Freighter Channel Riverfront Paradise!!!

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Entire home

Living Room, looking out towards the river.

You never know what's going to pass by as you relax on the waterfront deck.

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

9.6

Exceptional

3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 8121 sq m

Popular amenities

Kitchen

Barbecue grill

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Washer

Dryer

Explore the area

Harsens Island, MI

Lake Saint Clair16 min drive
Algonac State Park20 min drive
Metro Beach48 min drive

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Riverside Porch

1 Double Bed and 1 Double Futon

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Garden

Dining Area

About this property

Come see why the South Channel is known as the "Gold Coast" of Harsens Island! There are few places where you will see freighters from all over the world pass CLOSE by while you relax on the front porch or riverside deck of your vacation rental. This makes the experience dramatically different from our neighbors on the North and Middle channels (and even some of our neighbors further down on the South Channel).

Is our cottage the place for you? Quite simply, read the reviews. These reviews come from people that are just like you. They were looking for a vacation in a nice, clean, comfortable home, that had the location, amenities and "things to do" that would help them make memories of a lifetime. Mission accomplished!

Whether you are looking for a quiet place to relax and unwind, or a place to experience a water adventure with friends and family, our CLEAN riverfront cottage will provide just that.

Enjoy beautiful views of the sunrise, passing freighters and boats as you relax on the enclosed front porch or waterfront deck, both with 180* views. Cool off with a jump in the river, or drop a line in the water. Have a boat? This home has room to dock up to a 28’ boat in a protected canal, and is located within minutes of beautiful beaches and prime ski/wakeboard/tube waters. What to do after a long day of sun and fun? Relax around a bonfire at the riverfront fire pit while freighters quietly rumble by.
Inside the cottage you will find hardwood floors, a fully equipped kitchen, a LCD television/DVD player, two bedrooms (beds for 8 people w/a full size bed and a queen futon on the enclosed front porch), washer/dryer, a full bathroom and air-conditioning. If you enjoy the water you simply cannot find a better location, or a better value. Our cottage is ready for you and your friends and family to make lifetime summer memories!

Notes:
We are on CITY WATER, and have outstanding water pressure.

Any boat must clear three bridges in our canal to access docking. If your boat has a bridge or tower that cannot be retracted it will not clear these bridges. However, transient wells are available within a few minutes of the cottage.

Harsens Island and surrounding waters are also a sportsmans paradise. World-class fishing and duck hunting are available seasonally. No matter the weather, you can usually find some spots to "tuck" into to get out of the wind and waves.

Past Reviews not listed on this site:
Vincent G, Sep 19 2016 – 5 Stars – “Really enjoyed the stay. Older cabin with character. Great location!”
Monty B, July 31 2016 – 5 Stars – “We loved watching the ore ships go by on the waterway. Nice to go out there on the island and listen to the birds and quietness. Clean cottage with plenty of room, and the neighbors were friendly. Thank you for the amazing place to unwind from our busy San Diego life.”

Property manager

Brandon Cochran

Premier Host

Languages

English

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Outdoor space

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Air conditioning

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Harsens Island

Located in Harsens Island, this cottage is on the waterfront. Sycamore Hills Golf Club and C.J. Barrymore's are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Algonac State Park and Lake Saint Clair. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Emerald Theatre or Macomb Center For The Performing Arts. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Harsens Island, MI

What's nearby

Lake Saint Clair - 16 min drive
Algonac State Park - 20 min drive
C.J. Barrymore's - 47 min drive
Metro Beach - 48 min drive
Comerica Park - 73 min drive

Getting around

Detroit, MI (DET-Coleman A. Young Municipal) - 73 min drive

Restaurants

‪McDonald's - ‬16 min drive
‪Snoopy's Dog House - ‬18 min drive
‪Taco Bell - ‬16 min drive
‪Antonio's Corner Cafe - ‬15 min drive
‪Achatz Burgers - ‬17 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Freighter Channel Riverfront Paradise!!! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Freighter Channel Riverfront Paradise!!!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Freighter Channel Riverfront Paradise!!!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Freighter Channel Riverfront Paradise!!! located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is 6.8 mi (11 km) from Lake Saint Clair and 8.9 mi (14.3 km) from Algonac State Park. Sycamore Hills Golf Club and C.J. Barrymore's are also within 32 miles (52 km).

