Enjoy your very own Private Island! Seclusion and beauty await at Howard Island

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Cabin

Howard Island: beautiful land surrounded by clear, fresh water!

View of Howard Island and Yacht Haven from the West

Gorgeous views facing west of nearby islands in the bay. A kayakers dream!

Aerial view of main cabin and shed. Crystal clear water and sheltered beaches.

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 12

Popular amenities

Beach view
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Fireplace
Washer
Kitchen

Explore the area

Howard Island, MI

Drummond Island Yacht Haven
‪5 min drive‬
Williams Nature Preserve
‪5 min drive‬
The Rock Golf Course
‪14 min drive‬
Drummond Island, MI (DRE)
‪6 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Hide-A-Way Cottage

1 Queen Sofa Bed

Hide-a-Way Cottage Loft

2 Double Beds

Main Cabin - Bunk Room

2 Double Beds

Main Cabin - Master Bedroom

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Main Cabin Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Balcony

Outdoor play area

Dining area

About this property

Rent the entire island with two cabins to call your own! Howard Island is a two-acre, family-owned island, located just north of Drummond Island in the Potagannissing Bay, Lake Huron. It is one of the many beautiful islands that dot the bay. Howard Island is heavily wooded with Cedar trees, has puddingstone-dotted rocky shores (bring your watershoes!) and offers 360 degrees of breathtaking views. This kind of quiet, relaxation is a once in a lifetime opportunity!
The entire dock area has been replaced and upgraded as of May 2021 with shore power and water for your boat. We have also upgraded the water system and added a washer/dryer unit in the main cabin. It is a perfect home base for adventures or to hide from the world for a bit! Rent a boat from Yacht Haven or bring your own to get to and from Howard Island, along with cruising the beautiful bay. Harbor Island National Wildlife Refuge is just a hop-skip away for hiking and swimming!

Property manager

Bryan Mulanix

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Pet-friendly

Outdoor space

Beach view

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Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly

House Rules

Check in after 5:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Main Cabin: bunk beds Hide-A-Way: ladder to loft

Events

No events allowed

This is a quiet, relaxing getaway. No parties.

Pets

Pets allowed: limit 2 total

Well-behaved, house-trained furry friends welcome!

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

You are a steward of Howard Island during your stay. Many furnishings are original, circa 1950s. Honor the island's heritage; care for it well.

Do not cut down any LIVE trees on the property. Firewood is available for indoor and outdoor use. Down trees may be used in the bonfire pit.

Please follow "Leave No Trace" guidelines, keeping only memories and leaving only footprints.

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

Note from host: This is a quiet, relaxing getaway. No parties.

This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products

Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property

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

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

North America

Howard Island, MI

What's nearby

Drummond Island Yacht Haven - 5 min drive - 2.6 km
Williams Nature Preserve - 5 min drive - 2.7 km
The Rock Golf Course - 14 min drive - 6.8 km
Les Cheneaux Islands - 83 min drive - 59.5 km

Restaurants

‪Bear Track Inn - ‬4 min drive
‪Esther's Authentic Mexican Food - ‬8 min drive
‪Pins Bar & Grille-Bowling Center - ‬14 min drive
‪Chuck's Place Bar & Grill - ‬15 min drive
‪Drummond Island Teepee - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Enjoy your very own Private Island! Seclusion and beauty await at Howard Island pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Enjoy your very own Private Island! Seclusion and beauty await at Howard Island?

Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Enjoy your very own Private Island! Seclusion and beauty await at Howard Island?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Enjoy your very own Private Island! Seclusion and beauty await at Howard Island located?

Situated on the beach, this cabin is within 2 miles (3 km) of Lake Huron, Drummond Island Yacht Haven and Williams Nature Preserve. The Rock Golf Course is 4.2 mi (6.8 km) away.

9.8

Exceptional

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

Learn more

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Dan C.

1 Aug 2024

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

Remote Retreat

Our family of 6 had an amazing week of respite at this beautiful destination. Leave behind the day to day, ditch clocks and tv, and enjoy jumping off the dock, playing games, and watching the sunrise/sunset! If you are looking to get away - Howard Island is a fantastic option.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brian O.

