Pipe Island (with 2,700 feet of shoreline) is located mid-channel in Michigan's lower St. Mary's River - one mile north of Detour Village - between the extreme eastern end of Michigan's Upper Peninsula and Drummond Island. Lake freighters and cruisers pass by daily - salties (ocean going ships) from Hong Kong, Poland, and Greece are among the world travellers using the St. Lawrence Seaway... coming from the Atlantic Ocean delivering and picking up all manner of goods from all over the world.

Cruise and sailboats also pass by, headed north toward the Sault St. Marie Locks and LakeSuperior; or maybe Lake Huron's North Channel to explore its thousands of islands and the many miles of waterways there. The Lake Carriers Freighters (some 1000 ft. long - over three football fields) carrying grain, iron ore, coal, lime and cement are continually passing Pipe Island's front yard, many saluting, using their horns on their way down stream entering again into Northern Lake Huron; then on to Toronto, Cleveland, or Chicago. Lots of lake history here.

In the 1880s, when the Lake Carrier Association built the Lighthouse & Keeper's house on Pipe Island, over 2/3 of the sailing freighters were just that: "Sailing Ships" (very few engine powered). Most of the lighthouses were built by these freight hauling companies. Over the years, ownership was transferred eventually to the U. S. Coast Guard to operate and maintain these places.

The classic style of the Keepers house is "one of a kind. Sturdy/solid/sound. Nearly 24" thick stone walls form the basement walls. Always well maintained and recently updated/painted/ tastefully decorated ; 3 bedrooms, 1 bath & just under 2000 sq. feet of charm & space. French doors open to the raised front deck. Other features include an authentic wood burning parlour stove, Oak ice box; 9 ft. ceilings, solid oak stairs, bannisters and railings. What a charming and now elegant summer place this is.

There is also a small wooden frame greenhouse, a huge fenced garden plot, storage sheds, workshop, boat house, newly rebuilt sheet pile harbour (nearly 14,000 sq. ft.) with a minimum depth of 5 ft. (large enough for most pleasure craft under 100 ft. in length.)

On the edge of the harbour is a full kitchen/dining area the owners like to call the "Harbour House". There are three log homes (2 bedrooms and a fireplace) all well spaced. The homes include southern views, a bathroom with shower stalls, and full kitchen/dining faculties. All are in excellent condition amd well furnished.

To insure that Pipe Island remains (as is) in its undeveloped/unique state, a conservancy easement is in place with The Nature Conservancy on the entire island. No further development will be allowed on Pipe Island. This easement may realize the owner a number of tax benefits. The northern most part of Pipe Island has many walking trails- no other human infringements at all. Lots of island views & vistas. A charming Private Summer Island Homestead...........