Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we encourage you to:

  • Check local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information
  • Follow current CDC safe practices by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick


Features

  • monarch_caterpillar

    Monarchs Getting Ready to Migrate

    As fall approaches the migratory generation of monarchs will emerge.

    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

Humbug Marsh Reserved Deer Hunt

Deer in Snow Bigger

A limited number of archery-only hunting permits are available for nine antlerless deer hunts within the Humbug Marsh Unit of the Refuge. Hunt applicants will be selected by random drawing through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR). After the drawing, any left over hunting permits will be issued to hunters on a first come, first served basis until quotas are met.

More About the Humbug Marsh Reserved Deer Hunt

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