Harsens Island is located in Clay, Michigan next to St. Clair Flats State Wildlife Area. The island, located at the top of Lake St. Clair, is less than an hour from Detroit. While the island offers no state recognized beaches -- these can be found an hour or so away -- it does offer boating, fishing and hunting. Area waterfront dining includes The School House Island Grill and Sans Souci Bar & Restaurant.
Metro Beach Metropark is in Harrison Township, 70 minutes west on Highway M-29. The beach has 1,600 feet of boardwalk along Lake St. Clair. Spread among the park's 770 acres are areas for boating, swimming, and fishing. Other activities include golf, miniature golf, tennis, and shuffleboard.
Lakeside Beach & Park is in Port Huron, one hour and 20 minutes from Harsens Island. The beach has 1,050 feet of white sand beaches, playgrounds, picnic areas and shelters, restrooms, beach volleyball, and swimming. For shopping an dining, visit Point Edward, Ontario, just 10 minutes away.
Lighthouse Beach in Port Huron offers jogging and walking trails, volleyball courts and playgrounds. Take care to swim only in designated areas because of the swift current. Visit Fort Gratiot Lighthouse and choose a picnic areas either inland on near the water.
Thelma G. Spencer Park is one hour and 20 minutes from Harsens Island. The park's 113 acres feature swimming, beach combing, fishing, tennis, hiking, and a full-service concession stand. Row boats and paddle boats are available for rental. No pets are allowed on the beach and there is a parking fee.
