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Michigan

When to catch Harbor Island Refugeat its best

Harbor Island Refuge through the year: fall foliage (usually the first two weeks of October) and fall migrant birds (local timing: September and October). Each has its own page with spots, sources and the latest reports.

About Harbor Island Refuge

What it is
A wildlife refuge in Michigan
A little history
In 1983 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service bought the 695-acre Harbor Island from The Nature Conservancy under the Unique Ecosystems program, which started the refuge.In December 2019 the agency bought Standerson Island, a 25-acre island northwest of Harbor Island.
What you'll see
Fall foliage · usual peak OctFall migrant birds · usual peak September and October
Before you go
Can I bring a dog? Yes, on a leash.
Sources (2)

RIGHT NOW · OCT 1

  • Latest reportNo dated report this season; the posters below show each usual window.
  • This weekend (NWS)Sat mostly sunny, 59°F · Sun chance rain showers, 60°F
  • Park alertsCheck the managing agency before you go

When are you going?

Fall at Harbor Island Refuge

Best spots

Where each event's source says to go

Next 7 days at Harbor Island Refuge

Forecast: National Weather Service
  • TodayPatchy Fog then Chance Rain Showers65° / 51°30% rain
  • FriMostly Sunny59° / 44°–
  • SatMostly Sunny59° / 51°26% rain
  • SunChance Rain Showers60° / 44°42% rain
  • MonMostly Sunny53° / 42°3% rain
  • TueMostly Sunny58° / 49°13% rain
  • WedSlight Chance Rain Showers60° / 49°23% rain

Heads up: Windy (winds up to 20 mph): Friday, Friday Night, Sunday.

Today: sunrise 7:34 a.m., sunset 7:17 p.m., light until 7:47 p.m. · moon waning gibbous, 67% lit (our calculation)

Worth the drive, and when they peak

Straight-line miles; roads are longer
  • BEST VIEWING · FALL FOLIAGESeney RefugeFall foliageWildlife refugeThe first two weeks of Oct. are usually the best weeks for fall color“The first two weeks of Oct. are usually the best weeks for fall color” · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ↗
  • USUAL PEAK · FALL FOLIAGEPictured RocksFall foliageSeashore· National LakeshoreEither the last week in September or at some point during the first ten days of OctoberNational Park Service ↗

Harbor Island Refuge in pictures

Illustrative photos, not current conditions
A dark woodland pool among mossy ground, fallen logs and conifers
Marshy landscape on Standerson Island, part of Harbor Island National Wildlife Refuge. Photo: Sara Siekierski / USFWS · public domain · resized
Aphrodite butterfly visiting thistle at Harbor Island National Wildlife Refuge
Aphrodite butterfly visiting thistle at Harbor Island National Wildlife Refuge. Photo: Sara Giles/USFWS · public domain · resized

Questions people ask

How do I get there?

By boat only: the refuge is in Potagannissing Bay of Lake Huron, north of Drummond Island. Public boat ramps are at De Tour Village and on Drummond Island.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Harbor Island NWR visit ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Are there trails or a campground?

No official trails (hikes are off-trail) and no camping. It's daylight use only, and there's no charge to visit.Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Harbor Island NWR visit ↗ (opens in a new tab), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Harbor Island NWR rules ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Can I bring a dog?

Yes, on a leash.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Harbor Island NWR rules ↗ (opens in a new tab)

How was Harbor Island Refuge founded?

In 1983 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service bought the 695-acre Harbor Island from The Nature Conservancy under the Unique Ecosystems program, which started the refuge.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Harbor Island NWR about ↗ (opens in a new tab)

How we know

Every timing above, from these pages; checked Sep 28