Suttons Bay Marsh Boardwalk

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45 Suttons Bay Marsh Boardwalk

wildlife viewing | directions and facility information

Great blue herons, egrets, and other wading birds find plentiful food in the Suttons Bay marsh.
Photo: Dave Kenyon, MI DNR

Protected from the wind and waves of Grand Traverse Bay, Suttons Bay is a haven for waterfowl and wading birds. A handicapped accessible wooden boardwalk wraps around a 7-acre marsh at the edge of the bay. When Lake Michigan is low, such as in 2003, this marsh has very little standing water. A barrier-free fishing pier extends into the bay from the east end of an earthen peninsula forming the south edge of the marsh that once was a large coal dock. Most of the shoreline in the village of Suttons Bay is public park land.

Photo: Suttons Bay Area.com
Chamber of Commmerce

Wildlife Viewing

Mallards and mergansers are the most common ducks seen here, but many more duck species as well as migrating geese use this area during spring and fall. Great blue herons can be seen wading in the marsh looking for the frogs and small fish that make up the bulk of their diets. During periods of normal water levels, fish viewing is popular at the boardwalk bridge. Catfish, carp, and other fish are commonly seen in the clear stream water, especially in spring.

Directions

Suttons Bay lies halfway up the eastern shore of the Leelanau Peninsula. From Traverse City, drive north on M-22 about 15 miles to Suttons Bay Village. Turn right (east) onto Adams Street and follow signs to the Suttons Bay Marina.

Ownership: Suttons Bay Village, (231) 271-3051 [new area code]

Size: 7 acres

Closest Town: Suttons Bay Village

Weather and Driving Directions for Sidnaw

Plan Your Trip with travel.michigan.org!

Facilities and Opportunities

Restrooms – available at the Suttons Bay Marina.
Trails – ½ mile wooden boardwalk around the marsh; hiking trails available in Bahle Park in the wooded hills on the east side of the village; Leelanau Trail, 15 miles long, links Suttons Bay to Traverse City on an old railroad bed (part of the TART Trail System).
Picnic – tables available throughout the shoreline and marina area.
Boat Ramp – at the Suttons Bay Municipal Marina.
Drinking Water – available near restrooms in the Marina.
Fishing – at fishing pier.
Barrier Free – restrooms, fishing pier, marsh trail/boardwalk.

Additional Information:
Suttons Bay Marsh Web Site

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