Visit Us
Over 120 species of birds, 15 species of mammals, three species of snakes and four species of amphibians have been observed using the island or the surrounding waters. Several species of ducks are known to nest on the island including mallards, American black ducks, wood ducks and common goldeneyes. During the spring and fall, migrations bird enthusiasts can find several species of sandpipers using the island’s beaches. In the spring, the marshes are home to hundreds of wood frogs and spring peepers whose calls can be heard throughout the day reaching a crescendo in the evening hours.
Driving Directions
Harbor Island National Wildlife Refuge is in Potagannissing Bay of Lake Huron, north of Drummond Island. Access is by boat only. There are public boat ramps at De Tour Village and on Drummond Island.
Fees
There is no charge to visit the refuge.
Restrooms
Bring a trowel and some toilet paper. The only restrooms on the islands are behind nice big trees. Please be kind to others and plan ahead for your personal needs.
What To Do
If you have 15-minutes.
- Loop the island in your boat.
- Visit the harbor.
- Go birding, look for ducks, herons, vultures, woodpeckers and more as you cruise the perimeter of the islands.
If you have one or two hours.
- Take a hike on the island, there are no official trails so you will have to bush whack.
- Enjoy the beach.
- Break out your camera and see what plants and wildlife you can find, then report your sightings on iNaturalist or eBird.
If you have half a day or more.
- Paddle to the refuge and enjoy a break.
- Go hunting.
Know Before You Go
Harbor Island can be a buggy place. In the spring it is especially important to wear long sleeves and bug spray.
Remember to bring:
- Sunglasses
- Trowel and toilet paper (please bury your waste)
- Bug spray/head net/long sleeves and pants
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable shoes for walking/hiking
- Dress in layers (mornings can be cool, but things may warm up as the day goes on).
- Have backup clothes packed in a waterproof bag.
- In spring or fall be prepared for a wide swing in temperatures.
- Life jacket
- Maps
- Binoculars
- Guidebooks
Visitor Tips
- Morning and evening are the best times to visit to see wildlife.
- Remember to check for ticks when you leave.
- Before you visit you can check iNaturalist and eBird for recent sightings to see what other guests have seen.
- May is the best time to see spring migratory birds.
- June – August to see wildlife with young.
- September and October are the best months for fall migratory birds.
- July – October are the least buggy months.
- The first two weeks of October are usually the best weeks for fall color.
Other Facilities in the Complex
Harbor Island National Wildlife Refuge is part of a complex of refuges in northern Michigan and is managed by the staff of Seney National Wildlife Refuge. The complex also includes Huron National Wildlife Refuge, Kirtland’s Warbler Wildlife Management Area and Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge, which is comanaged with Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge.
Locations
Harbor Island National Wildlife Refuge is in Potagannissing Bay of Lake Huron, north of Drummond Island. Access is by boat only. There are public boat ramps at De Tour Village and on Drummond Island.