Summary
The island is a protected area that covers 2,200 acres and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including a variety of birds, mammals, and aquatic species.
There are several reasons to visit Harbor Island National Wildlife Refuge. The island offers visitors a chance to experience Michigan's natural beauty and observe wildlife in their natural habitats. The area is also a popular destination for fishing, boating, hiking, and camping.
Some of the points of interest to see on Harbor Island include the lighthouse, the historic buildings on the island, and the unique rock formations along the shoreline. Visitors can also explore the island's wetlands, forests, and beaches.
Interesting facts about Harbor Island include that the island was once used as a shipping point for timber and other natural resources and was also used as a training ground for World War II soldiers. The island was designated as a national wildlife refuge in 1970 and has since become an important habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.
The best time of year to visit Harbor Island National Wildlife Refuge is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the wildlife is most active. However, visitors should be aware that the island is only accessible by boat and that camping permits are required for overnight stays.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References