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Freighter Channel Riverfront Paradise!!!

Lakefront cottage with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for Freighter Channel Riverfront Paradise!!!

Front of cottage from deck
Living Room, looking out towards the river.
You never know what's going to pass by as you relax on the waterfront deck.
Living Room, from the kitchen.
Front porch bed - a guest favorite!

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 81300 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View in a map
Harsens Island, MI
  • Place, Sunset Harbor
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Place, Scout Drive Tot Lot
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Place, Algonac State Park
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Airport, Detroit, MI (DET-Coleman A. Young Municipal)
    ‪67 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
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Freighter Channel Riverfront Paradise!!!


Welcome to the Gold Coast of Harsens Island, where front-row views of the South Channel create a truly rare waterfront experience. From the enclosed porch or riverside deck, watch international freighters glide past just yards away—an impressive and unforgettable backdrop that sets this home apart from other island locations.
This meticulously maintained riverfront cottage offers a relaxed retreat, perfect for those seeking tranquility, adventure, or both. Enjoy sweeping 180-degree views of sunrises, river traffic, and open water. Spend your days swimming, fishing, or boating, with protected canal docking available for boats up to 28 feet and easy access to nearby beaches and premier watersports areas.
As evening settles in, gather around the riverfront fire pit and enjoy the quiet power of freighters passing under the stars.
Inside, you’ll find warm hardwood floors, a fully equipped kitchen, comfortable sleeping accommodations for up to 8, air conditioning, washer/dryer, and modern entertainment amenities. Every detail is designed for comfort, cleanliness, and effortless vacation living.
Additional Information: City water with excellent pressure. Boats must clear three bridges in the canal; nearby transient docks are available if needed. The area is renowned for seasonal fishing and duck hunting, with sheltered waters available even on windy days.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (5 reviews)
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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
• Please leave any beds you slept in unmade so that our cleaning service knows which ones need attending. • Please place towels/cloths used during your stay in the bathtub.
• Please wash all dishes/pans/utensils during your stay. You may leave them in the sink to dry. Our cleaning service will put them away.
• Take ALL food/drink items you brought with you when you leave (check fridge and freezer and cupboards). • Take all garbage to the garbage cans, located in the parking area.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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 indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

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. Sunset Harbor and Middle Channel Golf & Country Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore St. John's Marsh State Wildlife Area and Algonac State Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Harsens Island, MI

What's nearby

  • Sunset Harbor - 9 min drive - 10.3 km
  • Scout Drive Tot Lot - 16 min drive - 12.9 km
  • St. John's Marsh State Wildlife Area - 17 min drive - 14.3 km
  • Sassy Marina - 18 min drive - 15.8 km
  • Algonac State Park - 20 min drive - 18.2 km

Getting around

  • Detroit, MI (DET-Coleman A. Young Municipal) - 85 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Brown's - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Sans Souci Bar - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Club Capri - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Deckers Landing - ‬28 min drive

Frequently asked questions

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

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Freighter Channel Riverfront Paradise!!!?

On-site parking is available at the 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 within 9 miles (15 km) of Sunset Harbor, Middle Channel Golf & Country Club and Lake Saint Clair. Scout Drive Tot Lot and St. John's Marsh State Wildlife Area are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 35 out of 43 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 43 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 43 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 43 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 43 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Roxane R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very clean, check in and out was simple. We were very happy with are visit
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Helen P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The location and convenience of this rental was fantastic! The cabin had some age, but the amenities were great and well worth the fee.Beautiful views of water traffic, freighters, tankers, schooners and sailboats. Just WOW!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gene G.

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

harry r.

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

10/10 Excellent

Tom F.

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

Roger M.

Fishing trip

Great place and view. Owner is very nice to deal with and accessible. Great safe place for a boat and a great location. Looking forward to going back!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Joe M.

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

Marilyn H.

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

Riverfront Harson Island home.

Perfect location for freighter watching! Very comfortable well stocked home meeting all our needs. Great communication with the owner during the whole process, definitely would like to return again in the future.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Roger M.

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

Ken C.

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

10/10 Excellent

harry r.

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

Freighters and fishing

We had a lovely, relaxing time.
Stayed 11 nights in Aug 2021

8/10 Good

Bill R.

All you need

This cottage has everything you need to enjoy your time. We went fishing with our boats which we had a good place to park. Great location for fishing opportunities. Very accommodating owner and friendly neighbors.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Randy W.

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

Harsens Island

Brandon immediately answered all my questions and concerns, very accommodating. Enjoyed our week very much
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020

8/10 Good

J.R W.

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

Jerry W.

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

10/10 Excellent

Michelle W.

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

Sarah B.

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

Conor B.

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

August 2019

This rental had everything we needed and was a great spot to anchor all of our activities on the water.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Patty T.

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

Ricky W.

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

Ed A., Sylvania

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

Debra V.

Freighters galore!!

If you are a “boat nerd” like I, you will be in heaven staying at this house. There is up-bound AND down-bound, which is rare to find.. The house was clean and comfy while having an owner that was very responsive and helpful with any questions. We will return again! Thanks!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Geraldine H.

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

Cindy M.

Mesmerizing, relaxing, fun, perfect get-away for couples or families!

We just stayed at the cottage here on Harsen's Island & what a wonderful experience it was for our family. We have hard-to-entertain teenagers & they never reached for their phones once! They swam and floated and were mesmerized by the freighters passing right behind the cottage! Just feet away. The house was clean, open, well-stocked with everything you would need == INCLUDING TOWELS == and made for a care-free stay. My family is now going to return to {hopefully} this VRBO each summer to repeat the experience.

10/10 Excellent

Larry P., Iowa

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

About the host

Hosted by Brandon Cochran

Host profile image
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).

Languages:

English
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