Enjoy the Refuge
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Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge offers several recreational opportunities for you to enjoy as you explore.
Fishing
Fishing is allowed by boat from navigable waterways within the refuge. Boaters are not allowed to cross into marsh or pool units or anchor on any refuge dikes. Bank fishing sites are marked on the map above. Bank fishing is allowed on the Tittabawassee River at Green Point Environmental Learning Center and the Woodland Trail at Stroebel Road. Anglers must hike to both of these sites since neither are accessible by vehicle. Another bank fishing site is along the Spaulding Drain off of Ambrose Road. Anglers may also want to try the Cass River Boat Launch and Fishing Access site off of Highway M-13.
A fishing dock at the Cass River Unit in Bridgeport Township is available spring through late summer, depending on river water levels and conditions of surrounding area. You can access this fishing site by turning onto Tin Lizzy Lane from the Dixie Highway (go towards the Cracker Barrel). The refuge parking lot is located behind the Baymont Motel. The fishing dock is about a half mile hike from the parking lot.
Hiking
The refuge offers several trail systems that highlight the unique features of the area. Trails are open year round, seven days a week, during daylight hours only. Please note that trails may be closed for visitors' safety during hunting periods. No pets or horses are allowed on any of the trails.
Click here to see trail closure dates for 2007.
Trail Systems
The Woodland Trail, located off of Center and Stroebel Roads on the north side of the refuge, offers over 4.5 miles of trails. These rather primitive trails wind through bottomland hardwood forest and take you past historic landmarks left from the coal mining industry in the early 1900's. Popular with mountain bikers, hikers and cross-country skiers. Trail use may be limited due to seasonal flooding and wet conditions.
The Ferguson Bayou Trail, located at the west end of Curtis Road on the south side of the refuge, offers over 4.5 miles of trails. This trail follows graveled roads on the tops of dikes and offers views of croplands, sloughs, forests, fields, wetlands, and pools. Two observation towers, equipped with spotting scopes, are located along this trail so you can take a closer look at ducks, geese, deer, and other wildlife. Popular with hikers, skiers, and casual bicyclers.
The Cass River Unit, located in Bridgeport Township just off of I-75, has about one mile of trail. The trail is mowed in the summer months. The trail winds its way through an old apple orchard, along the Cass River and through upland forest, featuring beech, maple and other hardwood trees. The Friends of Shiawassee NWR are seeking funds to improve and expand this trail.
Green Point Environmental Learning Center, located in Saginaw, offers over 2.5 miles of trails. These trails wind through a bottomland hardwood forest and offer views of forest, fields, wetlands, and the Tittabawassee River. Trail surfaces range from mowed grass to woodchips to gravel. Various groups use the trail system for educational purposes. Bicycles are not allowed on Green Point's trails. Popular trail with hikers and skiers. Trail use may be limited due to seasonal flooding and wet conditions.
Hunting
The refuge offers permit only hunting for geese and deer. Visit the Hunting page for more information.
Photography
We encourage visitors to bring their cameras along as they hike our trails. Two photo blinds are available for photographers. One is located on the short spur on the way to the Grefe Tower off the Ferguson Bayou Trail. This one is open on a first come, first served basis, during daylight hours. The other blind is in a closed area near the Grefe Tower and needs to be reserved in advance. For more information about this, please call Green Point Environmental Learning Center at (989) 759-1669.
For more information contact:
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
6975 Mower Road
Saginaw, MI 48601
Phone: 989-777-5930
or e-mail us at Shiawassee@fws.gov
