Facility Rules and Policies

Only Lighthouse Island, also known as Huron Island, is open to the public. All other refuge islands are closed. Emergency landings by boats in distress are the only exceptions. Huron National Wildlife Refuge is designated a Federal Wilderness Area. 

General Restrictions

Rules and Regulations

Access to the refuge trails and lands are open from half hour before sunrise until half hour after sunset unless otherwise posted. Do not enter areas signed as closed.  

Huron National Wildlife Refuge is designated a Federal Wilderness Area. 

Only Lighthouse Island, also known as Huron Island, is open to the public. All other refuge islands are closed. Emergency landings by boats in distress are the only exceptions. 

We prohibit: 

  • Target shooting 

  • Training pets and allowing pets off leash 

  • All types of motorized vehicles on all refuge lands 

  • Drones (UAVs) taking off, landing and/or flying on or over refuge lands 

  • Launching, landing or disturbing of wildlife by aircraft (includes drones) on the refuge. This includes for recreational or commercial purposes. 

  • Camping and open fires 

  • Abandoning, discarding or otherwise leaving any personal property. All property brought onto a refuge must be removed at the end of each day. This includes all common items like trail cameras, blinds, geocaching items and photography equipment. 

  • Destructing, defacing, disturbing or unauthorized removal of any natural object, artifact, cultural resource or government property 

  • Introducing, liberating or placing plants or animals, or their parts, taken elsewhere onto refuge lands or waters 

  • Disposing of animal carcasses, trash, refuse, rocks, wood or other debris 

  • Cutting, mowing, sawing, digging, collecting, injuring or removing vegetation 

  • Commercial enterprise without a special use permit 

  • Use or possession of any illegal drug or drug paraphernalia is prohibited 

  • Hunting, fishing or trapping on refuge property