Russell Island (Michigan) facts for kids
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Ferry heading toward Russell Island
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 Russell Island
Location in Michigan
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Northern tip of Harsens Island in the St. Clair River |
| Coordinates | 42°36′30″N 82°31′44″W / 42.60833°N 82.52889°W |
| Administration | |
| State | Michigan |
| County | St. Clair County |
| Township | Clay Township |
Russell Island is a small, private island located in the St. Clair River. This river forms part of the border between the U.S. state of Michigan and Ontario, Canada. The island sits between the town of Algonac and Walpole Island.
Russell Island is just north of Sand Island, which is also north of Harsens Island. It even has two smaller islands nearby: Anderson Island to the northwest and "The Gold Coast" to the southwest. You can only reach Russell Island by a special passenger ferry or your own boat. There are about 150 cottages on the island. Cars are not allowed, but people use golf carts to get around.
Russell Island is part of Clay Township in St. Clair County. Its address uses the Algonac ZIP code 48001.
Contents
Exploring Russell Island
Russell Island is a unique place because it's a private island. This means it's owned by a group of people, not by the public. It offers a quiet, car-free environment for its residents.
Getting Around the Island
Since cars are not allowed, golf carts are the main way to travel on Russell Island. This makes the island feel very peaceful and different from busy towns. It's a great place for walking or biking too.
Island Location Details
The island's spot in the St. Clair River is important. This river connects Lake Huron and Lake Erie, making it a busy waterway for boats. Russell Island's location offers beautiful views of the river and passing ships.
The History of Russell Island
Russell Island has a long and interesting past, starting over 200 years ago. It has changed from a missionary site to a summer resort, and now to a private community.
Early Settlement and Naming
In 1802, a missionary named Christian Frederick Denke settled on the island. He was a Moravian missionary who worked with the Ojibwe people. His mission closed in 1803. The island later got its name from Samuel Russell, who owned it from 1855 to 1858.
Russell Island as a Resort
Between 1905 and 1910, a company called the Detroit, Belle Isle and Windsor Ferry Company leased the island. They turned it into a summer resort. Visitors would arrive on large boats called excursion steamers and stay in tents. It was a popular vacation spot.
Developing the Island Community
In 1914, the island's owners decided to sell parts of it. These owners were important people: William L. Carpenter and Flavius L. Brooke, who were judges in Michigan, and William W. Hannan, a real estate developer from Detroit. They created the Russell Island Company. They divided the island into plots to sell to individuals.
The three founders built the first three cottages on the island in 1915 and 1916. People could reach the island using a famous steamer boat called the Tashmoo.
Today's Island Community
Today, the Russell Island Property Owners Association (RIPOA) manages the island. This group provides important services for cottage owners. These services include a park, docks for boats, and the ferry service that connects the island to the mainland.
