Dead Stream Flooding State Wildlife Management Area

Dead Stream Flooding State Wildlife Management Area is a protected region in Michigan combining wetlands, forests, and grasslands around the Muskegon River. The landscape includes shallow water systems with natural and constructed features that support diverse plant and animal life.

The area took shape in the 1940s with the construction of the Reedsburg Dam, which created a water system to control flooding from upstream. This infrastructure permanently altered the landscape and led to the establishment of wildlife protection in the region.

The management area supports conservation education through organized nature walks and wildlife observation programs conducted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

The area is reachable via U.S. Route 127 exit 194 and County Road 300, with two public boat launches for water-based activities. The timing of your visit matters depending on what you want to see or do, from bird watching to fishing.

The waters hold numerous submerged logs and natural obstacles that form specialized habitats for certain fish species. These conditions make the site a refuge for species like bowfin, which are uncommon in other locations.