9 July 2024

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

Great Place To Stay

We enjoyed our stay on Howard Island. You can't beat the views here. It was easier to get to than we thought, being so close to Yacht Haven. We plan on staying here again.

Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dave P.

29 June 2024

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

Awesome

Best vaca ever, peaceful great boating and fishing

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris O.

4 June 2024

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

Amazing!

Nothing compares!

Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

James P.

27 Aug 2023

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

Excellent adventure

Fantastic experience

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

23 Aug 2023

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

Beautiful Stay

We had a fantastic time on Howard Island. We have been coming up to this area for years and it’s such a special place. The cabin and everything on the island couldn’t have been nicer. There were plenty of blankets, towels, and kitchen items, everything you might need to cook and live comfortably. We met a family of mink and enjoyed many beautiful sunsets. We hope to be back soon. Thanks!

Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ian R.

20 June 2022

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

Amazing place to getaway

The property was well taken care of Had all the amenities and then some. Was in a gorgeous location The owner Bryan was incredibly helpful and easy to get ahold of. The property manager Charles was awesome! Great experience! Can’t wait to do it again!

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Erica M.

8 Aug 2021

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

Wonderful

We stayed for a week, two families with kids ages 9-13. Just a magical place. Kids enjoyed fishing and exploring the island. Adults could relax without worry. Highlights were boating to the fossil ledges, the shipwreck off of little trout island and catching HUGE pike off the dock. Bathroom designed very clever for family sharing. The extra sleeping cabin is adorable and cozy. Boat rental from Yacht Haven easy and super close to the island. If you love Northern MI, boating and natural beauty this rental won’t disappoint.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

29 July 2021

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

A slice of paradise

We had a wonderful time! The island is beautiful and we enjoyed the new dock and the beavers working on their lodge. Every evening I saw a belted kingfisher on the shore fishing for his dinner. The cottage and island are just so peaceful. There are water views in every direction. I really cannot say anything bad about the property. I can’t wait to go back!

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

8/10 Good

Kay H., DeWitt/MI

1 Sept 2020

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

Howard Island Cottage

This is a quaint cottage that has all the necessities you need to sit back relax and enjoy your time away.

Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Becky K.

21 Aug 2020

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

Cozy cabin with incredible views

Wonderful stay on Howard Island, cabin was cozy, and comfortable; panoramic view of Lake Huron, sunrise and sunsets; I wish I could have stayed longer; well supplied kitchen, comfortable beds and bedding; very clean; internet is hit or miss, however you can go to Yacht Haven for internet if necessary; Lake Huron is very high this year, so be careful on the dock, partially submerged and slippery. Our friend's kids swam out front, and we enjoyed s"mores over the firepit. Very relaxing and rejuvenating place to spend time and unwind. I highly recomend it.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020

8/10 Good

Edward P.

10 Aug 2020

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

Location could not have been better

This cottage is absolutely awesome! Locations is perfect for the marina, and they are very nice and helpful. You see water out of every window in the living room. Your boat is literally steps from the front door. Boat house is convenient and another plus for boating gear. The only downfall is the dock, it needs upgraded and was not usable. The end of it is under water partially and very slippery. Tying off was a chore and it did beat up my boat when we had a spell of bad weather. One post on the inside of the dock is broken as well. I took my teenage daughters to this place, and they are hard to please and they had a phenomenal time. The younger girls had their own little cottage. I would recommend this trip and location. Just know you may have to improvise for the dock. We fished, tubed, and explored. With a new dock this is a 5 star trip all day long.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Claudia B., Juneau, Alaska

24 Sept 2019

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

Perfection!

