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Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge is closed to the public. This refuge is a breeding ground for colonial waterbirds and hosts several sensitive plant communities, therefore we do not allow the public to access these islands.

Other Facilities in the Complex

Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge is managed by Seney and Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuges. Seney National Wildlife Refuge staff manages the islands in Lake Michigan; Shoe, Pismire, Hat and Gull Islands. Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge staff manages the islands in Lake Huron; Scarecrow, Crooked, Big and Little Charity and Sugar Islands.

Foggy sunrise at Seney.
Seney National Wildlife Refuge
The Seney National Wildlife Refuge and its Whitefish Point Unit are nestled in the eastern portion of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Slow down, relax and unwind as you enjoy winding roads, beautiful vistas and the local wildlife that populate these forests, wetlands and waters. These tracts of land...
National Wildlife Refuge
Seney,MI
Shiawassee Fawn in Tallgrass by Kim LeBlanc
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
The 10,000 acre Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1953 for use as an inviolate sanctuary and for any other management purposes of migratory birds. The refuge also serves as an ideal destination for recreation. As a designated Important Bird Area, it is a place of global...
National Wildlife Refuge
Saginaw,MI
Standerson Island Marshy Landscape
Harbor Island National Wildlife Refuge
Harbor Island National Wildlife Refuge is in the Potagannissing Bay of Lake Huron, Michigan, just south of the Canadian border. The refuge’s biggest island, Harbor Island, has a large marsh-lined harbor popular with boaters. The islands have sandy beaches and mature stands of balsam fir, white...
National Wildlife Refuge
Seney,MI
Lighthouse Island with the Lighthouse in the mist.
Huron National Wildlife Refuge
Eight small islands, totaling 147 acres, make up the Huron National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is located just three miles off the south shore of Lake Superior in Marquette County, Michigan. The refuge was established in 1905 as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife,...
National Wildlife Refuge
Seney,MI
A yellow-breasted bird sits on a branch and opens its beak and sings
Kirtland's Warbler Wildlife Management Area
Kirtland’s Warbler Wildlife Management Area was established in 1980 in response to the need for more land dedicated to the recovery of the Kirtland’s warbler, which was on the endangered species list from 1967 to 2019. The management area contains 125 separate tracts of land totaling 6,684 acres...
National Wildlife Refuge
Seney,MI
A male wood duck swims through a flooded forest and is reflected in the water
Michigan Wetland Management District
Michigan Wetland Management District has five waterfowl production areas totaling 629 acres in four counties with plans to expand as funding and lands become available. Schoonover, Malan, Kinney, Schlee and Edger Waterfowl Production Areas provide nesting, resting and brood rearing grounds for...
National Wildlife Refuge
Saginaw,MI

Rules and Policies

All islands of the Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge are closed to the public due to their value to colonial nesting waterbirds and sensitive plant communities. Special Use Permits may be issued for approved purposes. The only exceptions are emergency landings by boats in distress.

  • Scarecrow, Shoe and Pismire Islands of the Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge are designated federal wilderness areas
  • Special Use Permits may be issued for approved purposes.

Locations

Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge
(989) 777-5930
Seney National Wildlife Refuge1674 Refuge Entrance RoadSeney,MI49883-9509