The eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan is a treasure trove for wildlife enthusiasts. With its diverse ecosystems ranging from dense forests to expansive wetlands and rugged shorelines, this region offers a unique opportunity to observe a wide variety of wildlife. Whether you’re an avid birder, a casual nature lover, or a photographer looking to capture the perfect shot, the eastern UP has something for everyone. Here are some of the best places to watch for wildlife in this beautiful part of Michigan.
1. Seney National Wildlife Refuge
Location: Near the town of Seney
Description: Spanning over 95,000 acres, the Seney National Wildlife Refuge is a vast expanse of wetlands, marshes, and forests. Established in 1935, the refuge was created to provide a habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. It features several scenic drives, walking trails, and observation decks.
Wildlife to Watch:
- Birds: Trumpeter swans, common loons, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and a variety of ducks and songbirds.
- Mammals: Black bears, white-tailed deer, beavers, and otters.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall are ideal for bird migrations, while summer is great for spotting mammals and waterfowl.
Tips: Bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens. The Marshland Wildlife Drive is a popular route for wildlife viewing.
2. Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Location: Near Paradise, Michigan
Description: Known for its stunning waterfalls, Tahquamenon Falls State Park is also a prime spot for wildlife watching. The park encompasses nearly 50,000 acres of pristine forest, swamps, and rivers.
Wildlife to Watch:
- Birds: Bald eagles, ospreys, warblers, and woodpeckers.
- Mammals: Moose, black bears, white-tailed deer, and red foxes.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning and late evening are the best times to spot larger mammals. Spring and summer are excellent for birdwatching.
Tips: The River Trail offers excellent opportunities for observing wildlife along the Tahquamenon River. Don’t forget to visit both the Upper and Lower Falls.
3. Drummond Island
Location: East of the Upper Peninsula, accessible by ferry from DeTour Village
Description: Drummond Island is the second-largest freshwater island in the United States. Its diverse habitats, including dense forests, wetlands, and rocky shorelines, make it a haven for wildlife.
Wildlife to Watch:
- Birds: Ruffed grouse, woodcock, and various migratory birds.
- Mammals: Whitetail deer, black bear, and snowshoe hares.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with each season offering unique wildlife viewing opportunities.
Tips: Explore the island’s extensive trail system. The Maxton Plains Preserve is particularly good for birdwatching.
4. Isle Royale National Park
Location: In Lake Superior, accessible by boat or seaplane
Description: Although part of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Isle Royale is an isolated island in Lake Superior. It’s renowned for its remote wilderness and is a UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve.
Wildlife to Watch:
- Mammals: Wolves and moose are the primary attractions. Other wildlife includes beavers, foxes, and red squirrels.
- Birds: A variety of migratory and resident bird species.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall are the best times to observe moose. The island is closed to visitors from November through mid-April.
Tips: Plan a multi-day trip to fully explore the island. The Greenstone Ridge Trail offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
5. Whitefish Point
Location: Near Paradise, on the shore of Lake Superior
Description: Whitefish Point is one of North America’s premier birding destinations. The Whitefish Point Bird Observatory conducts annual bird counts and research.
Wildlife to Watch:
- Birds: Raptors, waterfowl, shorebirds, and numerous migratory birds.
- Mammals: Occasional sightings of black bear and moose.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall migrations, particularly for birdwatching.
Tips: Visit the WPBO for guided birding tours and educational programs. The nearby Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum is also worth a visit.
6. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Location: Along Lake Superior, near Munising
Description: Pictured Rocks is famous for its dramatic cliffs and rock formations. The park’s diverse habitats include forests, dunes, and wetlands.
Wildlife to Watch:
- Birds: Peregrine falcons, bald eagles, and various songbirds.
- Mammals: Black bears, beavers, otters, and white-tailed deer.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall, with each season offering different wildlife viewing opportunities.
Tips: The Beaver Basin Wilderness is a remote area of the park that offers excellent wildlife viewing. Kayaking along the cliffs can also provide unique perspectives.
7. Hiawatha National Forest
Location: Spanning the central and eastern Upper Peninsula
Description: This national forest covers nearly 900,000 acres and includes a mix of forests, wetlands, and lakes.
Wildlife to Watch:
- Birds: Ospreys, bald eagles, and a variety of songbirds and waterfowl.
- Mammals: Black bears, white-tailed deer, beavers, and snowshoe hares.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for wildlife activity, but the forest is accessible year-round.
Tips: The Au Train Songbird Trail and the Bay de Noc – Grand Island Trail are excellent for wildlife watching. Camping in the forest allows for extended observation opportunities.
8. Lake Superior Shoreline
Location: Along the northern edge of the Upper Peninsula
Description: The shoreline of Lake Superior offers a mix of sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, and dense forests.
Wildlife to Watch:
- Birds: Waterfowl, shorebirds, and migratory birds.
- Mammals: Occasional sightings of moose and black bears near the water’s edge.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for bird migrations, summer for other wildlife.
Tips: The Porcupine Mountains and the Keweenaw Peninsula are particularly good areas for wildlife watching along the shoreline.
9. St. Mary’s River
Location: Connecting Lake Superior to Lake Huron
Description: This river is a critical migration route for fish and birds, and its wetlands provide rich habitats for a variety of species.
Wildlife to Watch:
- Birds: Bald eagles, ospreys, and various waterfowl.
- Fish: Numerous species, including sturgeon and salmon.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for bird migrations, summer for fish activity.
Tips: The river’s wetlands are excellent for spotting amphibians and reptiles. The Soo Locks area offers unique views of large fish and waterfowl.
The eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan is a wildlife watcher’s paradise, offering a diverse range of habitats and species. Whether you’re traversing the wetlands of Seney National Wildlife Refuge, exploring the rugged beauty of Isle Royale, or birdwatching at Whitefish Point, you’re sure to encounter an array of fascinating wildlife. Pack your binoculars, camera, and sense of adventure, and set out to discover the natural wonders of this remarkable region.