107 Pointe Mouillee State Game Area 

wildlife viewing  |  directions and facility information

Photo: MI DNR

Pointe Mouillee (pronounced “Point Moo-yay”) is a spit of land that jets into Lake Erie near the mouth of the Huron River. Pointe Mouillee is one of the largest fresh water marsh restoration projects in the world—the result of a gigantic earth-moving/dike-building project. It consists of wetlands, diked marshes, and river bayous.

Heavy equipment hauls in rocks and earth to create
dikes and impoundments in Lake Erie.

The wetland dikes make excellent hiking trails, although visitors should be aware that construction and maintenance traffic occurs throughout the year. Site maps are available at the area headquarters or at the map link below.

Even after a major construction project, it doesn’t take long
before natural vegetation grows back, providing habitat
for many kinds of wetland wildlife. Photo: MI DNR

On the first weekend after Labor Day every year, the Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Festival Committee puts on their annual waterfowl festival at the Pointe Mouillee State Game Area Headquarters. All funds generated by the festival go toward the restoration of the Pointe Mouillee Marsh.

Wildlife Viewing

Pointe Mouillee is one of the best places in the state
to view shorebirds and wading birds, especially
in late summer and early fall. Two pairs of
black-necked stilts nested here in the spring of 2003
—the first ever known nesting of this beautiful
and unique species in Michigan.
Photo: David Kenyon, MI DNR

Waterfowl, shorebirds and other wetland wildlife are the primary attraction at this site. Walk or hike along the water control dikes for a good look at muskrats, waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, and birds-of-prey. This area provides some of the best shorebird viewing in the state, especially in late summer and early fall. There are many different kinds of shorebirds, and many of them look alike. Bring along a good field manual to help you get the most out of your trip. Call the Audubon Rare Bird Alert (810) 477-1360 for updates on unusual sightings n this area.

Photo: David Kenyon, MI DNR

Most of this area is open to public hunting. Check with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for hunting seasons and regulations. Information is available on game area maps.