Secluded Ohio Island Once Owned by President Hits Market for $5 Million

Mouse Island, a 7-acre private Lake Erie island with presidential history, is listed for sale as a rare opportunity.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 1:39pm

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Mouse Island, a secluded 7-acre private island in Lake Erie once owned by President Rutherford B. Hayes, has been listed for sale for $5 million. The island, accessible only by boat, is zoned for private use and has been described as the "Hawaii of Ohio" due to its remote location and natural beauty. The Hayes family owned the island for over 90 years before it was sold in 1966, and it is now being marketed as a potential luxury vacation compound, off-grid sanctuary, or real estate investment.

Why it matters

The sale of Mouse Island represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of presidential history and a unique private island in one of Ohio's most popular vacation destinations. The island's seclusion and natural setting make it an attractive option for those seeking a private retreat, while its location near popular attractions like Cedar Point could also appeal to investors looking to develop it into a luxury vacation property.

The details

Mouse Island is a 7-acre undeveloped island located just north of the Catawba peninsula, between Kelleys Island and Put-in-Bay. The island features a rocky shoreline and mature woodlands, and is only accessible by boat. President Rutherford B. Hayes purchased the island in 1873, just a few years before he was elected president, and the Hayes family owned it for over 90 years before it was sold in 1966. The current owners have listed the island for $5 million, suggesting it could be used as a luxury vacation compound, an off-grid sanctuary, or a real estate investment.

  • President Rutherford B. Hayes purchased Mouse Island on August 1, 1873.
  • Hayes became the island's sole owner two years into his presidential term in 1877.
  • The Hayes family owned the island for more than 90 years before it was sold in 1966.
  • The island is currently listed for sale for $5 million as of January 2026.

The players

Rutherford B. Hayes

The 19th President of the United States, who purchased Mouse Island in 1873 and owned it for over 90 years.

Ralph Buckland

Hayes's law partner and Civil War general, who was an original purchaser of Mouse Island along with Hayes.

L.Q. Rawson

A local doctor who was an original purchaser of Mouse Island along with Hayes and Buckland.

Webb Cook Hayes

The son of Rutherford and Lucy Hayes, who wrote a letter describing a visit to Mouse Island during the Victorian era.

Kyle Recker

The Howard Hanna Real Estate Services agent listing Mouse Island for sale.

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What they’re saying

“Yesterday we returned from a weeks camping at Mouse Island. We bathed, boated, fished, danced, etc. till yesterday when we returned. … The island is a beautiful one and was much praised by the several hundred persons who visited us during our stay.”

— Webb Cook Hayes, Son of Rutherford and Lucy Hayes (Letter to Rutherford B. Hayes)

“That's a lot of chimney for just a little cottage. That's some beautiful local stonework; they probably picked them right off the island.”

— YouTube Content Creator (Exploring Mouse Island Ruins Port Clinton, Ohio)

What’s next

The current owners of Mouse Island have listed the property for $5 million, and it remains to be seen if a buyer will emerge for this unique piece of presidential history and private island real estate.

The takeaway

The sale of Mouse Island represents a rare opportunity to own a secluded private island with presidential ties in one of Ohio's most popular vacation destinations. The island's natural beauty, seclusion, and development potential make it an attractive option for those seeking a luxury retreat or investment property, though its remote location and limited accessibility may limit its appeal to some buyers.