Misery Bay Nature Preserve

A site along the Sunrise Coast Birding Trail

140 acres with 10,000 feet of Lake Huron shoreline. Great for outdoor recreation and enjoyment of the rich coastal resources. The waters offshore are part of the National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve, holding many shipwrecks.

Misery Bay is influenced by bedrock. The islands and numerous shoals are stubborn remnants of bedrock that refused to be ground away by the last glacial event. Many interesting natural features can be found around the bay, including alvar shorelines, coastal fens, boreal forest types, underwater sinkholes, cobble beaches, and rare plant communities and animals.

Site: The preserve located on Misery Bay Road has a series of hiking trails leading to a sinkhole in Lake Huron. Limited parking is available at a small lot on site. The trails and a Great Lakes fen offer a wide variety of wildflower viewing (including dwarf irises).

Birding: The mixed woods provide nesting sites for many birds, including black-throated green warblers and American redstarts.

Things to Do: Animal Viewing, Birding, Boating, Fishing, Hiking, Geology, Kayaking, Plant Community Viewing, Plant Viewing, Scenic Viewing, Water Feature Viewing

Open: Year-round

GPS: 45.08427, -83.31828