121 Port Crescent State Park 

wildlife viewing  |  directions and facility information

   
Photos: © Phil Seng

Photo: © Phil Seng

Located near the tip of Michigan’s thumb region, Port Crescent State Park encompasses 3 miles of Lake Huron beachfront, sand dunes, dune forest, and backwaters and bayous of the Pinnebog River. The site was once the prosperous logging and sand-mining town of Port Crescent. The town has long since disappeared; reclaimed by nature.

Wildlife Viewing

This site is an excellent destination for viewing the spring hawk migration. From March through April, broad-winged hawks and other birds-of-prey congregate here to rest and feed before continuing their journey to northern breeding grounds. At times you can view large kettles or groups of these birds soaring upon the drafts of air that come across Lake Huron and are funneled upward by the dune ridges. Loons also migrate through this area in April, and large concentrations of bluebirds bring color and character to the fields near the park entrance. Wild turkeys, blue herons, and whitetail deer are plentiful here, and the lucky visitor may catch a glimpse of beavers or bald eagles.

Portions of this area are open to public hunting. Check with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for hunting seasons and regulations.