Birding trails offer birders, as well as other explores, the opportunity o venture into the diverse habitats throughout our wonderful state of Michigan. Birding trails are typically driving routes linking prime birding locations. The growth of birding trails combines Michigan residents’ and visitors’ passion for birding and love of the open road, creating new opportunities for connecting birds and people.

Here are a few trails perfect for birdwatching:

Phyllis Haehnle Memorial Sanctuary – 1 Hour From Metro Detroit – Located on 1,000 acres in Jackson County this sanctuary attracts thousands of migrating Sandhill Cranes each fall. You can also walk the more than 2 miles of trails and observe over 200 bird species. Visit their site to plant your visit.

Beaver Island Birding Trail – 5 Hours From Metro Detroit -For a major adventure, head to the Beaver Island Birding Trail. As the largest island in Lake Michigan, Beaver is a critical stopover site for migratory birds. The trail encompasses more than 12,000 acres of state and township lands and four preserves where you can witness diverse habitats. Visit their site to plant your visit.

North Huron Birding Trail – 4 to 6 Hours From Metro Detroit – The north shoreline of Lake Huron in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has long been known as one of the most beautiful and pristine areas of wilderness in all of the Midwest.  The rocky shorelines and protected bays create excellent habitats for many species of sport fish, a multitude of rare orchids and ferns, and one of the Midwest’s most diverse collection of bird species. ​Visit their site to plant your visit.

Saginaw Bay Birding Trail – 1.5 Hours from Metro Detroit – The Saginaw Bay watershed is the largest contiguous freshwater coastal wetland system in the United States.  This is a critical migratory stopover for over 250 bird species of which over 200 species remain to establish nesting territories in this habitat rich and diverse region. ​Visit their site to plant your visit.

Sunrise Coast Birding Trail – 2 to 4 Hours from Metro Detroit – The Sunrise Coast Birding Trail incorporates 145 miles along U.S. 23. The trail takes flight at the mouth of the famed Au Sable River in Oscoda and wings its way north all along the Lake Huron coast to Mackinaw City. Birders will delight in observing the common, threatened, or endangered birds of our coastal and inland locations.

​Visit their site to plant your visit.

Thank you to Pure Michigan and Michigan’s Audubon for trail suggestions.