Harsens Island St Clair Flats Historical Society

Poking around Harsens Island, we had to make a stop at the museum they call the St Clair Flats Historical Society. They are doing a great job preserving the very interesting history of the area in the old firehall across from Sans Souci. The Tashomo cruise ship used to make regular stops at Harsens Island with visitors from the Detroit metro area. How cool to see a replica of this boat on display. An informative island native filled us in on every detail of the history of the area including the South Channel rear light. We definitely enjoyed our time here.

Monkey Bread at Sans Souci Market

Directly across from the historic Sans Souci Bar on Harsens Island is the Sans Souci Market. You might call it the downtown area of the 9 mile long piece of land at the upper end of Lake St Clair.  The market is excited because they recently received the designation of the Village Post Office. We love it for their home made baked goods--especially their monkey bread.

Middle Channel Golf Club on Harsens Island

The only golf club on Harsens Island is Middle Channel which was established in 1926 and features 18 holes.  Open to the public, we've had fun playing a round here at this unique island course. Occasional Rum Runners parties have been held at the club where they encourage period dress and award prizes to best costumes. The car ferry from Algonac makes the trip every 20 minutes to the island or you can dock your boat and bring your clubs in that way. The 9 mile island even has an airstrip if you fancy arriving with wings.

Big Muscamoot Bay Boaters Hangout

Everyone knows that Michigan is a boaters' paradise. A favorite spot to drop anchor and swim is Big Muscamoot Bay off the southern tip of Harsens Island. The noise level is off the scale with stereos blasting and music blaring. It is one huge party haven on the weekends and sometimes R-rated. Literally hundreds of boats are scattered throughout this bay on a beautiful day like today.

Stewart Farm on Harsens Island

Today our excursion desires led us to Harsens Island to explore Stewart Farm, a Michigan Historical Site. Dating back to 1815, it is the oldest operating farm on the island owing its name to the original owner, New Yorker Harvey Stewart. He married the granddaughter of Jacob Harsen, who had settled on the island in the 1700's. Owner Bob Williams invited the public today to walk the mowed paths in his 53 acre woodlands and meadow paradise to view the birds, wildlife and the gorgeous array of wildflowers.

St Mark's Chapel Harsens Island

On Harsens Island, St Mark's Chapel has been overlooking freighters and other ships gliding by in the channel for more than 100 years. They have a beautiful outdoor nativity display. They also observe the custom of Oplatek, those thin rectangular wafers that are shared amongst family members at Christmas time. It begins before the meal and as each piece is broken off and shared, we tell people how important they are to us and ask them to forgive and to forget any misunderstandings or blunders on our part. It's pretty humbling. God's blessings.

St Paul's Church, Harsens Island, The Three Kings are almost there..

While exploring Harsens Island, we came across this life size nativity with clothes blowing in the wind in front of St. Paul's Church on Orchid Blvd.   On this day called Epiphany, the Magi were said to have arrived in Bethlehem and presented the Christ Child with gifts.

Harsens Island

Around the northern coast of Lake St Clair, you can hop a short ferry to Harsens Island from Algonac every day all year long.  We did it to celebrate a new year and to hike along the coastal road called South Channel.  There you can watch the big freighters glide by. They seem unbelievably close! We made a toast to Michigan and to new discoveries at Sans Souci, a laid-back little island restaurant pub. While hiking, we enjoyed viewing the many historical homes with unique architecture, some dating back to the 1800's.  Bed and Breakfasts beg us to return.  The ferry ride back to the mainland unveiled a gorgeous sunset. What a way to start 2011.  And how did you bring in the new year?