we really appreciated. I recommend more pictures and decorations throughout to give the house a homier vibe. We would stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Oct 2024
Leslie, we're delighted to hear that the home met all your needs especially having fun with the water access. It's also great to know that you appreciated our assistance about the heat. We appreciate you a lot as our guests, and we'd love to welcome you again soon. - Van FVR
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tina R.

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

Paddling Stay

The house was clean and location was great. My husband and i brought our kayaks. It was nice to have access to the river from the back yard and an easy paddle to torch lake. The sandy beach access across ths road toTorch Lake was nice for swimming. Small grocery and restaurant down the road were handy.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Nov 2024
Thank you for your lovely review Tina! We're so glad you and your husband enjoyed the clean home and convenient location. We’re also glad to hear the nearby grocery and restaurant were helpful! You were fantastic guests, and we’d love to welcome you again. -Van FVR
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amanda R.

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

Great cottage on Torch River.

The cottage was perfect for my husband and I. It was a great place to relax after our days of boating. We were able to launch our 23ft boat from the public launch up the river to the dock behind the cottage. Torch Lake was a short ride from there. We were also able to boat up the river to Elk lake. The cottage was very clean and comfortable
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Dec 2024
Thank you for your wonderful review, Amanda! We're so glad the cottage was the perfect spot for you and your husband to relax after boating. It’s great to hear the location worked well for launching your boat and exploring Torch Lake and Elk Lake. We’re happy you found the cottage clean and comfortable, and we’d love to host you again for your next boating adventure! -Van FVR
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heidi O.

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

Friends trip

Lov d location with private beach and dock and use of kayak and paddle board. Only comment is step into house in front is too high for us. Another step is needed. Enjoyed ourselves! Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Aug 2024
Heidi, it's good to hear that your group enjoyed yourselves, and used the kayak and paddle board! Thanks for the feedback about the step - we will pass it on to the owner. You were great guests, so we hope to work with you again. - Claire, FVR
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Belinda M.

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

Very clean and comfortable.

Great time staying at this house. River out back with kayak launch next to the house. Can also access Torch Lake across the street at another public access. House has 3 kayaks and a paddle boat to use. Will definitely rent again. Everything was super clean and nicely updated. Walking distance to local restaurant also.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 20 May 2023
Belinda, we love hearing that you had a great time. Thank you for this lovely review, and we're so glad that you plan on returning.
Verified

8/10 Good

Lisa B.

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

Vacation

The place was cute and clean beautiful front and back view however the Weather and the VRBO Rentals next door was very poor in nature. ( Loud into the night!)
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 23 June 2023
Lisa, we're glad that overall you had a good stay. Thank you for your feedback. We hope to work with you again at any of our over 100 properties.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tammy M.

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

Very peaceful and relaxing.

The place was very conveniently located to the lake and river. The beach access was wonderful.. it is not a very touristy area, which was great. The amenities were awesome. Only thing I have to say bad was the hot water was horrible. Not enough for one shower let alone 2 in a row.. Will definitely be back for a longer stay next year.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Sept 2022
Tammy, we're so glad that you plan on coming back next year! That's the best review possible, and we look forward to your return.

About the host

Hosted by Freshwater Vacation Rentals

Host profile image
Freshwater Vacation Rentals
• Established in 2005
If you are looking for a vacation rental, you have come to the right spot! We offer an unparalleled selection of properties across the state-from private islands and large family lodges to peaceful Great Lakes getaways. We specialize in finding your ideal setting, whether it's a social spot where you can enjoy evening fires with neighbors, or a remote retreat where you won't see another soul.
Our philosophy: We work hard so you don't have to. As both owners and property managers for nearly two decades (since our start with Republic island and the Rapid River Lodge), we offer a unique, insider perspective. Our mission is to guarantee our guests a wonderful experience and help our owners maximize their investment. Give us a call, and we'll find the right fit for you!

Languages:

English, Spanish

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