Maple River State Game Area

Maple River State Game Area is a protected game area in Clinton County that spans about 9,000 acres of wetlands, forests, and grasslands along the Maple River. The landscape includes marshes, wooded sections, and open areas that surround several smaller waterways throughout the property.

The area once contained factories and small settlements before being converted into one of Michigan's longest continuous wetland preservation zones. This transformation from industrial land to natural habitat marked a major shift in how the region developed over time.

Thousands of migrating waterfowl depend on this wetland during spring and fall journeys, making it an important resting ground along their routes. Birdwatchers can observe ducks, geese, and swans using the waters and marshes throughout the seasons.

The area offers several walking trails of varying lengths that pass through different sections, including routes around Unit A covering about 4 kilometers. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and bring weather-appropriate clothing since many trails pass through wet areas and marshes.

A large artificial marsh called Maple River Flooding was deliberately created to support waterfowl and fish populations. This project shows how people can actively restore habitats to support wildlife conservation goals.