Shiawassee Refugefall foliage
Fall color usually peaks in the second or third week of October at Shiawassee, per the Fish and Wildlife Service: usually usually the second or third week of October. Its usual window hasn't started yet this year.
Right now at Shiawassee Refuge
Right now in Shiawassee Refuge · September
- Wildlife Drive open, June 1 to September 30 · Jun–Sep
- Fall migratory birds: September and October are the best months · Sep–Oct
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Your guide to the area
Best spots around Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
- Woodland Trail4.5 miles of flat, primitive dirt-and-gravel trails through bottomland hardwood forest off Center and Stroebel roads (5050 Stroebel Rd) on the refuge's north side, past landmarks left from early-1900s coal mining; can close on some fall hunt days, and flooding can limit use
- Green Point Environmental Learning Center trails2.5 miles of trails at 3010 Maple Street in Saginaw through bottomland hardwood forest, with views of fields, wetlands and the Tittabawassee River; the refuge says they stay open through the fall; no bicycles
Nearby
- Au Sable River82 miOctoberSatSunny
- Harbor Island Refuge189 miUsually the first two weeks of OctoberSatSunny
- Cuyahoga Valley190 miUsually the third week of OctoberSatSlight Chance Rain Showers
- Indiana Dunes197 miUsually around mid-OctoberSatSlight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
- Seney Refuge223 miThe first two weeks of Oct. are usually the best weeks for fall colorSatWidespread Frost then Mostly Sunny
- Hiawatha National Forest232 mistarting in late SeptemberSatWidespread Frost then Mostly Sunny
The year at Shiawassee Refuge
- Spring migratory birds: April and May are the best monthsApr–May
- Wildlife Drive open, June 1 to September 30NowJun–Sep
- Fall migratory birds: September and October are the best monthsNowSep–Oct
- Oct: Fall color peak, usually the second or third week of OctoberOct
Elevation and timing: North of 42°N, higher places usually peak earlier. 2 of those charted places are in this state. Each place's own sources and USGS elevations. See the chart →
Trees this fall (Sep 15–21). Across the Upper Midwest, river birch is ahead of a typical year; American elm is behind. Which trees turn when →
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge in 2026?
Fall color usually peaks in the second or third week of October at Shiawassee, per the Fish and Wildlife Service: usually the second or third week of October. That's the usual peak in the source's own words, not a forecast.
How is the fall color in Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not yet: its usual fall foliage timing is usually the second or third week of October, usually.
Can I drive the Wildlife Drive to see the color?
Not at peak. The 7-mile Wildlife Drive is open only from June 1 to September 30, so in October you see the refuge on foot, from the trails.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Shiawassee NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Are the trails open in October?
Mostly. Trails are open all year from sunrise to sunset, but some close on days during the refuge's fall hunts. The Green Point Environmental Learning Center trails stay open through the fall.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Shiawassee NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What colors should I expect?
The refuge describes bright oranges, vivid yellows and every shade of gold. Fall is also migration time, and in late fall waterfowl and eagles start arriving to feed.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Shiawassee NWR: Species ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is there a fee?
No, there is no charge to visit.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Shiawassee NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I bring my dog?
No. Pets and horses aren't allowed on any of the refuge's trails.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Shiawassee NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge?
Woodland Trail: 4.5 miles of flat, primitive dirt-and-gravel trails through bottomland hardwood forest off Center and Stroebel roads (5050 Stroebel Rd) on the refuge's north side, past landmarks left from early-1900s coal mining; can close on some fall hunt days, and flooding can limit use; Green Point Environmental Learning Center trails: 2.5 miles of trails at 3010 Maple Street in Saginaw through bottomland hardwood forest, with views of fields, wetlands and the Tittabawassee River; the refuge says they stay open through the fall; no bicycles.
What is Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Spring migratory birds: April and May are the best months (Apr–May), Wildlife Drive open, June 1 to September 30 (Jun–Sep), Fall migratory birds: September and October are the best months (Sep–Oct) and Fall color peak, usually the second or third week of October (Oct).