General information about the National Wildlife Refuge
The Seney National Wildlife Refuge was built on the remains of the Great Manistique Swamp, an elevated sandy wetland in the center of the Upper Peninsula. After the forests were heavily exploited from 1880-1910, developers attempted to drain the swamp for farmland. The drainage failed, leaving behind a wetland criss-crossed by canals, ditches and drainage ponds. Much of the land was then abandoned due to unpaid land taxes.
Entrance fees and opening hours
- Free of charge
- Not covered by the Anual Pass*
- Open all year, during daytime
*The Anual Pass is so to speak the "flat rate" for all Parks managed by the National Park Service. The pass costs a one-time fee of $80 and can be purchased at the entrance to each National Park, National Monument, etc. The pass is valid for 13 months.
Seney National Wildlife Reguge
Description: In the 1930s, Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) staff rebuilt the wetland's drainage ditches, this time restoring and expanding the ditches for active wetland management purposes. These CCC ponds and drainages are still used by the wetland managers who oversee what is now the National Wildlife Refuge. The Seney National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1935.
Our rating: Unfortunately, we didn't have as much time as we would have liked during our visit. But we liked what we saw very much. With more time, we will return on occasion.
