Jordan River
Plan Your Visit
Jordan River National Fish Hatchery is a four season destination with a variety of things to see and do throughout the year. The hatchery produces more than 3 million fish annually and visitors can see fish from the egg stage to adult. During warm weather months the hatchery is a great place to spend a few hours observing millions of fingerling trout, take time for a picnic or hike the miles of trails on and around the facility. Fall and winter months are picturesque in the Jordan River valley and are a great time for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy our area. While visiting, feel free to use our enclosed pavilion and picnic tables, take a hike to our beautiful vista, view some fish, stop in the visitor center or if in need of assistance come to the office.
What To Do
If you have 15 minutes
- View multiple species of fish
If you have one hour
- Learn about how and why the hatchery raises the fish that we do
If you have half a day or more
- Hike the North Country National Scenic Trail
Know Before You Go
The hatchery is located in the beautiful Jordan River Valley in the northern lower peninsula of Michigan. Visitors should dress for the weather as most of the things to see and do are outdoors. Due to the close proximity of the hatchery to the pristine waters of the Jordan River, insects are a common challenge in warm weather months. Visitors should bring adequate insect repellant, footwear and drinking water if hiking is included in your plans. Children should always be supervised when in the raceway, river or pond areas of the hatchery as deep water is present.
Visitor Tips
If planning a visit, please consider the weather. All of our activities will require you to be outdoors at some point. The road leading to the hatchery is steep and can result in slippery conditions for visitors and deliveries in the winter time. Staff assistance is only available during office hours.
Rules and Policies
Self-guided visiting hours and picnic area use are open 24 hours a day. Fishing on grounds is not allowed. Pets are allowed on a leash. No staging of off-road vehicles or snowmobiles at any time on hatchery property. No open fires or camping on grounds without a Special Use Permit. Adult supervision required of all children. Do not put anything in the water, including hands.
From the north: From the intersection of US-131 and M-32 at the BP gas station, go four miles south on US-131, turn right on Turner Road just past the hatchery sign. Go two miles to the end of Turner Road
From the south: Go about six miles north of Alba on US-131 turn left on Turner Road. Go two miles to the end of Turner Road.
Activities
More Activities
Featured Species
Get Involved
For more information about getting involved please contact the Friends of the Jordan River National Fish Hatchery Group by email or contact the office at 231-584-2461.
Jordan River has a variety of ways to get involved, including volunteering, partnering, and our outreach and education programs. Learn more on our Get Involved page.
Services
Jordan River National Fish Hatchery has produced native fishes for stocking into the Great Lakes since 1965, coordinating with various federal, provincial, state, and tribal natural resource agencies. The facility produces over 3 million cisco, lake, rainbow, and brook trout annually for restoration and recreational programs in the Great Lakes region. The hatchery also provides catchable brook trout to support tribal youth and elder fishing programs for the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.
Jordan River National Fish Hatchery is also open for hunting on 74 acres of the hatchery consistent with state of Michigan hunting regulations.
About
Jordan River National Fish Hatchery has produced native fishes for stocking into the Great Lakes since 1965. All fish stocking from the facility into the Great Lakes is coordinated with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission with key support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other federal, provincial, state and tribal natural resource agencies.