Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge — Attraction in Trenton

Me and my family have been coming here for a few years and absolutely love it. We're glad the visitor center is open as the volunteers inside are extremely nice and helpful.

The crowds aren't as big as they should be but that makes the current experience even more enjoyable.

They have three main sections: The large Fishing Pier which has a recently built picnic area and jungle gym near it. The smaller Trail that puts you surrounded by water and the larger Trail towards the southeast part of the Refuge.

The only restrooms are at the visitor center before the smaller Trail and porta potties at the fishing pier. There is no restrooms along the larger trail.

There are several benches at the fishing pier, along the small Trail and along the larger Trail. All are put in nice scenic areas. The larger back Trail can be a bit tedious with the roots along the walking path, it can be hilly and some of the walking boards for muddy days need to be replaced ASAP. There are several dead trees and some in the midst of falling throughout the Old Forest Area. I hope they can perhaps plant new ones so this area can be enjoyed years down the line.

You can definitely see all forms of wildlife as I've personally have seen deer in the smaller and larger Trail areas, many small and large Turtles, beavers, smaller snakes and several kinds of birds (including eagles and cranes).

This is truly a Hidden Gem in the Downriver Community minus some of the distant noise of modern-day a perfect afternoon getaway for you and...

We visited on a Sunday around noon in mid-April 2025.

There were plenty of spots left in the parking lot. There were a good number of folks visiting however.

The visitor center is only open Thursday-Sunday so be aware when planning your visit.

The visitor center was much larger than we expected. It had really high ceilings and the exhibits were nicely done and very diverse. There were things for older and younger kids.

There is a small store as well with your typical merch.

There are also bathrooms inside.

The main info desk has the National Wildlife Blue Goose Passport Cancellation Stamps.

There is also a bike repair station just outside next to the bike racks.

There are also trails right behind the visitor center that is fairly accessible for all folks.

It would be interesting to visit again in another season as many of the foliage was still not out. We did hear a ton of frogs though. Also we would try some of the...

Let me start by saying I love the Detroit International Wildlife Refuge but there is an ongoing epidemic while fishing at the pier. Way too many people coming with no fishing etiquette whatsoever and not a fishing license in sight. Many people come fish for white bass keeping undersized and over the daily limit. Please start bringing DNR to check licenses and anglers catches. It’s an all day everyday issue making us true anglers refrain from fishing at the pier. Please do your due diligence as a wildlife refuge to protect our wonderful Michigan wildlife. 1 star for the humans that are destroying our wildlife they are the most invasive and destructive species on the planet. DNR...