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Manistee River State Game Area

Hours of Operation

Open at no charge to the public.

Open waterfowl hunting at this location during the regular season. No daily draws.

Description of the area

The Manistee River State Game Area encompasses nearly 4,000 acres of wetland, forest and grassland habitats. The Manistee Marsh lies on the west end of the game area. The marsh lies on and includes the eastern shore of Manistee Lake and is bordered by the Manistee River. The marshland and adjacent forestland makes great habitat for wood ducks. The marshlands provide important habitat for nesting and migrating ducks, geese, herons, terns and other wetland birds. The marshes are also home to muskrats, mink, frogs, turtles, snakes, and many other wetland critters. Work is underway at Manistee Marsh to remove invasive species, including phragmites in the marsh. This work will improve plant diversity in the marsh and reducing the phragmites cover will allow managers to create a ‘hemi-marsh’; a 50/50 mix of vegetation and open water that is very attractive to waterfowl.

PDF map of area

Activities

  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Birding
  • Canoeing and Kayaking
  • Fishing
  • Nature Trail Hiking
  • Hunting and Trapping