by Christine Lorraine Morgan, Oct. 24, 2024

What started out 134 years ago as homes for people who couldn’t afford conventional places to live has evolved into a floating community. Starting in the 1890s, people flocked to Presque Isle and built floating homes wherever they could find a good spot around Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay.

It is rumored that Presque Isle’s famous resident hermit Joe Root was critical of some of the makeshift floating homes back when they started to erupt on to the scene. He supposedly compared some of his homemade shacks to the cobbled-together houseboats, noting that he thought his shacks were better looking for the most part.

By the 1920s, as more and more houseboats showed up around Presque Isle, it was apparent that some sort of regulations were needed as most of the houseboats were in awful condition. In 1937 government regulations were voted upon and things started taking a more organized shape for the Presque Isle houseboats.

Internet sources mention that the original houseboat owners were typically rugged men who enjoyed fishing, partying and drinking. It is believed that many of them had wells beneath their houseboats for fish and bait.

In the 1960s, Erie’s houseboats were moved to Horseshoe Pond, where only two dozen were permitted, and the others were permanently removed. Since there are only 24 houseboats allowed on Horseshoe Pond, overcrowding isn’t a problem. However, there are a mountain of challenges that houseboat owners face in modern times, such as electrical service, waste disposal, high water levels, anchoring, floatation, and the fact that one must row a boat to reach one’s own front door.

But once the obstacles are overcome, being enveloped by the natural beauty of Presque Isle proves the efforts were worth it.

All images captured Oct. 18, 2024

This houseboat is a favorite of local folks due to its miniature version of the North Pier Light. https://www.presqueislelighthouse.org/learn/north-pier-light

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The Coast Guard Station is visible behind this beautiful sprawling houseboat. It is on land, to the left with the red roof. 

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Autumn trees begin to dot the scenery around the Houseboats on Horseshoe Pond.

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The lake gulls appear to be enjoying the whole houseboat vibe on this brilliant autumn day.

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When the water is calm around the houseboats it is as serene as can be. However, it can get a bit churny during inclement weather. One houseboat was severely damaged recently and the entire city was concerned. It has since been replaced/repaired. 

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Here is another houseboat upon which the gulls decided to sunbathe.

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This area might look like a regular neighborhood except the houses all float!

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Having a boat to row to your residence is an essential part of houseboat living.

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What would it be like to wake up, walk outside, drop your line in the water, and fry up fresh fish for lunch? One can dream. 

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Blue water and skies surrounded Horseshoe Pond on this autumn day.

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Here’s a unique floating home with a rounded roof.

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