What a great place to go to. The scenic drive for wildlife never fails. Ive seen pelicans thats right pelicans here in Michigan, bald eagles, mush rats swimming,Plenty of turtles, swans herons, and the lusty goes on. Bring binoculars and a camera and have a great day in the outdoors. Where else can you do this for free?

Wonderful place to experience a variety of wildlife and plant life. Plan at least an hour for the driving tour. Take binoculars or a spotting scope, and have a bird identification book or app handy. So much to see! I never get tired of going here.

It was very beautiful and cool to see the migratory birds. All the hiking trails were still closed from the flood earlier this year. When you first start the driving trail there is a very bad dead fish smell,but it goes a way quickly. I didnt know that we had pelicans in Michigan until now.

Gorgeous views! The auto tour was peaceful and good for the soul. Theres stopping points to exit your vehicle with observation decks to see the numerous animals and birds. If you need a breath of fresh air or enjoy the simplicity of nature, then this place is a must! Tour could take you 30 minutes up to a couple of hours, at your pace. Highly recommend.

The Nature Drive near Ferguson Bayou Trail was amazing! There were so many different kinds of birds to see, especially with migration in full swing: cormorants, many kinds of ducks, white egrets, blue herons, Canada geese, Herring gulls, pelicans, and other birds we didnt have time to identify before moving on. We saw a bald eagles nest near the driving path and other abandoned nests in the water; well be back at another time when the birds are nesting. There were a few places to pull over to watch, identify and take pictures of birds. We happened to go on a really nice day and there was a lot more traffic, so we could only stop at the turn offs and not necessarily where the birds were. Although the other birds enthusiasts were really good about spacing out there vehicles, a car that spots too much in undesignated spots is going to have an entourage until it pulls over to let them pass. I cant wait to go back and try the walking trails, too.

Beautiful drive. Saw lots of birds and other creatures. Not too busy, even on a Sunday afternoon.

Great place to view birds & outdoors without leaving your car!

Shiawassee National Wildlife Preserve is just that, it only has primitive facilities and nominal changes to the natural surroundings in the area.It has good views of wetland areas, extensive woodlands and some dirt trails and roads to follow.The Nature drive is still closed for the season and construction that isnt completed.The main wooded areas are completely covered in a foot or two of standing water due to enormous amounts of rainfall this year. One of the trail shortcuts is flooded and cannot be crossed without wading in water covered in algae.We did see a lot of Great Egrets, a mature Bald Eagle, and several Great Blue Herons.We also surprised a groundhog who was sleeping 5 feet up in a tree because the forest is flooded. We didnt even know groundhogs can climb trees!Because of the standing water, there are hundreds of mosquitos and biting black flies all over the trails. Be sure to bring bug spray if you plan on walking in the Preserve.The scenery is beautiful, and Im sure its even better when the woods arent flooded and animals dont have to either flee the area or climb into trees for refuge.

Beautiful drive through the preserve. We saw pelicans hunting for breakfast in the water. Nice trails for hiking, too.

Great local place to go for a peaceful drive or walk. I recommend the early morning or evening for best wildlife viewing. It seems like a little known about jem in the area.

The auto tour was so relaxing and offered beautiful views of the wetlands and there were tons of waterfowl for photography buffs (and a few turtles). I highly recommend the experience. So serene!

Found the most handsome eastern garter snake I have ever seen; I go here to walk a few times a month

I made my first visit to Shiawassee NWR in the fall of 2017 in order to purchase a National Park Senior Pass before the price of the pass went up. While there I thought I would tour the refuge, not really knowing what to expect. What I discovered was a truly amazing place. Being an avid bird watcher, I was in seventh heaven here. So much life! I didnt take the time to hike the trails here, but the wildlife drive provided plenty of opportunities to see the myriad of birds that either call this place home or make this a stopover during their migratory journey. I will definitely make this a frequent destination.

Wonderful way to see birds in their natural habitat while using your car as a portable bird blind. We saw Great Egrets, Great Blue Herons, White Pelicans, Geese, Terns, and so much more. A very relaxing way to see Gods handiwork. The trail is well kept, just know that the nearest public bathroom is more than a couple of miles away - COVID-19 has not public restrooms or portas available.

I think its really relaxing,and all the animals youll see .its amazing there TrulyRecommend .

Wonderful scenic drive, tons of birds and wildlife. Also plenty of trails if you want to walk.

Absolutely.beautiful out there. All sorts of birds and wildlife. Saw fish jumping. And saw pelicans!

Great place. Wide open clean environment. Lots of wildlife.

Great place to see wildlife, by foot through miles of trails or by car through the 7 mile auto tour. No other place in this area like this. Auto tour open from sunrise to sunset.

What a relaxing couple hours. Loved every minute

This place is a site to see!! I love it just look

First time there... well be back with more time, tripod for my scope and a better camera!

