Discover Our
Wild Side

Nature Tourism Event Calendar

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Byways to Flyways Birding Guide

About the Nature Tourism Initiative

Discover Our Wild Side
Nature Tourism in Southeast Michigan and Southwest Ontario

Historically known for its automotive and manufacturing facilities and industrial past, the Southeast Michigan and Southwest Ontario region has resurfaced as a premiere destination for water, wildlife, and recreational activities.  Communities and businesses across this bi-national region are helping to recapture the natural elegance of an area once threatened by pollution and degradation, improving quality of life and making the Detroit-Windsor metropolitan area a great place to live, work, and play.  And our “wild side” is out front and center.

Here's a small sampling of the many nature tourism activities found in Southeast Michigan:     

Great Outdoor Recreation Opportunities, All Close to Home
Many events and opportunities to enjoy nature and wildlife are right outside your door. From birding to hunting, from paddling to horseback riding, discover: 

• Nationally-recognized hawkwatching during Lake Erie Metropark’s annual Hawkfest.

• Pointe Mouillee State Game Area, where the annual Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Festival attracts over 10,000 people each year to pursue their passion of hunting and wildlife art.

• Crosswinds Marsh Wetland – 900 acres teeming with wildlife, hiking, horseback riding, and canoeing opportunities.

• Elizabeth Park in Trenton, Belle Isle and Tri-Centennial State Park in Detroit, and the 24,000 acres that make up the 13 parks of the Metroparks system.

All these opportunities and many more are just a short-drive, or maybe even a short canoe or kayak trip, away. Visit our nature tourism event calendar to see what great seasonal opportunities are on the horizon.  Get out and discover our wild side!

Trails, Trails, and More Trails
Find your way to and through many of the region’s pristine natural areas on an ever-expanding network of paddling, biking, and birding trails:

• Explore the Detroit, Huron, Raisin, and Rouge Rivers on the Detroit Heritage River Water Trail, Southeast Michigan’s first planned water trail. 

• Beginner and expert birders can plan their next outing with Byways to Flyways, a guide to premier birding locations across the Detroit-Windsor metropolitan region.  Don’t forget your binoculars or passport!

• Plan your next bike trip with one of the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments’ bicycle maps.

• Head to Downtown Detroit and take a stroll along the Detroit RiverWalk.

• Bike, hike, or even take your horse out on the 41 miles of completed Oakland County Trails & Pathways.
  
  
• Get your daily workout in on the expanding Macomb Orchard Trail in Macomb County.

An Amazing Diversity of Wildlife
The Southeast Michigan and Southwest Ontario region is one of the most biologically diverse areas in North America. Our waterways and shoreline are teeming with hundreds of species of fish, plants, and fowl. In fact, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources both recognize the Detroit River watershed as having one of the highest diversities of fish and wildlife in the entire Great Lakes region.

To briefly touch on the diversity of wildlife found here is a challenge, as:

• 117 species of fish found are in, or migrate through, the Detroit River.

• Over 30 species of waterfowl frequent our coastal wetlands.

• 23 species of raptors, including eagles, hawks and falcons are found here.

• 31 species of shorebirds and 160 species of songbirds are found in or migrate through the region.

• 35 species of dragonflies and butterflies float through the summer air.

Take a Look Around
Visit one of the region’s many parks. Go bird watching, biking, paddling, fishing, or hunting without driving hours for the privilege of enjoying nature. Tell your friends. Tell everyone. It’s right here, waiting for you to discover.

And don’t forget to visit the Essex Region Conservation Authority’s website to discover the many outdoor recreation opportunities available at the many great parks in Southwest Ontario.