Howard Island is a sanctuary and a gift! It is a mile from Drummond Island and easily accessible. Our boat rental from Yacht Haven was effortless. When we found the boat batteries dead after a storm and a bilge pump stuck on, the Yacht Haven responded immediately with new batteries. They installed them free of charge and told us where to fish. The island is pristine and magical. It is forested in cedars and birch with paths that wander you around the island. A great variety of standing stones dating back to the ice age decorate the ground. We were serenaded by gulls, geese, loons, kingfishers, sandhill cranes, and an eagle. The island has been owned by two families that have been loving stewards. The cabins, storage building, trails, forest, beaches and dock have been wonderfully maintained. The cabins are precious and very comfortable! The original spirit of the cabins have been respected and updated with creature comforts. The large craftsmen-style windows are beautiful, current and airtight. The living area windows afford a 270 degree view. You lay in the master bedroom with full views to the west and the south. Natural light fills the entire cabin. Knotty pine paneling throughout the cabins make them very warm and homey. A gorgeous heatalator fireplace, covered in local stone, kept us warm during a gale. The island readily supplies all the wood and kindling needed. The cabins have wonderful interior design that are a true pleasure to stay in. An owner or visitor is gifted with quiet and beauty while having electricity, backup propane light, running water, ample warm water, a fully functional kitchen and modern bathroom facilities. We saw Howard island on the internet 5 years ago. We grew up in Michigan and moved to Alaska 50 years ago. We are used to beauty. We were not disappointed! We stayed a week. We had days of sunshine for swimming, sunbathing and fishing off the dock. There were glorious sunrises and sunsets. We explored the surrounding islands by boat and caught over 60 perch. A gale moved in for a couple of days. The island and cabin kept us warm, comfortable and well provided for. We watched the storm, read and slept happily. This island is a well priced gem for both renting and purchasing. If we were younger and lived closer we would buy it. Howard Island has loved many families and would love yours!

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Mychelle S., Michigan

2 Sept 2019

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

A little slice of Heaven!

We never wanted to leave! Enjoyed amazing sunrises and sunsets. Fished off the dock, bonfires at night with unbelievable stargazing. Cabin was stocked with so many thing- had everything we needed for meals, etc. right down to marshmallow sticks. Saw the nesting eagles on Harbor Island. Fishing was also great there - caught smallmouth bass,pike, and perch. My son and I swam around Howard Island (how many people can say they swam around an island!). There were 7 of us so the Hideaway cabin worked out great. It was a very quick boat ride back and forth to Drummond Island. Yacht Haven marina was very helpful and friendly. Golfed at the Rock, ate a few meals at the Northwood restaurant, and shopped at the local stores but spent most of our time relaxing on Howard Island. Such a great way to “unplug” (even though the wifi was better there than on Drummond!) and enjoy family time. Susan was extremely helpful and gave us some great tips for our vacation. We are already planning next years vacation. Thumbs up from our whole family (my husband and I, 3 kids - ages 26,24, and 21, plus my parents).

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Mark H., Columbus, Ohio

23 Aug 2017

Great vacation on a charming island in Lake Huron!

Completely charmed! Our family of 8 had a wonderful vacation. This is a 1 acre island less than a mile from the marina on Drummond Island. The main cabin has a fireplace, a small kitchen & sleeps 4 comfortably. The bathroom is brand new and first class for an island cottage. There is also a second cottage/bunk house that is beautiful & can sleep 4 - 6 people. We loved watching & feeding the red squirrels on the island - they are fearless, entertaining, & enjoyed swiping my almonds. The owner is very helpful & thorough with her instructions. Cell phone service & WiFi is accessible while we were on the island, if you need it. We enjoyed boating around the lake & other islands on the pontoon boat we had rented from the marina. The owner had the local caretaker of the property meet us & give us a detailed tour of the island, complete with instructions about the cottages & island. You can watch sunrise & sunset by simply turning your chair around. We hope to come back next year. The owner's phrase "It's a magical place" was the perfect description!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

LARSON S.

4 Aug 2017

2017 Annual Fishing Trip

We anticipated our return to Howard Island ever since we left last year. We were not disappointed the weather was great and the Island is so much fun. The main cabin and the Hide-a-Way cabin both give you that up North feeling we always enjoy. Everything you need is included. Just bring the food and beverages. No need for air conditioning with the natural air conditioning you get from Lake Huron's refreshingly cold water. The breeze coming in through the windows adds to the relaxing feeling you get just sitting in the living area taking in the view and listening to the Loons call and the wave as they lap up against the rocky shore line. The boating in Potagannissing Bay is great. We always venture out around the light house and up the Saint Mary's River. Seeing the huge Freighters up close adds to the excitement. The fishing is good out in the lake as well as around Howard Island. My grandson catches fish right off the dock on the island as well. The staff at Yacht Haven are always helpful if you need gas or a slip to moor your boat. Susan the owner of Howard Island is very helpful if you have anything come up that requires her attention. The boat house on the Island is a handy place to stow your gear whilst vacationing on the island. You don't want to miss the evening sunsets down at the West end of the island they are gorgeous. In the late evening we like to sit in the cabin and relax around the beautiful stone fireplace. It is noteworthy to mention the outside chimney of the fireplace is made out of local stone many of which are very colorful pudding stones. Howard Island is conveniently located near Drummond Island where you will find the restaurants, hardware, sundries store and grocery to be very adequate. If you're looking to make some life long memories Howard Island should be on your list of destination. To quote an excerpt from Rachel Lyman Fields Poem............. If once you have slept on an island you'll never be quite the same. We will look forward to returning next year.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Betsy G.

