Cabin

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

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

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

New crib dock and patio. Enough space for multiple boats!

New crib dock and patio area. And perfectly clear, fresh Lake Huron water!

Protected rocky beach. Good swimming - remember your water shoes!

Exceptional

3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 12

Popular amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet friendly
Outdoor Space
Barbecue grill

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

Garden

Dining area

About this property

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

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!
There is a large dock area with shore power and water for your boat. Rent one easily from nearby 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! The island is a perfect home base for adventures or to hide from the world for a bit!

Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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Similar properties

Pool
Kitchen
Pet friendly
Air conditioning

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

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:

Strip any used beds, gather used towels, and store extra beds

Remove leftover food and drinks and take out the trash

Turn off the lights and return the keys

Please take all trash with you. There’s a dumpster on Drummond.

Place keys back in the secret rock.

Close all windows before you leave.

Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

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

Property # 2169949

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

Onsite 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 there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property

Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property

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

This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the neighborhood

North America

View more Cabin Rentals in North America

Howard Island, MI

What's nearby

Williams Nature Preserve - 12 min drive - 3.4 km
The Rock Golf Course - 21 min drive - 7.8 km

Restaurants

Bear Track Inn
The Northwood Restaurant & Bar
Trailhead
Chuck's Place Bar & Grill
Country Store

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).

How much does it cost to stay at Enjoy your very own Private Island! Seclusion and beauty await at Howard Island?

As of May 12, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Enjoy your very own Private Island! Seclusion and beauty await at Howard Island on Sep 1, 2026 start from $440, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

This property doesn't offer parking.

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?

Check-out 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 steps from Lake Huron.

Exceptional

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

10/10 Excellent

Brian O.

Jul 8, 2025

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

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

Archival

10/10 Excellent

Betsy G.

Sep 23, 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.

Verified

8/10 Good

Edward P.

Aug 10, 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

Response from VrboOwner on Aug 10, 2020

Thanks for the nice note. We talked about the high water problem. The Great Lakes are continuing to rise . The dock problem will be taken care of this fall. A force of nature is always changing our planet. Susan, owner

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Claudia B.

Sep 24, 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

Response from VrboOwner on Mar 22, 2020

Thanks so much Claudia for the glowing review!

Verified

10/10 Excellent

ashleyleit

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

Response from VrboOwner on Aug 21, 2020

Thanks so very much for your kind words. Yes, the high water is a problem and a repaired dock will take place this fall. Water levels run in 40 year cycles And it is certainly the 40Th year.

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mychelle S.

Sep 2, 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

Archival

10/10 Excellent

Mark H.

Aug 23, 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

Response from VrboOwner on Mar 22, 2020

Thanks for your very kind words. (The island is 2.3 acres).

Archival

10/10 Excellent

LARSON S.

Aug 4, 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.

Response from VrboOwner on Mar 22, 2020

Thank you for your thoughtful and kind words. Your writing is all so true. What great memories to always have for you and your grandson.

Archival

10/10 Excellent

Karen T.

Aug 5, 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!

Archival

10/10 Excellent

May 25, 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.

Archival

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly T.

Jan 3, 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!)

Verified

10/10 Excellent

John K.

Jul 30, 2025

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

Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025

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

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

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

Add dates for prices

Have a question?

Similar properties

Drummond Island Hotel & Vacation Homes - Hermitage Cottage

House Rules

Children

Events

Pets

Smoking

Check-out instructions

Important information

You need to know

About the neighborhood

North America

What's nearby

Restaurants

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Exceptional

9.8/10

10/10

10/10

10/10

9.8/10

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Brian O.

Great time

Brian O.

10/10 Excellent

Brian O.

Great Place To Stay

Brian O.

10/10 Excellent

Dave P.

Awesome

Dave P.

10/10 Excellent

James P.

Excellent adventure

James P.

10/10 Excellent

Dan C.

Remote Retreat

Dan C.

10/10 Excellent

Chris O.

Amazing!

Chris O.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful Stay

Verified traveler

10/10 Excellent

Betsy G.

Unforgettable Adventure!

Betsy G.

8/10 Good

Edward P.

Location could not have been better

Edward P.

10/10 Excellent

Claudia B.

Perfection!

Claudia B.