Detroit River Wildlife Refuge

Perhaps surprising to some, the Detroit [1] area boasts several parks and natural areas, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts weary of the downtown bustle. Perhaps even more surprising, Detroit is the site of North America’s first international wildlife refuge.

Established in 2001, the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge (www.fws.gov/midwest/detroitriver [2]) comprises islands, marshes, coastal wetlands, and waterfront terrain along the lower Detroit River and western shoreline of Lake Erie.

Though public access is limited, the Lake Erie Metropark unit, situated south of Grosse Ile [3], is popular among hikers, bikers, bird-watchers, anglers, and cross-country skiers.