Awesome if you enjoy seeing fowl in their habitat.

A great place for a nice little drive through trip. We went on a Thursday morning in August. Sun was shining and all kinds of creatures showed themselves. It was very peaceful, well kept and inviting. This place is just the other side of town from us, Im surprised we havent been here before. We will definitely be coming back.

Beautiful scenery and wildlife, both the drive and the hiking trails!

This is a great place for nature hikes and birding so if you have a scope and or binoculars make sure you bring them along to help enjoy your visit. On this visit we saw Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, several Yellow Warblers, Male and Female Wood ducks, Sandhill Cranes, Bald Eagles, Egrets, Blue Herons and Cormorants. It was sunny and cooler but it was a great time.

This is truly an amazing place, birds and butterflies everywhere! Paved walkways that were once cart paths on a golf course I learned to swing a club 45 years ago! A must see!

Beautiful somber place to experience nature.Please help keep it clean for natures sake.Enjoy

Seen 5 eagles many deer sandhill cranes many duck alot of birds very relaxing at the end of the day to drive thru.

Many downed trees on the northern trail but amazing

Its an awesome Place very clean trails are very nice you can see a lot of different animals its just a beautiful place to go

Great place to see wildlife without getting out of the car. The is a nature drive that takes just over an hour.

The refuge is my favorite place to spend time when I am in town!! The pictures we have gotten there are incredible

Spent a leisurely hour doing the drive path thru of this national wildlife refuge. Saw egrets, pelicans, Canadia geese, ducks, blue herons and butterflies all from the car. Really needed binoculars. No hiking allowed. What a special treasure for anyone loving water fowl. Do bring your camera with a long distance zoom lens. You will be glad you did. I will go again in the fall to see any migrating birds and the Autumn leaves changing.

Wonderful naturally restored habitat from former farmland makes this wildlife refuge a mecca for nature lovers. Although off the beaten path, this spot is well worth your time to visit. Prairie wetlands, rivers, marsh, swamp, and even bayous attract hundreds of species of birds annually.

Great drive very pretty

Not that great for a drive, but great place to hike.. saw many deers wandering around and eating, quite a few birds. Saw a snake too in water but too far.. its a calm place with few binoculars, which helps us view all the birds and deer clearly... Few points where we can park for few and look around..

Can anyone tell me if its open past 4 or does the drive part just close at 4pm

Large open fields birds all over.

Very disappointing. 6.5 miles of a few birds. Wouldnt do it again.

*Finally seen some Eagles!!*

Gorgeous natural beauty. Well maintained yet left wild the way it was meant to be. Wildlife flourishing.

Excellent nature walk with exceptional views. Make sure to pay attention to seasonal hunting that goes on though.

It was a beautiful drive through a really wonderful place. I truly hope we can do everything possible to keep our wildlife preserves going strong. Michigan is such a beautiful state.

Actually see wild life there was a few deer right on the trail nice little hike would recommend this hike

Saw a deer today. I walked up on it and it stood there and just look at me took a short video took a few pictures finally it decided to move on. Saw several others in the woods but this is the only one I got a good picture of

Always something different to see. Pelicans, Swans, Deer, etc...

Great place. 7.5 miles on a car slow drive.

Every time I go through i see something new.

Great birding. Nice wildlife drive. Saw 30 different species in 1 day. Too bad they arent open for spring migration. They are open only June 1-Oct 1. Need more pull-offs on Rd so cars can pass. Need outhouse 1/2 way thru the drive as well. Definitely worth our drive from Rochester NY!

This place is gorgeous. You just drive through it. There is a place to pull off and eat lunch if you want, but there isnt any shade, just so you know. Lots of wildlife!

I love this place! Super chill and so many birds and critters. Very relaxing and a good place to recharge from the stresses of this fast passed society.

Nice little get away to visit

Free self guided auto tour. Great way to see the wide variety of wildlife that call our beautiful refuge home. Some stay year round, some only for a short time.

Great place for birds

Love what they are doing but due to the bricks you drive over in the road it cause me to get 2 flat tires I had no leaking issue before I drove through here then after I went straight home and next morning my tire was flat so be cautious

What a great way for everyone to enjoy nature. Its a drive through refuge, was great for my husband who can no longer walk to get out there

Wow! Scenic 8 mile drive.

Saw some great wildlife and many water birds. We had the place to our- selves. My 7 year old grandson really enjoyed the sighting of deer.

Very beautiful and serene

Great time with family

Always love this place, get outside!

I love birding here. I can take 2+ hours going thru here on a Sunday morning.

Trails are great and well kept. Fishing is better than Imerman park

Right in the city of Saginaw. Bike trails and lots of wildlife.

Great national park with lots of wildlife to see!

A nice place to get away from stress. Just a trail with with nothing on it but a nicely filled bed of moss

One of my favorite places for peace and quiet. I typically hike to the Grefe tower and then walk the Wildlife Drive back, going against traffic. Lots to see.

