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 local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information.
  • Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
  • Consistent with CDC recommendations, people 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

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

Refuge Units Open to the Public

Grassy trail along wooden split rail fence Photo credit: Winnie Chrzanowski/USFWS Volunteer

A walk in nature is a great way to get some fresh air and spend time with your family, while practicing social distancing. Beginning April 1, 2021, the Refuge Gateway, Humbug Marsh, Gibraltar Bay, Fix, and Strong units are open seven days a week during daylight hours. Directions to the Gibraltar Bay, Fix, Strong and Humbug Marsh Units

Directions to the Gibraltar Bay, Fix, Strong and Humbug Marsh Units

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 but Grounds Are Open!

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

While the John D. Dingell Jr. Visitor Center remains closed for construction, 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

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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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