Sturgeon River Sloughs Natural Area

In addition to migrating birds, muskrats and beaver can be seen from the slough at the mouth of the Sturgeon River, one of the Upper Peninsula's longer and more interesting watersheds. The viewing stand is right off U.S. 41.

Slow down and enter the natural world by stopping at this convenient roadside stop. The grueling drive to get to the Keweenaw Peninsula can leave you spinning. The sloughs (pronounced "slews") are a good place to start unwinding on the last leg of your trip. There are a lookout tower and picnic tables by the roadside parking area.

The view of sweeping marshland and sky is relaxing. The slough had been pastureland so wet it could only be farmed by horses. Now channelization and flood control structures regulate the Sturgeon River to help avoid spring flooding, which can make almost an island of most of the Keweenaw Peninsula. The slough is also managed as a stopover spot for migrating waterfowl and a nesting spot. The aim is to increase the Upper Peninsula's resident goose population for hunting.

The De Vriendt Nature Trail, with interesting interpretive signs, uses boardwalks in part to make a 1.5-mile loop through the slough, now a nesting site for Canada geese, mallards, wood ducks, black ducks, and blue-winged teal. Eagles, great blue herons, and osprey can often be seen here. So can beavers and muskrats, especially at dawn and dusk.

On U.S. 41 about 18 miles north of Baraga and one mile south of Chassell. (906) 353-6651. Wheelchair access: trail, picnic area.

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