St. Clair Flats turned a Great Lakes delta into Detroit’s island playground. Steamers carried families to Tashmoo Park, waterfront hotels and private clubs. Behind the summer fun stood a rare lease system that let residents own cottages while Michigan retained the lake bottom below.
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Tashmoo Park, was located on Harsens Island in the St. Clair River Flats. It was a beloved entertainment venue known for its large picnics, simple rides, nearby grand hotels, and notable visitors. Established in 1897, the park’s peak years spanned from the early 1900s to the late 1920s. The park eventually declined due to the automobile, social, and wartime challenges, but remains an integral part of Michigan’s history. Today, remnants of the park can be found at Tashmoo Marina. The park’s history, including its significance as the “Venice of the Midwest.”
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