Wolf Lake Hatchery Visitor Center

Splash

  • The Visitor Center at Wolf Lake

    34270 County Road 652
    Mattawan, MI 49071
    269-668-2876
    Shana Ramsey, Interpreter

    NEW days and hours of operation:

    Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Please note, this is for the visitor center at Wolf Lake only. All hatchery buildings remain closed to the public.

    Please call ahead. We have very limited staff and cannot guarantee to be open on these days.

About

  • Located on the grounds of the Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery, the visitor center provides programs that tells the remarkable tale of the Great Lakes fisheries and the vital role played by hatcheries. Individuals of all ages will enjoy the opportunity to learn about a variety of fish species, their life cycles and habitats and how we work to protect and conserve Michigan's lakes, rivers and streams. 

    A variety of items are available for sale at our Fish Market Gift Shop, including books, postcards, fish pens, fish magnets, t-shirts, hats and more.

  • Wolf Lake Hatchery
  • Show Pond
  • Trails
  • Exhibits

EASY WAYS TO EXPLORE AND ENGAGE WITH NATURE

October Events

  • We have two new events taking place this month. These are excellent opportunities to get out and enjoy fall colors while learning about Michigan's fisheries:

    Hatchery Tours with a Twist

    Discover how the DNR raises millions of fish every year for Michigan's lakes, rivers and streams with a nearly half-mile walk on our nature trails and around hatchery buildings. Participants will see hatchery ponds, learn about the history of the Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery, see a DNR fish stocking truck and view live fish including steelhead trout, Chinook salmon and possibly even lake sturgeon. This is a completely outdoor version of our hatchery tour! Get all the details on our FaceBook events page.

    Family Adventures in Nature ~ Fall Color Walk

    Get outside this fall with your family on our nature trails! We’ve created a self-guided fall color trail that is waiting for you and your family to discover. Explore as much, or as little, as you like on this one-mile trail.

    Check out the flyer and visit our Facebook events page for more details.

Guides

Programs

Nature education for teachers and families

  • In response to the majority of school-aged children doing school from home either full time or part time, our education staff has put together a series of live, virtual lessons for teachers to book for their classrooms, and a wide variety of videos, virtual tours, activities and webinars for children to do at home.

    Learn more about these resources at Michigan.gov/DNREducation. 

Interpretive Programs for Schools

Wolf Lake offers a variety of interpretive programs for students. Give us a call and we can help you choose the right program for your class.

Programs & Classes for All

Join us for programs and classes for all ages. From tours of the hatchery to learning archery and fishing, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Outdoor Skills Classes

The Outdoor Skills Academy offers in-depth classes on hunting, fishing, and more. See which classes are offered at Wolf Lake Hatchery!

All Events at Wolf Lake

Check here for all other events taking place at Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery and Visitor Center.