Monroe County: Wetlands, Lake Erie and History

William C. Sterling State Park is Michigan’s only state park on Lake Erie. It protects more than 500 acres of Great Lakes marsh and restored prairie on the lake plain. An accessible boat launch provides access to Lake Erie. Here, protected habitats and activities on the water come together.

Wetlands and Birdwatching

Erie Marsh Preserve also reflects the natural environment of Lake Erie: it accounts for 11 percent of the remaining marshland in southeastern Michigan and is one of the largest marshes on the lake. The preserve is a migration and breeding area for shorebirds, waterbirds and land birds; raptors join them in the fall. Visitors who want to explore the area on foot will find a 5-mile loop trail. It crosses a range of wetland types along a series of dikes. The ground can be muddy and uneven.

William C. Sterling State Park has an observation platform and observation tower along the Marsh Trail. Fishing is also possible there: shore and offshore fishing on Lake Erie, as well as fishing in the park’s Great Lakes marshes and lagoons. Kayaks can be rented at the campground office from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Since this service is seasonal, check availability before your trip.

On the Water and by Bike

The River Raisin Waterway extends for more than 130 miles through Monroe County and flows into Lake Erie. There are launch sites along the waterway for kayaking and canoeing; visitors can also spot various bird species there. Together with the boat launch at William C. Sterling State Park, these offer different ways to experience waterscapes from shore or on the water.

For a two-wheeled outing, the 100-mile Cornerstone Bicycle Route runs through Monroe County, through scenic small towns and along the Lake Erie shoreline. It follows low-traffic roads and passes through rural agricultural landscapes of rolling fields and orchards. When planning, consider whether a bike ride, a wetland wildlife-watching tour or time on the water is your priority.

History and Culture

River Raisin National Battlefield Park preserves and commemorates the battles of January 1813 during the War of 1812, and interprets the history of the battles and their aftermath. The River Raisin Unit Visitor Center features a diorama of the River Raisin settlement, orientation maps, ranger programs and a theater; individual exhibits may change. For 2026, opening hours vary by season: from May 1 through September 30, the visitor center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; from October 1 through April 30, it is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Check the hours before your trip.

The Monroe County Historical Museum is housed in a Georgian-style post office building dating to around 1911, on the grounds of the original home of General and Mrs. Custer. It houses one of the largest collections of 18th- and 19th-century artifacts related to southeastern Michigan. Exhibits cover topics including Native American Woodland culture, early French Canadian settlers, Victoriana, the American Civil War and Monroe County veterans. The Monroe County Fair also has a long history: fairs were held there as early as the 1830s.

At Territorial Park, the historic buildings are open from Labor Day weekend through Memorial Day weekend; special programs are held there throughout the year. Since hours may change, check them before your visit.

Seasonal Activities and Getting Here

Agritourism in Monroe County includes hands-on farm tours, pumpkin patches and corn mazes. There are also farmers markets, U-pick farms, orchards and vineyards. Individual businesses and seasonal offerings vary, so plan around the experience you want and the season.

Monroe County is accessible via I-75, I-275 and US-23 and is served by Detroit Metropolitan Airport. Traffic conditions and transportation services can change, so plan your specific connection using up-to-date information.

Discover more destinations: Dundee, Luna Pier, Delta County, Lapeer County, St. Joseph, Clinton County, Alcona County, Wayne.

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