Enjoy the refuge from the comfort of your car. The wildlife drive route is approximately 7 miles long, departs from the Visitor Center parking lot, and travels through a part of the refuge that is normally closed in order to provide undisturbed nesting area in the summer, and resting and feeding areas for migrating birds in the spring and fall. As you move along the wildlife drive please remember that it is one way and that you are sharing the route with others. There are two early exits, one on Krause Road and another at Ottawa-Lucas County Line Road. If the Wildlife Drive is scheduled and you are traveling from a distance, please call to confirm that it is open before you come. High wind, flooding and winter weather can impede travel on the drive.
RULES OF THE OTTAWA WILDLIFE DRIVE:
- Drive slowly.
- No foot traffic or bicycles. Vehicle length is limited to 25 feet or less.
- You may pull over anywhere along the drive but must stay in your vehicle (Do not impede traffic.)
- You can park and exit your vehicle in designated parking areas only. Please stay by your car; wandering from your vehicle is prohibited.
- No Parking signs are posted in areas where you must keep moving (wildlife, narrow road, etc.)
- This route is one-way.
- All areas other than the wildlife drive are closed. Please follow the designated route;
do not turn down roads marked with orange cones. - Entrance gate closes 1 hour before sunset and exit gate will be closed at sunset