Nice hike. Wish they had maps to grab at entrance. Google maps took me down several wrong roads till I found right area. Very peaceful.

Absolutely beautiful terrain. Miles and miles of woods, wetlands, fields and rivers....oh and tons of animals - I even saw bear prints and scat.

Some beautiful views into the woods. My kids even enjoyed it.

Beautiful 6.5 mile drive thru ..we saw mostly birds, cranes an eagle and deer.

Kayaking through the wildlife refuge on the Shiawassee River is magical. It is far away from any city, people, etc. and is a truly natural freshwater wetlands gem within Michigan. Only 1 road in, for sight seeing, and it is one-way only, no chance to turnaround. You might be the only car for many miles in any direction.

This is one of the best things Saginaw has to offer.

Finding a familiar trail to take me further from it all. Never a problem as everyone out there is looking for peace in an outdoorsy state of mind.Watch deer running ahead and turkey buzzards flying with the clouds. Seeing hawks perched in a tree overlooking from the corner of woods over a field.Capture bear tracks with bobcat impressions near the river. Feeling a breeze with smells of wild flowers and fresh crushed leaves.Stop to rest and drink a bottle of water on Trailside benches. Listen in silence as your heartbeat flutters with every stick breaking from behind.Make a confidence trail through the swampy shallows near Bull Head Creek. Follow the musk from a snake or a well used deer trail, either way will find a new place.Theres a big shale pile to push your bicycle up & fly down. Dont pedal or hit the edge & tumble hard.Upon entering the parking lot theres an information post to read before entering. Three trails are marked after crossing the bridge without a toll troll.From above the Bull Head Creek Bridge, drop some bread balls into, and see lotsa Japanese Coy come to eat. Some stranded pike keep their numbers low.Find a fallen tree leaning up against another. This is where I climb to rest my back against a tree and eat my Subway submarine sandwich.Make friends with a chipmunk and toss a piece of the heel with cheese pressed together. Listening to tweeties tweeting with geese & ducks, including the frog quartet. This is my first most favorite place to walk about or ride a bicycle. Pack a picnic in the backpack & pick up trash along the way. Clear trees from the trail with a hatchet. Has been a few years & found myself at peace in a forest nearby at the end of my road, at the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge. A great place to bring your kids to go on adventure all day.

If Im not mistaken do to many a years gone by, this is the park my grand folks took us to as kids. Also the Autorama museaum and Fenton,/ Higgins lakes to meet up with extended family. Saw a fawn in the park whom must have just been born. Fun times there bird watching and hiking nature trail paths.

Grew up here. Definitely a gem.

A great place to Hike and view the wild life.

Beautiful.

Great place. Loads of wildlife and fishing. Lots of eagles.

I love to go there and just enjoy the wildlife

Beautiful! Saw a giant flock of tree swallows, many monarchs, a mink with a captured snake! So neat!

Beautiful drive and hike! Saw White Pelicans here today! Had no idea they are in Michigan.

Beautiful place. Tons of water fowl and other birds.

This place has a great 7 mile wildlife drive open from June 1st thru Sept 30th sunrise until sundown. Lots of different birds migrate here. Ive seen white egrets, blue heron, sandhill crane, bald eagle, even a caspian tern. Lots of deer too.

Another awesome place to see birds in the spring, nice trails, very peaceful.

Beautiful

Walk with nature and see the wildlife one of my favorite places.

Awesome place to see a lot of wildlife and uncommon scenic views!

Its got to be one of the most relaxing places Ive ever visited. A great place to unwind and enjoy the many wonders available for us. My mobility is limited, being able to drive my truck along the trail is great. I get to enjoy all the trills along the trail. Manny of the place available to park allows me assess to the viewing platforms.

Take your time driving thru as there is much to see. All kinds of birds, deer, otters & a huge what we believe is a eagles nest. Of course we seen eagles too. Awesome place; dont miss it. The peace & quiet is priceless.

Great hunting, wear waterproof boots in October.

I enjoy coming out to this WILDLIFE REFUGE and hope that it remains open so that people can see wildlife in there own habitat. Later in the early evening, seems like the animals have gone to bed, although you will see some deer eating and maybe a handful of cranes hanging out.I wish that a port-o-john would be available, maybe at the entrance or exit.

Beautful family experience.

Awesome wildlife

Amazing place truly an experience. I was in Michigan for about two weeks and visited twice. Rode a mountain bike through the open trails and cover a lot of ground. Perfect for wildlife viewing and nature appreciation. Diverse relaxing and interesting

Nice trails. Very peaceful.

A truly beautiful place! It is right here in marvelous Michigan!

Beautiful trail to drive thru, plenty of wildlife to see

Lovely place to escape the city and reconnect with nature.