Harrison Township, MI Area Guide

Harrison Township has earned the nickname of "Boat Town" because it's surrounded by lakes connected by rivers, allowing boaters to explore large portions of the Great Lakes freely. Native Americans and early settlers used to travel these same paths to reach distant shores of northern Michigan and Canada.

Although the township was originally founded in 1900, the area has not expanded much since its original inception. This largely residential area caters to those who love the water and are looking for a place to escape from the demands of work and daily life. Harrison Township provides one of the few places to enjoy public access to Lake Saint Clair; other sections of the lake only allow for private houses and marinas.

Every September, Harrison Township puts on the Boating and Outdoor Festival. Visitors can peruse and purchase boats, listen to live music, visit beer tents and see over 100 exhibits.

For casual dining, visit the River Rat Restaurant located just east of the Clinton River. This local favorite has been serving up generous portions of ribs and deep dish pizzas to hungry customers for the past 40 years. Watch the big game on one of the many plasma TVs and dig into a juicy burger piled high with extras or a basket of battered fish and chips.

Bentley's Roadhouse sits just a few blocks away and provides another great local gathering place for patrons to fill up on fresh seafood and steaks cooked to order. Try the fish tacos for a savory blend of battered haddock, lettuce, tomatoes and Bentley's special Baja sauce. Stop by on Saturday night to listen to some live music from local bands and sing along to some of your favorite hits.

The Jefferson Street Pub sits just one block from the bay and acts as the focal point for nightlife in the area. Be sure to check the menu for daily drink specials and bring some quarters for the pool tables and jukebox. This laid-back bar provides the perfect place to unwind and socialize on a Friday night.

Although Harrison Township has a fairly quiet nightlife and limited selection of fine dining establishments, residents appreciate easy access to Detroit where they can experience a variety of entertainment options. Visit Greek Town for authentic and award winning restaurants and gambling, or catch a professional baseball or football game at one of the stadiums.

SMART buses follow a fixed route to serve commuters in Harrison Township, and residents can call ahead for a pick-up if they need to get to an appointment. Otherwise, the neighborhood caters to drivers. Interstate 94 runs north and south along the shoreline, providing quick and easy access to Detroit.

Hailing a taxi from the street can be difficult so make sure to call ahead or book an Uber instead.

Parking and shopping won't be difficult for anyone heading downtown, with free parking available throughout the neighborhood. Bicyclists and pedestrians enjoy plenty of pathways along the shoreline, but areas located further inland tend to be less accessible.

The Lake St. Clair Metropark stands as the real gem of this area and by far the greatest attraction for residents and visitors alike. An annual permit costs $30 and allows access to a long list of great amenities. Jog along the 1-mile shoreline, spend the morning birdwatching and trying to spot the 230-plus species native to the lake, or practice tricks at the skate park. During the winter months, visitors can ice fish, ice skate, sled and snowshoe. No matter what the season, the park has something for everyone in the family, including the kids and the four-legged family members.

The annual Fourth of July fireworks show in the park draws thousands of visitors from all over the metro Detroit area.

The cost of living in Harrison Townships runs on par with other suburbs of Detroit. A one-bedroom apartment rents for $640 a month, and a ride on the bus system's fixed route costs $2. Drivers enjoy gas prices that tend to be 9 percent below national averages. Grab a beer at one of the local bars and pay just $3.50 for a bottle.

While Harrison Township doesn't have any major shopping areas, residents can visit neighboring towns for all their needs. The Mall at Partridge Creek in nearby Clinton features an open-air, pedestrian-friendly layout and houses a long list of popular chain retail stores and restaurants. Head to Nordstrom for some brand-name shopping, and stock up on cold weather clothing at Moosejaw.

The shores of Harrison Township are lined with bait shops and party stores that cater to crowds that visit to enjoy the local lakes and rivers. Nearby Mt. Clemens and St. Clair Shores offer some shopping options, but to enjoy a large selection of specialty stores, boutiques and galleries, head west on Interstate 696 to Royal Oak.

The Lost and Found Vintage Store sells more than just gently-used clothes. This specialty shop has a unique selection of costumes from old theatrical productions, fur coats from famous manufacturers and costume jewelry from the 1940s. Visit Simply the Best Boutique for a wide range of gift-worthy items. From scarves and stationery to sunglasses and watches, this unique store specializes in providing affordable and rare items that will shoppers simply won't find anywhere else.

Residents do all their grocery shopping at the local Kroger. For fresh, local produce, head north to the Mount Clemens Farmers Market located just north of the Clinton River. This open air market opens every Friday and Saturday through most of the year. Shoppers can purchase already picked fruits and vegetables or seedlings to help start their own gardens.