23 Sept 2015

Unforgettable Adventure!

We love this place! And how many people can actually brag about vacationing on an entire island by themselves? Susan's cabin and grounds were very clean and very comfortable. We had a well-equipped kitchen with everything you need to cook, grill, or bake your favorite dishes. Although we were recommended to visit a couple of restaurants on Drummond Island, we never made the trek across we stayed only at this magical place! We spent our days fishing and sight-seeing, relaxing, and enjoyed a few fun games of Ladder Ball. And, at night, when the skies allowed we gazed up at the stars and watched for UFO's (just kidding but we did see plenty of shooting stars and the occasional satellite) Charles, the local caretaker, was extremely helpful and knowledgeable and we appreciated his assistance with getting us oriented with the island. We were so fortunate to have been able to experience this unforgettable adventure and we hope to have the opportunity to visit Howard Island again.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Karen T.

5 Aug 2014

Island Paradise

The Island was incredible! Beautiful sunsets on the jetty, the call of the loon, places to explore, living in harmony with nature. S'mores over a bonfire, fishing all morning, boating adventures. Well stocked kitchen, ample linens, clean, comfortable bedding, lovely main home and second mini house (two full beds in loft---nicer than described). Lovely decor, feels like home. Owner provided everything we could possibly need (paper goods, extra coats, marshmallow sticks, griddle, you name it!) Pictures don't capture this island paradise. We will return!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

25 May 2014

Special place

My family has spent significant portions of the last 13 summers on Howard Island and the experience is almost indescribable. From sunrise to sunset—both of which typically are wondrous—we are fishing, waterskiing, tubing, kayaking, and otherwise enjoying the water. We keep two boats at the Yacht Haven year-round, but rental boats can be easily arranged. For fishing enthusiasts, the waters surrounding Howard offer smallmouth, perch, pike, walleye, and salmon (Detour Pass). When the rains occasionally come, we either hunker down in the main cabin in front of a fire with cards or a board game, or head over to Drummond for lunch and shopping. Our children have grown up on Howard and we cannot imagine a summer without visits to this very special place.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly T.

3 Jan 2014

Definitely a slice of heaven!

My sisters & I rented Howard Island and had such an wonderful time, we rented it again! Incredible sunrises and sunsets; fishing, boating and exploring Drummond Island. Our fears about using an outhouse were unfounded, it was so quaint and charming. At Yacht Haven we rented our boat and the staff there were so friendly and accommodating, we can hardly wait to visit again! (As a bonus, we had great cell phone service out there in the middle of Lake Huron!)

About the host

Hosted by Bryan Mulanix

We are blessed to share this little slice of heaven with y’all and hope you love Howard Island as much as we do.

Why they chose this property

We have the privilege of being named as only the third owner in the entire history of Howard Island! Our family considers ourselves stewards of this special place. Our goal is to continue the strong legacy of loving care this island has had since it was first settled on in the late 1940s. And now we welcome other kindred spirits to enjoy the magic and timeless beauty of Howard Island!

What makes this property unique

Renting an entire island is an experience that many could only dream for. And here is such an opportunity! This area remains a top choice for all who love the water, whether by motor, sail, paddle or fin.

Languages:

English

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Enjoy your very own Private Island! Seclusion and beauty await at Howard Island

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Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Hide-A-Way Cottage

Hide-a-Way Cottage Loft

Main Cabin - Bunk Room

Main Cabin - Master Bedroom

1 bathroom

Main Cabin Bathroom

Spaces

About this property