Luc (pronounced “Luke”, a name based on the second part of the scientific name which means “white-headed” in Greek) was originally from the Saginaw/Bay City area. He arrived at the Marshlands Museum in July of 2008. While the cause of his injuries is not clear, he is now partially blind and has wing trauma. He can not be released back into the wild and will remain a resident of the museum.  Stop by and visit him at his outside enclosure.

Please do not feed Luc.

The history of waterfowl hunting is brought to life with photos and artifacts including boats, decoys, and firearms.  A huge diorama highlights the now-gone Pointe Mouillee Shooting Club, once located at the mouth of the Huron River.

Other exhibits of historic themes include the War of 1812, Prohibition, fishing, trapping, and ice harvesting. The museum also features displays on marsh and lake ecology, highlighted by a 1,300-gallon Great Lakes Aquarium. In addition, the “Muskrat Club,” an interactive corner for children, gives them a chance to encounter some live marsh animals up close, experience the sounds of the marsh, and explore a touch table!

Almost three miles of nature trails lead from the Marshlands Museum, taking hikers along the Lake Erie/Detroit River shoreline and through coastal marshes and dense hawthorn thickets. A long boardwalk and several overlooks along the trails provide excellent views of marshes, lagoons, and wildlife.

CHERRY ISLAND TRAIL – 1.25 MILES
This trail traverses a coastal marsh and the Lake Erie/Detroit River shoreline. This trail alternates between compacted gravel with sections of boardwalk and asphalt. Minimum width is 6-feet and maximum grade is 4%. There are eight shallow transitions between boardwalk and compacted gravel trail. The large bridge on the southeast corner of trail has a slight incline.

TRAPPER’S RUN – 1 MILE
The main trail leading from the museum, this loop explores dense hawthorn thicket and the man-made features of the lowland landscape. A series of four overlooks provide an opportunity to peek into the surrounding marshlands. Take your time on this one as you walk the old trapper’s route between the lagoons. This trail is mostly flat with eight shallow transitions between boardwalk and compacted gravel trail. The northwest corner of the trail has a slight elevation change – a few feet vertically over a span of 30 yards. This is the highest natural feature in the park! Minimum width is 6-feet and maximum grade is 6%.

Know before you go: Occasionally woodland trails may be blocked with debris such as fallen tree limbs. Nature trails are not cleared or salted in the winter and may be snow-covered, slippery or muddy. Water levels can change dramatically in a short period of time, depending on the season and the direction or intensity of the wind. If winds are from the east or southeast, please call ahead to get the latest information on trail conditions. During extreme conditions, some portions of the trails will flood. Pets, bicycles and running are not permitted on the nature trails.

Click here to view park maps.