Visit Us
National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge contains ecotypes and habitat rare elsewhere in Wisconsin, including the coastal fens and alvars (e.g. limestone barrens). These communities support rare plants such as dwarf lake iris (Iris lacustris) and Canada yew (Taxus canadensis). With Lake Michigan as the backdrop, there are many opportunities to explore these rare communities, see unique wildlife species and take in views of historic lighthouses and shipwrecks.
Driving Directions
- The refuge can be accessed only via private boat, kayak or commercial charter.
- Plum Island coordinates: 85 56' 52.073"W 45 18' 46.55"N
- Detroit Island coordinates: The parcel is located on the west shoreline at coordinates: N 45° 18’ 17.7” W 086° 54’ 11.6”
Fees
There is no charge to visit the refuge.
Restrooms
Restrooms can be found at the Plum Island Dock.
Points of Interest
- Plum Island trails
- Plum Island historic Coast Guard structures including lighthouse
- Grapeshot shipwreck
- Pilot Island Lighthouse
What To Do
If you have half a day or more
- Visit Plum Island to hike the trails to see unique plant communities and view historic Coast Guard structures including the last remaining “Duluth-style” life-saving station in the Great Lakes. You may also view the Grapeshot shipwreck via boat or snorkel.
Know Before You Go
- Access to islands can be limited by weather and lake conditions
- Plum Island can only be reached by private boat or by commercial operators. Commercial operators are provided docking space, but private boats must dock on the outside of the breakwater.
- Restrooms available on Plum Island, drinking water and garbage cans are not available
- Cellular service is limited
- Pilot, Hog and Rocky Islands (Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge) and Spider and Gravel Islands (Gravel Island National Wildlife Refuge) are closed to public access for use by colonial nesting birds. Please maintain 1/4 mile distance from these islands to minimize disturbance to the birds, their nests and their young.
- St. Martin Island is also currently closed to public access
Visitor Tips
- Weather and lake conditions can change rapidly. Be prepared and monitor conditions.
- Consult Door County Tourism for all opportunities available in the area
Activities
Plum Island is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend annually for wildlife observation, nature photography, hiking and viewing of historical Coast Guard structures. Interpretive programs are offered seasonally by the Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands.
Trails
The only established trails for public hiking exist on Plum Island and are remnants of the historic U.S. Coast Guard trails.
Central trails
Eagle and Fern Trails
Length: One way .5 miles, round trip 1 mile
Surface: Mowed grass and vegetation
Type of habitat: Northern mesic forest type including maple, basswood, hackberry, birch, with some balsam fir and cedar.
Perimeter Trails
Wetland Trail
Length: One way .4 miles, round trip .8 mile
Surface: Mowed grass and vegetation, bare soil
Fog Signal Trail
Length: One way .5 miles, round trip 1 mile
Surface: Mowed grass and vegetation, bare soil and rock
Type of habitat: Open meadow, forest of cedar and mixed hardwoods and birch, wetland community
Island View Trail
Length: 1.7 miles, including center trail as full loop 2.3 miles
Surface: Mowed grass and vegetation, bare soil
Type of habitat: Northern mesic forest type including
Related Documents
Other Facilities in the Complex
Rules and Policies
- Plum Island is open for hiking and wildlife observation Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Daylight hours only. Plum Island coordinates: 85 56' 52.073"W 45 18' 46.55"N.
- Hog Island is closed to all public use to protect colonial nesting birds
- Pilot Island is closed to all public use to protect colonial nesting birds
- St. Martin Island is currently closed to all public use
- Detroit Island Unit includes 148 acres of Detroit Island open for public access including deer hunting. The remainder of the island is privately owned. The parcel is located on the west shoreline at coordinates: N 45° 18’ 17.7” W 086° 54’ 11.6”.
- Rocky Island is closed to all public use to protect colonial nesting birds