$431,439Average Value$222Average Price per Sq Ft11Homes For Sale
Living on Harsens Island
Harsens Island is located between Algonac, Michigan, and Walpole Island, Canada, where the St. Clair River flows into Lake St. Clair. The secluded island is only accessible by ferry, and most properties sit along the water. It’s one of the only communities of its kind within an hour of Detroit, making it a popular spot for secondary summer homes. On the island, there’s a tiny town center with a grocery store, restaurant and library, and residents can get together at local marinas and yacht clubs. But for the most part, people move to Harsens Island to be away from it all, with marshlands and waterways at their doorsteps and some of the state’s best waterfowl hunting lands in their backyards.
Summer cottages and year-round homes for sale
Properties on Harsens Island can range from rustic summer cottages to luxury million-dollar homes. Most houses have waterfrontage, with colder, faster-moving water to the south and warmer, shallower water to the north. Properties were built throughout the 1900s and early 2000s, so there’s a variety of architectural styles. Some open plots of land are still available for development. “Only about 40% to 45% of residents are full-time; the rest are vacation homes,” says Bob MacKenzie, a Realtor with Real Estate One St. Clair Shores who has sold several properties here. According to him, potential buyers should pay attention to the quality and elevation of a property’s seawall and typically expect to pay for additional flood insurance.
The median sale price is $250,000. Small cottages with limited utilities can start as low as $50,000. Spacious homes equipped for year-round living can range in price from $500,000 to $1.2 million.
Schedule and cost of Champion's Auto Ferry
The only way to access Harsens Island is by boat — there is no bridge to the mainland. Champion’s Auto Ferry is the primary way to get there, operating 24/7, all year round. A one-way trip costs $15, although locals can purchase tickets in bulk for $10. The ferry runs every 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the time of day, and is used by many residents for their daily commutes to work or school. The only time the ferry doesn’t run is when the river freezes over, which can temporarily strand residents on the island. According to MacKenzie, “it’s probably only every 2 or 3 years that there’s an interruption in the ferry service — it’s not that frequent.”
How utilities work on the island
Due to the island’s remote location, some properties don’t have heating systems or a municipal water supply. But others are fully functional for year-round living. Here’s what you need to know about utilities on the island:
Water: Most homes are connected to Clay Township’s municipal water system, though some outlying properties draw water from the lake.
Sewer: Homes rely on private septic tanks. However, the township has explored the possibility of constructing an algae-based wastewater plant on the island.
Electricity and internet: DTE Electric provides electricity. For internet access, only properties near the mainland have cable; other homes typically use satellite and cellular services.
Natural Gas and heating: Since there are no natural gas lines, residents often use propane tanks for heating and electric water heaters.
Trash: Trash and recycling pick-up is offered weekly through Emterra Environmental USA.
Community events on Harsens Island
There is an active year-round community on Harsens Island, but things get noticeably busier in the summer months. The annual Muscamoot Raft-Off is a huge community event where residents and visitors tie more than 1,000 rafts together in the shallow waters of Big Muscamoot Bay. Participants can walk down the middle of the boats in a channel called The Gauntlet to fully immerse themselves in the party atmosphere. Another big summer celebration is the Annual Turkey Shoot, planned by the local Lions Club. The family friendly event includes live music and games, centered around a trap shooting competition.
Things to do include hunting, golf and dining at local restaurants
Outside of big events, life on Harsens Island is quiet and centered around recreation. The St. Clair Flats State Wildlife Area is well known for its waterfowl hunting. It’s so popular that free hunting permits are determined by a daily lottery drawing. There are also several yacht clubs that offer private facilities and members-only events. The Old Club is a notable option with a pool, tennis courts and a small golf course.
Additional year-round things to do on the island include trivia competitions, live music, karaoke nights and holiday events at Sans Souci Bar, and enjoying the rotating seasonal menu and locally sourced ingredients at Harsens Island Schoolhouse Grille.
