117 Chippewa Nature Center 

wildlife viewing  |  directions and facility information

Photo: © Phil Seng

Chippewa Nature Center contains a network of interpretive trails that meander through wetlands, lowland forest, and upland meadows at the confluence of the Pine and Chippewa Rivers. Learn about the wildlife and history of the area at the extensive visitor center and exhibit gallery. Be sure to stop at the viewing window that overlooks the river. This 1,150-acre site also contains ponds, an abandoned river oxbow wetland, and an arboretum of native Michigan trees and shrubs. The visitor center is barrier-free.

Wildlife Viewing

Photo: © Phil Seng

This area provides an excellent look at the wildlife associated with riparian (river) corridors, including a great opportunity to see bald eagles and pileated woodpeckers. River otters, mink, warblers, wood ducks, barred owls, and great horned owls are common in this area. Watch for beavers and muskrats at dawn and dusk in the ponds, wetlands, and rivers. Raccoons are also common at dawn and dusk. There is a fair to good probability of seeing kingfishers fishing along the river. These blue jay-size water birds dive headfirst into the water to catch the small fish that make up most of their diet. Huge old trees can be seen near the oxbow, and deer, woodchucks, and chipmunks are plentiful throughout the area. Watch for the black phase of the gray squirrel, which has become more common in recent years. Upland field species thrive in the fields of the 1870 Homestead Farm. Stop at the visitor center to pick up an area map and other materials.