Michigan's Lovely Island Has Long-Standing Local Eats And Idyllic Nature Just 53 Miles From Detroit

When asked to think about an island getaway, it's more than likely that somewhere sunny and tropical will come to mind for just about anyone. You don't need to head out to the tropics for an amazing island vacation in the U.S.; located smack-dab in the center of the St. Clair River and right against the Canadian border, is a 24-square-mile island known as Harsens Island. It's an excellent option for day trips from Detroit, being just 53 miles away from Michigan's biggest city. 

There is one way to get to Harsens Island: by water. The Champions Auto Ferry is the most popular option for crossing the river from Algonac, allowing visitors to travel to the island by ferrying cars to and from the mainland 24/7. You only pay once for a two-way vehicle ticket, and there is no fee for pedestrians or bicyclists — however, the ferry's vehicle service is cash-only, so come prepared.

There is no transportation on the island itself, so be sure to bring your own unless you plan to walk (wear good walking shoes). One can also cross the river by boat and arrive at an array of eateries, shops, and more right from the water. Visitors can expect everything from great local eats to an idyllic, one-of-a-kind natural playground. Harsens Island might just top your list of year-round must-see destinations in Michigan by the time you're ready to head home.  

There is technically no such place as "downtown" on Harsens Island, save for a quaint unincorporated town called Sans Souci serving as the island's central hub rather than a more typical Main Street. This adds to the overall charm and uniqueness of the island, separating it from the vast majority of other places, which nearly always have a singular "downtown" area. 

Get yourself coffee and a pastry at the Island Grind, the best indie café in town, and then stroll the quiet, tree-shaded sidewalks of Sans Souci, stopping in at the handful of mom-and-pop shops peppered throughout. The Waterfront Shoppe is a must-stop island-themed gift shop where you can grab traditional souvenirs to take home, along with a slew of jewelry, clothing, and more. Grab snacks, fishing tackle, fuel, and other essentials at Walker's Landing (the shop closes seasonally in winter) or, if you're a little hungrier than that, check out some of the excellent restaurants in Harsens Island, Michigan. 

There are some unique, top-rated eateries found on the island, like the historic Brown's bar. It brings a lake house party vibe and combines it with a hometown tavern menu, featuring juicy burgers and a selection of appetizers, wraps, and fresh-caught fish to enjoy. Other notable places to eat in Harsens Island include the Sans Souci Bar (4.3 stars with over 500 Google reviews) and the Schoolhouse Grille (4.7 stars with Google reviews), both of which are longstanding pillars of the local community.

Harsens Island is surrounded by the largest freshwater delta of its kind in the United States (known as the St. Clair Flats), making it as geographically interesting as it is idyllic. Most of the island's area makes up the Harsens Island Nature Park, 3,335 acres of which are designated waterfowl habitat. Commonly spotted bird species include cranes, herons, swallows, snipes, and various ducks; which birds you can spot depends on the time of year. According to the St. Clair-Macomb Birding Trail, the best bird viewing occurs from winter through summer, considering its location at the intersection of two separate migration "highways." Bird hunting is permitted through a lottery process. 

The shimmering, clear blue water of the river serves as an angling hotspot, particularly for sturgeon, sometimes even being called the "Sturgeon fishing capital of Michigan" (via the Michigan Wildlife Council). If fishing isn't your thing, no worries — kayaking and paddling are also popular activities, with the 14-mile-long Krispin Water Trail being an explorer's best friend. There are few better ways to explore a small island than via the water surrounding it; the Krispin Trail leads adventurers all the way through the island, as well as across its southern and west-northwestern shores. 

Once you return to the mainland via the ferry, you might want to consider embarking again to another charming Michigan island community featuring trails, Grosse Ile, more restaurants, and more fun. If you're craving even more, Michigan's archipelago of islands is fun to explore no matter what time of year it is — even in the winter.