21 Hardwood Impoundment 

wildlife viewing  |  directions and facility information

Photo: MI DNR

This area offers some great wildlife viewing opportunities right from your vehicle. Wildlife have grown accustomed to vehicles passing along the two dikes that cross the impoundment. Good viewing can also be found from the water. Over six miles of flooded bottom lands are dotted with islands and many acres of flooded timber can be explored by canoe, kayak, small boat or even pontoon. A boat access site is available at the county-run campground.

This area is in the middle of a huge deer wintering complex—a mixture of cedar and other swamp conifer habitat with upland islands covering many square miles. Deer concentrate in this sheltered habitat during severe winter months, many migrating from as far away as 50 miles.

Wildlife Viewing

Photo: MI DNR

Bald eagles nest in the vicinity and are frequently seen roosting or hunting along the dikes. On the lake and wetland areas you may see mallards, Canada geese, grebes, and other waterfowl. Wood ducks are common here and you can see nest boxes that have been erected for them. The area is home to several Michigan threatened species, including gray wolves, bald eagles, ospreys, plus a variety of waterfowl, furbearers, bear and deer. Along the shoreline look for herons wading in the shallow water. Belted kingfishers are also common in this area. These blue-jay-size birds can be seen plunging into the water to catch small fish. In the fringe areas around the impoundment, you may see deer, raccoons, wild turkeys, and many species of songbirds.