Harsens Island sits in the country's largest freshwater delta

Where the St. Clair River opens into Lake St. Clair, it spreads through a maze of channels, marshes, and low islands called the St. Clair Flats. The Michigan DNR describes this as the largest freshwater delta in the United States. Another DNR page calls it the largest in the Great Lakes Basin and one of the largest in the world. Those are strong claims; neither source says Harsens itself is the delta’s single biggest island, so we do not make that leap.

The island is not all one park. Homes and local roads share Harsens with protected wetlands and managed habitat. On the island, the DNR’s St. Clair Flats State Wildlife Area unit covers 3,355 acres. It is open to the public without an entrance fee and supports birding, wildlife viewing, paddling, fishing, hiking, hunting, and trapping.

That mix calls for a little planning. The managed area holds daily permit drawings during the open waterfowl season, so it is worth checking the map and current notices even if you are coming to watch birds or paddle. Hunting rules and access can change by season.

Drivers reach Harsens Island by Champion’s Auto Ferry from Algonac. Ferry fares and service details can change, and weather can matter in winter. Look at the operator’s current information before heading to the dock rather than relying on an old schedule in a travel story.