Rainey Wildlife Area

There’s good birding here from boardwalks and an elevated platform on the northeast side of Indian Lake. Especially during spring and fall warbler migration, songbirds are plentiful where Smith Creek creates a slough before entering the lake. The Michigan Wildlife Viewing Guide suggests calling warblers into view by standing still and softly going "pssh pssh pssh." There’s a good chance of seeing bald eagles and ospreys from the observation platform from spring through fall.

For a bit more on the wildlife area, visit the fabulously information-rich wildlife section of the DNR web site. First visit www.michigandnr.com, then click on the "Wildlife and Habitat" bar to the left, then "viewing wildlife," and then "Michigan Wildlife Viewing Guide." Just don’t trust the locator map. At this time the Rainey Wildlife Area is in the wrong place.

Take M-94 north from Manistique and U.S. 2. In about 5 miles, turn left (west) onto Dawson Rd. In 11/2 miles you'll get the access road that goes north to the parking lot. (906) 452-6227. Wheelchair access: observation ramp is barrier-free. Trails appear to be accessible.

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THOMPSON
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Rainey Wildlife Area. Boardwalks and an observation platform provide good bird-watching perches on the northeast side of Indian Lake. Songbirds are abundant in spring ... more

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