Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge

Facility Activities

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...

Biking

Biking is a good way to see wildlife, learn about habitats and photograph nature. Yield to pedestrians; many refuge routes are multi-use trails. Biking may be permitted at sites where it is consistent with a refuge’s statutory purpose. E-bikes are permitted on any refuge roads and trails where traditional bicycle use is allowed, if it is consistent with a refuge’s statutory purpose and the refuge manager determines it to be a compatible use.

Birding

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 - motorized

Boats provide the best way to see many refuges. Some refuges limit the use of motorboats to certain areas, subject to restrictions on engine size.

Boating - non-motorized

Many Fish and Wildlife Service sites make great destinations for flatwater canoeing or kayaking. Some sites have concessions that rent canoes or kayaks. Some sites offer scheduled paddle tours. See individual refuge websites for details.

Fishing

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...

Hiking

The refuge maintains more than 11 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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Hunting

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...

Photography

Whether you wield a smartphone or a zoom lens, you’ll find photo-worthy subjects at the refuge. Wildlife photography is a priority public use on national wildlife refuges, so you’ll find wildlife drives and overlooks to help you get the images you’re after.

Two of the most photogenic...

Running

Many multi-purpose trails are open to runners and joggers as well as walkers and, in some cases, bicyclists.

Wildlife watching

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