Loud Island is a premier historical estate that serves as a testament to Michigan’s "Lumber Era." Originally the private summer retreat of Edward F. Loud—of the H.M. Loud and Sons Lumber Co.—the island offers a level of seclusion rarely found in the Great Lakes region. Following a multi-year price adjustment from its $2.4M peak, the current $1,000,000 listing price represents an exceptional value for a 34-acre private island. With its century-old timber, proximity to a jet-capable airport, and established infrastructure, Loud Island is equally suited as a prestigious family legacy, a corporate retreat, or a high-end lakefront development project.
Property Details
The estate features a curated blend of early 20th-century craftsmanship and 1990s-era modernization.
The Historic Lodge: Built between 1902 and 1904, the cedar-and-hemlock lodge features clear cedar post-and-beam construction. The interior is dominated by a grand 38-by-38-foot living room with custom California Redwood furnishings and a dining room capable of seating twelve guests.
Modern Amenities: Extensive renovations in the 1980s and ’90s updated the property from foundation to roof. The gourmet kitchen features cherry cabinetry, SubZero refrigeration, and Dacor cooktops. The home includes seven bedrooms, three full baths, an office, and an exercise room.
Ancillary Structures: The estate includes a separate caretaker’s home set on its own bay and a large heated workshop.
Land and Water
Loud Island is a self-contained ecosystem within the calm waters of Van Etten Lake.
Natural Terrain: The island is heavily wooded with mature timber, including hemlock and hemlock-hardwood stands over a century old. A central clearing serves as a maintenance hub and is ideal for the installation of a private helipad.
The Waterfront: The lodge is perched on a high peninsula, offering rare dual-exposure views of both sunrise and sunset over the water. The island features over a mile of walking and running paths along the shoreline.
Recreation: Van Etten Lake is an "all-sports" lake contiguous to the Au Sable River, world-renowned for steelhead fishing and international canoe racing.
Access and Utilities
Logistically, Loud Island is one of the most accessible private islands in the Midwest.
Transit: The adjacent public airport accommodates even the largest private jets, allowing for effortless national travel. Access from the mainland is facilitated by a private lot on Loud Drive featuring 180 feet of frontage, multiple docks, and a boat well.
Infrastructure: Primary power is delivered via a high-capacity underwater cable. The lodge utilizes geothermal heat pumps for efficient heating and cooling, while the caretaker’s home is supported by a wood stove and backup baseboard heat.
Mainland Potential: The depth of the mainland lot is sufficient to accommodate up to 12 double garages, a crucial component for the island's potential development plans.
Lifestyle and Value
Ownership of Loud Island is a rare stewardship of American history. For the investor, the property offers immediate development potential: it has already been surveyed for a 12-lot lakefront subdivision, with each lot encompassing 1+ acres and 200–300 feet of frontage. As of 2026, the Oscoda market remains a highly desirable destination for those seeking the "Up North" holiday experience without the crowds of Mackinac. Whether retained as a singular, quiet sanctuary or transformed into an elite lakeside community, Loud Island stands as a one-of-a-kind Michigan treasure.
