Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge

Auto Tours: Scheduled to open annually June 1 to Sept. 30 during daylight hours including all federal holidays. Gates open at sunrise and close one hour before sunset. All vehicles must exit the drive by sunset. Please note that the route may be closed due to...

The Woodland Trail, Ferguson Bayou Trail, and Germania Trail are open to bicycles. Bicycles are not allowed on the wildlife drive or Green Point trails.

Frequent flooding and diverse habitat make this an excellent spot for viewing waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, songbirds, and raptors. Bird activity on the refuge is highlighted by the large waterfowl concentrations during the spring and fall migrations.

Curious to learn more about our...

Boating is allowed on navigable waterways flowing through the refuge. Boat access into the marsh and pool units of the refuge is prohibited.

Boating is allowed on navigable waterways flowing through the refuge. Boat access into the marsh and pool units of the refuge is prohibited.

The refuge currently offers free, curriculum-based environmental education programs to preK-12th grade students. Programs can be offsite at local schools or onsite for field trips. Field trips can include guided hikes, bus tours along the wildlife drive, and hands-on activities. The refuge also...

Major species of fish include white bass, walleye, channel catfish, and carp. Fishing is allowed on navigable waters accessed from off-refuge launch sites. No fishing is permitted within enclosed (diked) waters. Open areas include Shiawassee, Cass, and Tittabawassee Rivers. Walleye catch occurs...

The refuge maintains more than 12 miles of public trails that highlight unique features of the area. These trails are open year-round, seven days a week, during daylight hours. Please note that hours and access to the trails may be limited during hunt periods and seasonal flooding. 

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Known locally as the “Shiawassee Flats,” the refuge lies within the Saginaw Bay watershed, historically one of the largest wetland areas in Michigan. Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge is designated as a United States Important Bird Area for its global significance to migratory waterfowl. Each...

Whether you wield a smartphone or a zoom lens, you’ll find photo-worthy subjects at the refuge. Two of the most photogenic species that visitors encounter are great egrets and wood ducks. Great egrets are common near the Wildlife Drive from May until October. However, July through September is...

All hiking trails are open to runners and joggers as well as walkers and, in some cases, bicyclists. Running, hiking, and bicycling are not permitted on the wildlife drive.

Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge’s diverse habitats attract more than 270 species of migratory birds. Its multiple trails and seasonal wildlife drive offer visitors an opportunity to see many of these birds and a variety of other wildlife. The Joseph M. Soehnel Wetland Overlook is the first...