Browns Bar has been a favorite waterfront bar for boaters on Lake St. Clair ever since it opened in 1946.
Billy Fritts purchased Browns in 1996, created the slogan “Big Boats, Big Beers, Big Party’s!”, hired Chef Dave Thompson as manager, and Browns has been a popular hangout spot for years.
Browns has 50+ boat wells, so you can conveniently pull your boat right up to the bar! Otherwise, you have to take a car, since it’s located on Harsens Island.
To get there, take Champion’s Auto Ferry from the mainland (Pointe Tremble Road, Algonac, Michigan). Yes, you will drive your car onto the ferry, pay the $16.00 roundtrip fee and they will take you to Harsens Island.
Browns is also nationally famous for having one of the best Halloween Costume parties in the country, which is usually held the first Saturday in October.
What: Browns Bar opens for boating season!
When: Thursday, May 21, 2026
Where: Browns Bar (6630 Middle Channel Drive, Harsens Island, Michigan)
Homepage
https://www.brownsonharsens.com/
https://www.facebook.com/BrownsBarHI/
