Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
During the current public health emergency, whenever possible, outdoor recreation sites at national wildlife refuges will remain open to the public.

For local conditions review the information on this website and call ahead.

If visiting one of our location, please ensure public health and safety by following guidance from the CDC and state and local public health authorities. You can do this by maintaining social distancing, avoiding overcrowding and excercising good hygiene.

Features

  • monarch_caterpillar

    Monarchs are Heading North

    As of March 30 monarchs have been reported in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Tennessee. As they arrive in your area look for eggs and caterpillars.

    Report Your Sightings

  • graphic of birds in flight representing Byways to Flyways

    Byways to Flyways

    Habitat and wildlife found along the Detroit River and Western Lake Erie offer world class opportunities for birding enthusiasts!

    Get Started

REFUGE UPDATES

We're Moving our Office - How to Reach Us

Our offices are moving to the new visitor center. All old office phone numbers have been disabled and we cannot retrieve voicemails at this time. Please contact staff via email at the link below.

Contact Us

Refuge Units Open to Public

Canvasback Ducks swimming

A walk in nature is a great way to get some fresh air and spend time with your family, while practicing social distancing. Gibralter Bay, Fix, and Strong Units are open daily, dawn to dusk.

Directions to the Gibralter Bay, Fix, and Strong Units

Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge Video

Photo of person looking through a spotting scope from a viewing platform

The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge is proud to be a part of an incredible network of lands that allow wildlife a place to live and people a place to connect.

Check out a video of the Refuge here
GRAND OPENING UPDATE

Grand Opening Postponed

Photo of the back of the front desk at the visitor center with an orange historical map of the Detroit River

In keeping with guidance from CDC and the State of Michigan, the grand opening of the Refuge Gateway and John D. Dingell Jr. Visitor Center scheduled for May 9th, 2020, is postponed until further notice. Stay tuned for future updates. The Visitor Center, fishing pier, dock, and trails remain closed due to construction.

About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

NWRS Logo

The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

Learn more about the NWRS
Follow NWRS Online