Tobico Marsh is one of the largest open water marshes remaining on the Saginaw Bay along Lake Huron in Michigan, and is located at Bay City State Recreation Area and the Tobico Marsh State Game Area. Designated a National Natural Landmark in 1976 due to its expanse size, its relative pristine condition and its variety of plant life, Tobico Marsh encompasses nearly 2,000 acres of wetland woods meadows, cattail marshlands and oak savannah prairies.
Along the coast, the shoreline features sandy dune ridges that were once at the edge of the lake, but are now stranded as the bay has slowly receded. There is a boardwalk, two 40-foot observation towers and a floating marsh dock that affords excellent wildlife viewing. Using the fixed spotting scopes located in the park, one can observe the Caspian terns and black-crowned night herons that are common to the region. In the spring, warblers are often spotted as they migrate, along with bitterns.
Bay City State Recreation Area features seven miles of hiking trails, miles of mountain biking paths, and a connection to the Bay City Riverwalk rail-to-trail.
Directions
From M-13, take East Beaver Road east, which passes by Tobico Marsh State Game Area and ends at Bay City State Recreation Area. It is accessible from Interstate 75′s Exit 164 and 168.
Further Reading
- Bay City State Recreation Area at Michigan Department of Natural Resources
