Visit Us
Our stations are field-based offices and we host activities and demonstrations to educate the public about our mission and goals. Visits are generally pre-arranged with staff. Please reach out to the station to arrange a visit.
Driving Directions
Alpena Substation in Alpena, Michigan
The Alpena Substation is situated in northeastern Michigan near the intersection of US 23 South and Ripley Boulevard. The office is located at 585 S. Ripley Bouldevard, Alpena, Michigan 49707
Detroit River Substation in Gibraltar, Michigan
The Detroit River Fish Laboratory is situated in southeast Michigan at the Humbug Marsh Unit of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. The substation is a fish laboratory and is located at 28403 Old North Gibraltar Road, Gibraltar, Michigan 48173
M/V Spencer F. Baird in Cheboygan, Michigan
The M/V Spencer F. Baird fish stocking and research vessel is situated in northern Michigan on US 23. The vessel is located on the vessel base at 606 Water Street, Cheboygan, Michigan 49721
Fees
There is no charge to visit.
Restrooms
Restrooms are available to registered guests. There is no public restroom.
Points of Interest
Alpena Substation in Alpena, Michigan
Alpena has a bike path on the Thunder Bay River for walking, biking, fishing, or nature viewing. Downtown Alpena has a host of shops, restaurants and an art gallery. The NOAA Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary visitor center is located near downtown.
Detroit River Substation in Gibraltar, Michigan
The Detroit River Fish Laboratory is located on the grounds of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge on the southern end of the Humbug Marsh Unit. The John D. Dingell Jr. Visitors Center is within walking distance and offers a fishing pier and trails. Additionally, the Downriver Linked Greenway Trails, which includes more than 100 miles of both water and land trails, is in close proximity to our facility.
M/V Spencer F. Baird in Cheboygan, Michigan
The vessel base is located within walking distance of the beach and park. Explore nearby downtown Cheboygan to visit a movie theatre, restaurants and shops. There are fishing and boating opportunities along the Cheboygan River. The city beach and park are also within walking distance of the facility. Unique to this facility is the lower range light beacon which is a navigational aid used by large vessels entering the Cheboygan River.
What To Do
Tours are available by contacting the station. Make arrangements to learn more about the activities conducted by the office.
Know Before You Go
We request that you call ahead of your visit to set up an appointment with our staff. This will ensure that our staff is prepared to visit with you and your group. During your visit we will gladly talk with your school or civic group about our mission and the many projects we work on towards achieving it.
Visitor Tips
Let the staff member know your topic of interest so that we can tailor your visit to your interest. Consider expanding your visit to take advantage of local opportunities.
Activities
We host educational activities that promote fish and habitat conservation at on-site and off-site locations. Activities should be scheduled in advance.
Trails
The Detroit River Substation is co-located at Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge where visitors can find a variety of hiking trails. While there are no hiking trains at the Alpena Substation or M/V Spencer F. Baird, there are city walking paths to help you explore these areas.
Rules and Policies
Call ahead to schedule a meeting with a staff member. When you arrive at the station, please check in at the reception area. We can then walk you and your group through our basic rules of conduct while touring our facility.