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Joe M.

12 June 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome location and set up for fisherman

Place was cozy and had ample sleeping room for the 4 of us, everyone in own bed. It's right on the water, with a canal behind to park boats, tons of room for vehicles with the long driveway, very very highly recommended for anyone hitting SCR for walleye!

Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tom F.

10 May 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fishing trip

Great place to stay close to all my favorite spots to fish. Owner is great to work with. W

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ken C.

7 Oct 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Thoroughly enjoyed our stay

No problems. It was just what we were hoping for.

Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

6/10 Okay

Connie S.

20 Aug 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

St Clair

Very charming. The view of the river in Canada and the ships was wonderful. The picture showed a shady front porch. There was no shade made it very difficult to sit outside in the morning at because of the beautiful sunshine in your eyes. They need a umbrella or some thing. The kitchen table needs to be sanded down and re-done. I am so happy I had a tablecloth because the table is not in good shape. The bridge needs maintenance quite badly. Nails are popping out. A paint job would improve a lot. A broken basement window creates a bad impression as you go in and out the door. The kitchen is well stocked and maintained. The TV is very good. Lots of games and things to do.

Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

J.R W.

19 May 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Always satisfied

It’s always a good time at this cottage. M

Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ricky W.

8 May 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful river-front location

This was the perfect location for a short fishing trip to Harsen’s Island. The location was perfect! Being able to come home after a long day of fishing to a house looking over the beautiful South Channel of the St. Clair River was amazing. The house itself was more than accommodating and very clean. Check in/out was super simple and Brandon, the owner, communicated throughout our stay to make sure we were good. We will definitely be back as I don’t see any other place I’d rather stay for our annual LSC fishing trip!

Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sarah B.

17 Nov 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Boatnerd Dream

Such a happy place for us. We have rented 3 times now. The cottage is charming and the island is great. I know of no other place to see ships like this. We are in heaven there.

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Geraldine H., Flint, Michigan, USA

4 Oct 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome as always.

This was our 2nd year at this address. It was just as awesome as the 1st year. Owner offers all you could need in the home & then some. Check in & check out was very easy. The location offers the closest view of all water craft including freighters. Bring your camera. We will be returning year after year. 5 stars to Brandon.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

16 Sept 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cottage

Second time at the cottage. Everything was great.

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Patty T., Shelby Twp., MI

27 Aug 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent views for freighter watching!

Cottage is clean, comfortable and with adequate sleeping options just as described in listing. You literally could not be any closer to the water or the freighters. There is a big deck right at the waters edge for viewing/fishing. Cottage was well stocked with linens/towels/pots and pans. We really enjoyed our stay and will definitely be back again.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Roger M.

23 Aug 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fishing Trip

Loved this place. 2nd time staying there and the best part is the communication with the owner Brandon. Great guy and awesome place. I will be back next year!! Great place for boat dock and fishing.

Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

RICHARD W.

8 June 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

fishing group

everything was great for our fishing trip! nice property, great host!

Stayed 5 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Bernadette S.

2 May 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Annual Trip

We enjoyed ourselves so much last year, we had to come back! Sooo relaxing! We hope to make this an annual trip. Enjoyed dinner at Catch 22 Bistro on the mainland. Highly recommend the Ka-Bang Shrimp appetizer & perch entree.

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ed A., Sylvania

6 Nov 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best stay yet

We have rented two other places on Harsens Island and this property has turned out to be the best yet. Brandon’s communication could not have been better or more responsive. Great bass and musky fishing can be found very close by and even days with small craft advisories there are places to fish. The cottage view is spectacular and you are incredibly close to the freighters that go by. The cottage has City water and the water pressure in the shower is fantastic. This has been our best experience on VRBO.

Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Sarah B.

2 Nov 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Boatnerd Dream

We have stayed here twice and both times were in the fall so weather wasn't great. I can only imagine how nice it would be in sunny weather! Water everywhere and from a self proclaimed boat nerd and boat chaser the freight traffic and views can't be beat. We usually think of the St Mary's river for the best traffic but this location is amazing and the boats are so close. You can hear them ever so slightly rumbling by in the night. So close.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Geraldine H., Flint, Michigan, USA

24 Oct 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Just plain awesome!!

Very impressed with the home, the property owner, the location. The neighbors were very friendly. The home was clean & well stocked for your every need. Will gladly return many times over. Very enjoyable. There is a narrow canal behind the home. There is a ramped bridge that you have to climb in order to reach the home. But my elderly mother with her walker did just fine with it. Thumbs up.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

harry r.

1 Sept 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Freighters and fishing

We had a lovely, relaxing time.

Stayed 11 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Gene G.

7 Aug 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

Very quiet and relaxing location. Also good fishing.

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Michelle W.

6 Aug 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Vacation Spot

We have been coming to this Island for over 25 years! This is the first time we have stayed at this Rental. It was a beautiful little vacation cottage. The fishing was great and the views were perfect. The owner will respond quickly. and the cottage was well stocked with linens, towels, beach towels, and life jackets.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Tom M.

13 July 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful view

Had a great time. Recommended.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Larry P., Iowa

30 May 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Harsen Island Stay

Enjoyed the stay! Glad to see a lower water level there and how places are recovering. Owners did a great job of telling you about the restaurants, marinas, etc on the island in preparation for the visit. I learned several things even though I’d visited the island a few times before. Even several of the locals were surprised by the info. The house is as advertised, communications with the owner was great, the views of the freighters passing within 300 yards was great. We enjoyed the bed facing the river so we could watch the ships with our morning coffee. Recommended

Stayed 5 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

harry r.

15 May 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great experience

We enjoyed our visit and look forward to our next stay

Stayed 8 nights in May 2021

8/10 Good

Marvin P.

14 May 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fishing trip

The cabin slept 3 adults comfortably. The inside was very good-the outside needed a little fix up attention. We had need for electric to recharge our bass boat batteries and were inconvenienced dou to lack of sufficient electric cord. Would stay there again.

Stayed 3 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Bernadette S.

8 May 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect!

Our stay at this property exceeded our expectations. It has all the comforts of home with the coziness of a quaint cottage. Watching the freighters pass by was our favorite activity! Such fun tracking their whereabouts on Marinetraffic.com, estimating their ETA, then waiting for the next one to pass! And so close!!! Enjoyed dinner at The Schoolhouse Grille and made new friends while tasting samples at the Distillery. We hope to make this an annual trip.

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jerry W.

1 May 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Harsens island getaway

Good value for the money! Right on South Channel. Freighters going by frequently.

Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2021

About the host

Hosted by Brandon Cochran

3rd Generation islanders. Looking forward to passing it along to the 4th generation.

Why they chose this property

Once you've experienced Harsens you won't need to ask, but therre is just something very special about Harsens Island in general and our cottage in particular. Generations of children and adults have spent countless hours playing and relaxing inside and out. My parents were owners of a cottage two doors up river, and my aunt and uncle owned the cottage next door. This was my grandparents cottage. Though it has been updated as the years have passed, the special memories of yesterdays remain. Now it is ready for you and your guests to enjoy just as we have - fishing, swimming, boating, playing in the yard and just relaxing - watching the boats and freighters go by as you share stories and make your own summertime memories to last a lifetime.

What makes this property unique

Get away from it all within an hour drive of most of Metro Detroit. A quiet, hidden gem. No better place in Michigan to view passing freighters. Located close to the best water-skiing, tubing, boarding waters around (ask us where).