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After over a year of (mostly) only exploring within Michigan, my family and I yearned to visit someplace special… But we also wanted to remain in Michigan, but feel like we ‘got away.’ The problem was – where to go? Mackinac Island seemed like an obvious choice given its on an island and cars aren’t allowed, but nah… there are too many tourists! We wanted to visit a place not many people know about. So we decided to look into Michigan’s other islands to escape to. The island we decided to visit for our latest day trip was Harsens Island!
Don’t know about Harsens Island? That’s ok, we didn’t either until recently. Located in Lake St Clair near the Canadian border, Harsens Island is reachable by ferry if traveling by car or bike. Alternatively, there are a few marina’s to dock at if traveling by boat. Read on to discover how to experience an epic day trip to Harsens Island.
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~ History of Harsens Island ~
After the Treaty of Paris in 1783 that ended the American Revolutionary War, Harsens Island became disputed territory. Because the area was never surveyed, there was ambiguity over whether the island was in the US or Canada. Many people living in the area that wished to remain British subjects moved to Harsens Island at the time. Then in 1814 in the Treaty of Ghent that ended the War of 1812, the ambiguity was addressed. Surveyors from both the US and Britain were appointed to determine the international boundary. In 1822, both surveyors agreed Harsens Island was located in the United States.
Harsens Island received its name from Jacob Harsen who purchased the island from the Walpole Island First Nation tribe. Like many early Michiganders, Jacob Harsen emigrated to Michigan from New York.
~ Day Trip to Harsens Island Map ~
~ Day Trip to Harsens Island Summary ~
When: Saturday in Summer
Why: My family and I wanted to feel like we escaped to a new and exciting place without leaving Michigan. We decided visiting one of our many islands in the Great Lakes would be a unique way to do that and found Harsens Island in Lake St Clair.
Time Traveled (one way, by car): 3.5 hours from Grand Rapids, 1.5 hours from Detroit, 3.5 hours from Kalamazoo, 2.5 hours from Lansing, 5 hours from Traverse City, 5.5 hours from Chicago, 5.5 hours from Indianapolis, 4.5 hours from Columbus
Time Spent at Destination: 5.5 hours
Budget: $$ – food, gas, ferry crossing, souvenirs, ice cream
What We Did During the Day Trip to Harsens Island
Once we crossed the ferry onto Harsens Island, we first stopped at Browne’s Field, the public park on the island. After allowing our son plenty of time to play, we went to the Western side of the island to enjoy lunch at Brown’s Bar.
After lunch, we traversed the island and headed back east to the ‘downtown’ area of Harsens Island. While here, we toured the museum, stopped into the gift shop for souvenirs, enjoyed ice cream from the supermarket, and even, enjoyed a liquor tasting at Harsens Island Distillery! After we saw all there was to see of the downtown, we made a couple pitstops – at the Catholic Church and at ‘the turnaround spot’ to enjoy the view from the island.
Then we headed back to the mainland by crossing through the interior of the island back to the ferry.
Other Things to Do on Harsens Island
There are a few other things to do on Harsens Island such as visiting:
- Island Grind – If you’re on the island between 7am and noon, stop by the Island Grind for a coffee or latte and a pastry!
- Harsens Island Schoolhouse Grille – The Schoolhouse Grille is the second restaurant on the island, and it is in the former schoolhouse. The hours change seasonally, but during the warmer months, it’s open Wednesday through Sunday. This restaurant serves a variety of items such as salads, bowls, tacos, sandwiches, burgers, and perch. On Sunday morning, it even serves brunch!
- Middle Channel Marina – No boat to bring with you to the island? No problem! Middle Channel Marina rents pontoon boats, fishing boats, kayaks, canoes, and stand up paddle boards. While here, you can also pick up bait and tackle as well as snacks and drinks.
- Walker’s Marina – While this place is just a little gas station for boats, it also contains a convenience store should you need to pick up a snack and beverage.
Places to Stay
Our day trip to Harsens Island was part of a two day excursion exploring the seaside towns along the lower thumb of Michigan. We booked a stay at an Airbnb off the island, but if you’re interested in staying on the Island there are a few great options such as:
- The Harsens Island Getaway Resort – Rooms start at around $115/night and the resort offers a number of recreational opportunities such as canoeing, snorkeling, hot tub, sauna, and a fitness center.
- Maple Leaf Bed & Breakfast – Stay in an historic former boat house. Enjoy free breakfast and amazing views of the Canadian shore and frequent passing freighter ships from your window.
- South Channel Bed & Breakfast – Relax at this b&b where you can enjoy views of the freighters passing offshore.
Recommended Items to Carry
If you are traveling to the island by car, there’s a lot of driving involved so make sure you fill up your tank before crossing onto the island as there aren’t any car gas stations (only boat!).
Other than that, we ensured our son had plenty of toys to play with to keep him preoccupied as we drove around the island. A toy tablet and cell phone are always his favorite during our travels.
Before you go, check out these books that feature the island:
- Harsens Island by T.K. Madrid
- Tashmoo Park and the Steamer Tashmoo by Arthur M. Woodford
~ Day Trip to Harsens Island Details ~
Harsens Island Ferry
The first stop you’ll make before you reach the island is to Champion’s Auto Ferry, the only way you can reach the island by car. When we visited on a sunny weekend in the summer, we only waited 5 minutes for a ferry. Attendants direct you onto the ferry and where to park. Then once the ferry is full and starts to cross the river, the attendants pass by everyone’s window to collect payment. It costs $12 cash for a round trip, and you only pay while heading to the island. In total it takes less than 10 minutes to reach the island using the ferry.
