86 Allegan State Game Area

wildlife viewing  |  directions and facility information

Wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities abound in this 50,000-acre state game area. Allegan is a showcase for oak-pine barrens (also called oak-pine savanna)—a unique community of plants and animals adapted to life on the dry, sandy soils of this area. Allegan also features lowland hardwood and oak-pine forests, wetlands, ponds and open fields.

Wildlife Viewing

Photo: David Kenyon, MI DNR

Perhaps the most dramatic wildlife viewing opportunity at Allegan is the mass concentration of Canada geese that assembles here in the fall. More than 100,000 geese will pass through the area and as many as 40,000 may be seen at one time. Best viewing is in the Fennville Farm Unit on the southwestern boundary of the property. The Fennville Unit includes a refuge where no visitor access is allowed, but viewing from the road is excellent. This Unit is also a good place to see deer at dawn and dusk.

The unique oak-pine barren/savanna communities and some restored prairie fields may be viewed from along M-89 or from any of the county roads that crisscross Allegan SGA. Some of these openings are commonly used as hunting areas by raptors (birds-of-prey). Bald eagles and golden eagles may be seen on the on the area during migration. Look for the dark phase of the rough-legged hawk from December throughout February. Go to the area headquarters for maps or for more information on the current wildlife viewing hotspots.

This area is open to public hunting. Contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for hunting seasons and regulations.