Sturgeon River Slough Wildlife Area

Located 2 miles southeast of Chassell near the border of Houghton and Baraga Counties, this boat ramp provides access to the Sturgeon River Slough, a 7,991-acre State Wildlife Management Area and the headwaters of the Sturgeon River. The access features a hard-surfaced ramp suitable for smaller boats and canoes, though launching the largest watercraft may be challenging due to limited water depth in areas. The site is open to the public at no charge and is managed by the Michigan DNR in partnership with local wildlife clubs.

The slough itself is characterized by extensive wetlands and offers paddlers opportunities to explore a scenic, wildlife-rich ecosystem. Interpretive signs are available south of Chassell on US-41 to help visitors learn about the area's natural and cultural significance. Note that waterfowl hunting occurs during regular season, so plan visits accordingly. For an alternative access option with ADA accessibility, an accessible kayak launch is available on the north side of the US-41 bridge that spans the Sturgeon River in Chassell proper. No fuel is available at either launch location.