Trails

Paved Path (0.75 miles): This stroller- and handicapped-accessible trail showcases what the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary is famous for:

Wintergreen Lake with Trumpeter Swans and other resident waterfowl on the shore. Also, get a close look at Michigan birds of prey such as the Red-tailed Hawk, Great Horned Owl and Bald Eagle on the path around the Pocket Prairie. Upland Game birds are displayed in the Leslie E. Tassell exhibit. Make sure to listen for the Northern Bobwhites calling! Don’t miss the Overlook Museum to read about the Sanctuary’s history. Get a different vantage from the Esker Trail, a ridge formed of stratified sand and gravel from glacial activity that overlooks the birds of prey. Memorial benches are located along the path to enjoy a rest. Some grades are steeper and wheelchair users may need assistance. There is a standard wheelchair available for use in the Sanctuary’s Resource Center.

Lake Loop (1.4 miles): The Lake Loop is a natural trail that begins near the Barn Owl display on the paved path, wrapping around Wintergreen Lake and ending at the Sanctuary’s Resource Center. This trail is an excellent place to view migratory waterfowl in the fall and spring and native plants such as the Cardinal Flower, which blooms in the late summer. Take a break to enjoy the beautiful scenery and sweet serenade of birdsong from the memorial benches located along the trail.

Bluebird Trail (1 mile):  This natural trail starts in the Pollinator Garden, takes a loop along the North Country Trail, goes through the Prairie Restoration Project, and returns to the Sanctuary’s Resource Center via the parking lot.

Along the trail you can see:

• Nest boxes used primarily by Eastern Bluebirds and Tree Swallows in the spring
• Prairie flowers blooming in the summer
• Changing leaves and migratory songbirds in the fall
• Animal tracks and birds eating off fruit-bearing plants in the winter

Along the way, five marked locations coordinate with an informational guide.  Borrow a copy from the Resource Center, or print your own from the self-guided field trips page!