Crow Island State Game Area (North)

The Crow Island State Game Area (North) provides public boat access to the lower Saginaw River in Saginaw County. This access point serves as a gateway to exploring a significant coastal marsh ecosystem managed as part of Michigan's wildlife conservation system. The site is open to the public at no charge and offers opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and motorboating along this important waterway in east-central Lower Michigan.

Paddlers should be aware that water levels in this area fluctuate seasonally due to the natural dynamics of the Great Lakes coastal marsh ecosystem. The surrounding landscape consists of emergent wetlands, managed impoundments, and uplands that create a wildlife-rich environment popular with birders and nature enthusiasts. The area is also used for waterfowl hunting during regular seasons, so paddlers should plan their visits accordingly and be aware of seasonal activity.

The site is conveniently located near other major recreation areas, including the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge (10,000 acres) and the Michigan Wetland Management District, making it an excellent base for extended paddling trips through the region's extensive wetland and river system.