$424,102Average Value$238Average Price per Sq Ft12Homes 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 71 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Harsens Island, Algonac over the last 12 months is $257,500, down 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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)
Experience timeless waterfront living in this beautifully appointed 1-bedroom condo located within the prestigious Lodges at the historic Old Club on Harsens Island. Situated on the second floor with a convenient stair lift for enhanced accessibility, this unique “second-floor ranch” design offers both comfort and ease of living. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the South Channel and
Melanie LovatiInnovation Real Estate Specialists Inc.
Welcome to Island Living at Its FinestTucked away on one of Harsens Island's most coveted canals, this exceptional 3-bedroom, colonial delivers the waterfront lifestyle you've been waiting for. Set on an oversized 12,810 square foot parcel spanning .34 acres with an impressive 175 feet of canal frontage, this property offers the kind of scale and breathing room that is increasingly rare on
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
Experience premier waterfront living on the highly sought-after Middle Channel of Lake St. Clair. This fully updated, move-in-ready ranch offers 50 feet of direct water frontage, a steel seawall, and unobstructed panoramic views with stunning sunrises and sunsets. Inside, enjoy a bright open-concept layout with updated finishes, a spacious living area, and a beautiful dining and bar space with
Hop in your boat and check out this must see property. Words cannot describe the incredible views. It is a one-of-a-kind island cottage. Nestled on an island in the St. Clair Flats (also known as the North Channel Flats), just upstream from the entrance to Anchor Bay of Lake St.Clair. This two-story retreat offers unmatched panoramic views of wildlife, water, sunrise and sunset skies. Accessible
$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!!!!
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity on Harsens Island! This 3-bedroom, 1-bath home sits on three spacious lots, providing plenty of room to expand, relax, or invest. Priced to sell quickly, opportunities like this don’t last long!
Welcome to your cozy waterfront retreat on Harsens Island’s sought-after “Gold Coast”! This charming cottage offers front-row seats to the endless parade of international freighters and passing boats along the South Channel—an ever-changing view you’ll never tire of. Enjoy peaceful mornings and stunning sunrises, then wind down with beautiful evening skies right from your spacious porch—perfect
Escape to effortless summer living on beautiful Harsens Island, where timeless cottage charm meets the elevated lifestyle of The Old Club. Perfectly positioned along the St. Clair River, this light-filled retreat offers both privacy and connection — just steps from resort-style amenities and a vibrant calendar of family-friendly events. Thoughtfully designed for hosting, the home features a rare
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