Kids head to the mainland for schools
Harsens Island is part of Algonac Community Schools. There are no schools on the island, so kids must take the ferry to and from the mainland every day. Algonac schools are rated lower than other St. Clair County districts, such as Yale Public Schools and East China School District. Parents can apply to other districts within the county thanks to Michigan’s school of choice program.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Harsens Island
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Harsens Island Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Harsens Island, Algonac sell after 77 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Harsens Island, Algonac over the last 12 months is $250,000, down 18% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Just an hour’s drive—or even quicker by boat—9811 S Channel Drive offers the ultimate retreat without the long haul up north. Located in the heart of the world’s largest freshwater delta, this waterfront escape is a rare blend of serenity, adventure, and convenience. The main house features five spacious bedrooms and three full baths, offering ample room for family and guests. A cozy living room
GREAT LOCATION ON THE SOUTH CHANNEL, VERY CLOSE TO THE OLD CLUB, OUTSIDE BEND OF THE RIVER WITH WIDE OPEN HORIZON. LOT SITS VERY HIGH AND HAS A STEEL SEAWALL WITH ABOUT 3' FOR FREE-BOARD YOU WOULD ALSO HAVE LAKE VIEWS FROM THE 2ND FLOOR OF YOUR NEW HOME, THERE IS A POND ON THE PROPERTY AND A REAR PROTECTED CANAL. ACCESS IS ACROSS A BRIDGE OFF SOUTH RIVER ROAD (ACCESS TO 6 PROPERTIES)
GREAT LOCATION ON THE SOUTH CHANNEL, VERY CLOSE TO THE OLD CLUB, OUTSIDE BEND OF THE RIVER WITH WIDE OPEN HORIZON. LOT SITS VERY HIGH AND HAS A STEEL SEAWALL WITH ABOUT 3' FOR FREE-BOARD YOU WOULD ALSO HAVE LAKE VIEWS FROM THE 2ND FLOOR OF YOUR NEW HOME, THERE IS A POND ON THE PROPERTY AND A REAR PROTECTED CANAL. ACCESS IS ACROSS A BRIDGE OFF SOUTH RIVER ROAD (ACCESS TO 6 PROPERTIES)
Own this slice of heaven on Russell Island. Buildable lot on the Russell Island. Excellent views of the shipping channel. Private Park. Private store and Restaurant/Bar. Private Beach to splash all your cares away. No autos on the island. Enjoy biking and tooling around in your golf cart. Please check the ferry schedule before you go to explore this one of a kind property.
Waterfront Paradise on Harsens Island!Experience life on the South Channel of the St. Clair River with this beautifully updated 4-bedroom split-level colonial featuring 65 feet of prime waterfront and breathtaking views of passing freighters, Walpole Island, and endless boating & fishing opportunities.Step inside to find a bright, open layout with plenty of natural light and comfortable
100-FOOT RIVERFRONT LOT WITH STEEL SEAWALL - READY TO BUILD! Don't settle for limited Island home inventory - build your dream home instead! This vacant lot offers 100 feet of prime river frontage along the desirable North Channel, complete with a durable steel seawall. Priced to sell - reduced from $226,600 - local municipalty assessed value for surrounding 100' lots, this is an excellent
Are you looking to build on on a Private Island between the St. Clair River and Canada??? Well look no further... here is your chance to own a slice of paradise on beautiful Russell Island!!! 4 parcel totaling 2.5+acres ready to be developed. Panoramic waterfront views with North Channel and Canal frontage. 175ft of steel seawall. Some of the best fishing in the world plus watch ocean freighters
$70k / a lot!!! Lot sizes are as follows (see pic for more info) Lot 1 - 142 x 151 Lot 2 - 111 x 161 Lot 3 - 110 x 173 Lot 4 - 101 x 181 Lot 5 - 100 x 202 Lot 6 - 100 x 214 Lot 7 - 100 x 238 Lot 8 - 100 x 247 Lot 9 - 100 x 247 Lot 10 - 47 x 267 Hurry to secure your lot TODAY!!!!
This highly desired Middle Channel property is BEAUTIFUL! Fully updated ranch with a steel seawall, unobstructed views, and an open floor plan. Stainless steel appliances most included. There’s a stunning Dining and Bar area with gorgeous NEW WALLSIDE WINDOWS! The well appointed Dining Room will lead you out the door wall which leads you onto a large deck for relaxing, barbecuing and
FOR THOSE WHO ARE LOOKING FOR RESORT-STYLE LIVING ON BEAUTIFUL HARSENS ISLAND, THIS 4-BEDROOM, 4-BATHROOM CUSTOM BUILT HOME IS PERFECTLY SITUATED ALONG THE SHORELINE OF THE SOUTH CHANNEL AND WITHIN THE GATES OF THE OLD CLUB, AN EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE ISLAND RESORT AND YACHT CLUB. THIS RIVERFRONT PROPERTY COMBINES COMFORT, ELEGANCE, AND THE ULTIMATE WATERFRONT LIFESTYLE. THE HOME WAS THOUGHTFULLY
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