Browne’s Field
One of the first sites to visit after disembarking the ferry is the park at Browne’s Field. Here there is a large picnic shelter with several picnic tables, a playground, swing set, tetherball, and tennis courts. The playground is a bit old but great for little children looking to go down slides. The field around the park is also large enough to run around in should you bring a frisbee or soccer ball.
We spent about 30 minutes here allowing our son to play to his hearts content.
Brown’s Bar
Once our son finished playing at the playground, we hopped in the car and drove to the western side of the island to grab lunch at Brown’s Bar. On the day we visited, it was the only restaurant open on the island. Even at an off hour, it was busy with visitors coming in by car, boat, or jetski. There is a lot of seating both inside and outside.
Open since 1946, Brown’s Bar sells plenty of people pleasing menu items such as burgers, wraps, chicken tenders, salads, appetizers and more. There is also a kids menu.
Despite there not being many restaurants on the island (only 2!), the food at Brown’s was good. The burger’s my husband and I ordered were gigantic – with the patty overfilling the bun. As we left, we noticed a number of amphibious cars in the lot.
Downtown Harsen’s Island
Also known as Sans Souci, the block of businesses between William and Maple Streets on South Channel Island is the small downtown area on Harsens Island. Here you can find a museum, gift shop, small supermarket, distillery, coffee shop, library, and artists studio. If you visit, you may also notice the former Sans Souci restaurant, which closed in June 2020 after over 40 years of operation.
Harsens Island Museum
Our first stop downtown was to the history museum. This museum is open seasonally from Memorial day through the end of September on the weekends from noon to 3pm or by appointment.
Last year the museum remained closed due to COVID. During its closure, an addition was added to the back of the museum, expanding its exhibit area. Throughout the museum there are exhibits and relics on display to learn more about Harsens Island rich and interesting history. There are even seasonal exhibits on loan from larger museums in the area. During the summer of 2021, the Tashmoo steamer bell is on display from The Henry Ford Museum. Surrounding the bell is a large exhibit on the steamer Tashmoo that ferried Detroit residents to resort communities up to Port Huron from 1899 until it sank in 1936.
Within the museum there’s also a ‘Kid’s Corner’ to color and play with toys. And near the entrance there are also t-shirts and a few other souvenirs to purchase as well as a donation box.
Outside of the museum, there’s an anchor from the steamer John N. Glidden that sunk in 1903 and a working steam whistle from the freighter J.B. Ford. The museum itself is in Harsens Island’s former police and fire station.
The Waterfront Shoppe
Next up we crossed the street to look for souvenirs from The Waterfront Shoppe. This shop is open daily from 11 to 5 during the week and from 10 to 7 on the weekends.
We were impressed with the selection of products at this shop. While everything they carry is what one would expect from a souvenir/gift shop, there were many interesting and unique designs that stood out. I purchased a shirt and Christmas ornament while my husband purchased a hat.
Reading this and interested in purchasing Harsens Island merchandise from home? Head over to their website here and shop online!
Harsens Island Distillery
Stop three downtown was to the distillery – yes, distillery! And like all the places we visited on the island, it was impressive! When we walked in, we were greeted warmly. The décor is nautical themed with several different tables to sit at in addition to the bar. When we sat down, we were walked through the menu of tasting options. All tastings are free, but you can also order a cocktail, drink, slush, or glass of wine.
Harsens Island Distillery was founded by friends Mike and Joe. The spirits they create are crafted traditionally – in a small boathouse in small batches. This also pays homage to Harsens Islands’ history as the island was a hideaway spot for bootleggers during Prohibition.
The distillery is open on the weekends from 12-8pm on Saturday and from 12-5pm on Sunday.
Sans Souci Market
Open daily from 8am to 7pm, Sans Souci is the supermarket on Harsens Island. We stopped there briefly to indulge in ice cream, but they also sell snacks, pizza, deli items, alcohol and a few groceries.
Our Lady on the River
After our time in town, we headed south along the eastern shore until we reached the Our Lady on the River Catholic Church. We stopped here because there isn’t public access to the waterfront anywhere on the island. Being we weren’t intending on swimming, but just wanted to see the waterfront and wave to Canada, we assumed it was fine to stop by the church. It appears that’s ok because we weren’t stopped by anyone.
The church itself is beautiful – a pretty white building with a sculpture of Mother Mary along the waterfront surrounded by flowers. Behind the church is a large yard with a clear view of Squirrel Island, Canada. While we visited, we also saw two large freighters pass each other, which was awesome to see!
Turnaround Spot
Our final stop on the island before heading back on the ferry was to the ‘turnaround spot.’ This spot is the furthest anyone can travel south along South Channel Drive, and ends in a roundabout. Beyond the roundabout is a gated private community.
From the turnaround spot, you can see the Detroit skyline in the distance. There is also a wooden swing to relax and enjoy the view from. While there are signs indicating ‘no parking’ (which also exist all across the island), it appeared that those are mere suggestions and not enforced as we saw lots of cars, off road vehicles, and golf carts parked alongside the road. In most cases, people fished right from the side of the road, as most of the land on Harsens Island is marshy or swamp like.
~~~
After growing up and living in Michigan for so long, it’s still shocking to discover places I never knew existed, like Harsens Island. If you’re looking for a unique and interesting day trip, I can’t recommend a visit to Harsens Island enough!
Have you explored any of Michigan’s islands?
from Michigan with Love,
Jackie
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