J.W. Westcott II--Detroit's Boat Post Office

The only floating post office in the world is located in Detroit--the J.W. Westcott II with its own zip code of 48222. It anchors on 24th Street in the shadow of the Ambassador Bridge. The delivery is called "mail in the pail" as the little diesel motor boat snugs up to a big freighter which then lowers a bucket with mail and messages to be sent/exchanged with the Westcott. Captain J.W. Westcott began this service back in the 1800's. Today, Captain Sam says he'll take visitors on his boat to show you just how it is done.

Marine City's Algonac Park

Algonac State Park is a thing of beauty because you get up close with the majestic freighters going up and down the St Clair River all year long. The park in Marine City has 1500 acres and a half mile of river frontage along with 220 campsites, several hiking trails, archery and trap shooting. Every plot comes with a large ring for campfires. Ghost stories are optional.

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?