Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1953 and contains more than 9,800 acres of marsh, bottomland hardwood forest, and grasslands. It was authorized by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission under the Migratory Bird Conservation Act “...for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds.” Additional purposes designated under the Refuge Recreation Act are “…incidental fish and wildlife-oriented recreational development, the protection of natural resources, and the conservation of endangered and threatened species.”

The refuge’s mission is to preserve and manage an undeveloped expanse of floodplain forest, marshes, rivers, and associated habitats within an agricultural and urban landscape through habitat management, encouraging public stewardship, educational programs, and private land activities.

Shiawassee Refuge is designated as a United States Important Bird Area for its global significance to migratory waterfowl.

The refuge offers several trail systems that highlight the unique features of the area. Trails are open year round except for days during hunting periods. Outside of hunting closures, trails are open seven days a week, during daylight hours only. No pets or horses are allowed on any of the trails.

The Woodland Trail
Address: 5050 Stroebel Rd, Saginaw, MI 48609
Open Season: Open year round: Walking spring to fall, snow shoeing and cross-country skiing in winter. Seasonal closures during periods in the fall due to hunting. Not open to dogs or horseback riding.
Length: 4.5 miles
Surface and difficulty: Flat, dirt and gravel
Information: Located off of Center and Stroebel Roads on the north side of the refuge, offers more than 4.5 miles of trails. These rather primitive trails wind through bottomland hardwood forest and take you past historic landmarks left from the coal mining industry in the early 1900s. These trails are popular with mountain bikers, hikers and cross-country skiers. Trail use may be limited due to seasonal flooding and wet conditions.

The Ferguson Bayou Trail
Address: 6000 Bishop Road, Saginaw, MI 48601
Open Season: Open year round: Walking spring to fall, snow shoeing and cross-country skiing in winter. Seasonal closures during periods in the fall due to hunting. Not open to dogs or horseback riding.
Length: 4.5 miles
Surface and difficulty: Flat, dirt and gravel
Information: Located at the west end of Curtis Road on the south side of the refuge, offers more than 4.5 miles of trails. This trail follows graveled roads on the tops of dikes and offers views of croplands, sloughs, forests, fields, wetlands and pools. Two observation towers, equipped with spotting scopes, are located along this trail so you can take a closer look at ducks, geese, deer and other wildlife. These trails are popular with hikers, skiers and casual bicyclers.

Green Point Environmental Learning Center Trails
Address: 3010 Maple Street, Saginaw, MI 48602

Open Season: Open year round: Walking spring to fall, snow shoeing and cross-country skiing in winter. Stays open during the fall. Not open to dogs or horseback riding.
Length: 2.5 miles
Surface and difficulty: Flat, dirt and gravel
Information: Located in Saginaw, offers more than 2.5 miles of trails. These trails wind through a bottomland hardwood forest and offer views of forest, fields, wetlands and the Tittabawassee River. Trail surfaces range from mowed grass to woodchips to gravel. Various groups use the trail system for educational purposes. Bicycles are not allowed on Green Point's trails. Popular trail with hikers and skiers. Trail use may be limited due to seasonal flooding and wet conditions.

The AllTrails website has descriptions and maps of hikes at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge.