Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we ask that you recreate responsibly.

  • Check alerts and local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information. Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
  • Consistent with CDC recommendations, all visitors (age 2 and older), who are fully vaccinated are required to wear a mask inside of federal buildings in areas of substantial or high community transmission.. All visitors who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces.
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick and continue to watch for symptoms of COVID-19 and follow CDC guidance on how to protect yourself and others.


Features

  • Path along the Detroit River at Humbug Marsh_Winnie_Chrzanowski_Photo_Credit

    Keep the Refuge Gateway Beautiful

    You can help keep the scene clean and green! Pro Tips: If you pack it in, pack it out and stay on designated trails and boardwalks.

    Refuge Gateway welcomes public for limited day use

  • monarch_caterpillar

    Have Monarchs Arrived at Your House?

    Keep your eyes peeled. A great citizen science project tracks monarchs moving north. Report when you see the first butterfly, egg or larva.

    Track their progress.

  • 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 NEWS

Meet Ranger Jazmyn

Ranger Jazmyn Bernard

Jazmyn is a passionate anime lover, traveling enthusiast, and strategic planner/organizer. Her life goal is to use her knowledge and passion to connect people of all ages to nature by giving them the knowledge and tools they need to become protectors of the environment.

Meet Ranger Todd

Todd Weston

Todd is the new Volunteer Coordinator and one of the Park Rangers with the job of helping people realize nature is everywhere and everyone can be a naturalist. His lifelong passion for sharing science with others has taken his from coast to coast. In his free time, he enjoys expressing himself artistically through poetry and resin-based art.

Become an Agent of Discovery

Agents of Discovery Cartoon Opossum Mascot with USFWS hat, round glasses and a backpack full of babies

Hey Kids! Become an Agent of Discovery and explore the Refuge while you complete exciting missions! Download the free AGENTS OF DISCOVERY app to complete interactive mission challenges around the Refuge Gateway. More about Agents of Discovery

More about Agents of Discovery

Visit Us Via the Downriver Linked Greenway Trails

Looking straight down legs to shoes on leafy trail Photo credit Arthem Beliaikin Creative Commons

Did you know you can bicycle, walk or kayak to the Refuge Gateway via the North South Trail and Heritage Water Trail? Whether you enjoy walking, biking, jogging, or paddling, the Downriver Linked Greenway has a trail for everyone! Since 1998, Downriver Linked Greenways has helped to facilitate over 75 miles of trails in the Downriver Region of Metropolitan Detroit. The current trail network includes over 100 miles of both water and land trails that reach within a half-mile of every home and connects millions of residents to each other across Downriver. Map and Information about the Downriver Trail System

Map and Information about the Downriver Trail System
OPENING UPDATE

Visitor Center Closed due to Rising COVID Numbers

Front entrance of the John D. Dingell Jr. Visitor Center with grassy in foreground and blue sky behind

Due to the rising levels of COVID in our area and out of an abundance of caution for our volunteers, visitors, and staff the John D. Dingell Jr. Visitor Center is closed for public visitation. Please check back for updates. The grounds around the facility are open for self guided visitation seven days a week during daylight hours. The site is located at 5437 West Jefferson Ave., Trenton, MI 48183. There are no trash cans on-site. Please pack all litter, including doggie "presents" out with you!

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
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