Lake Erie Metropark

Join us for our second annual B.A.M. Festival celebrating the repeal of Prohibition in 1933. Check out vehicles from the Prohibition Era (1920’s and 30’s), enjoy local food trucks, and those 21 and older can visit the beer tasting tent featuring Michigan craft beers. This year, we are also adding a classic car show as well!

Detectives needed! Put your identification skills to the test and help us investigate different sites along the trails in the park. We’ll look for clues and gather evidence to determine what animal was present at each site! Join us as we identify our findings during this fun-filled, forensic program! Please preregister, (734) 379-5020.

These often misunderstood and overlooked creatures are some of the most unique and beautiful around. Join us as we learn a bit about them, then we will set up some lights and bait and see who pays us a visit! Please preregister, (734) 379-5020.

Some of the most iconic moments in world history have been documented in photographs.  Join us as we study some of those incredible images in more detail.  Why are they so powerful? How did they do it?  Everybody is welcome.  Please preregister, (734) 379-5020.

Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie, the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers, history and culture of the region to fish, ecology, restoration, wind, waves and water — and much more, depending on the cruise theme. Reserve your spot at www.discoverycruises.org.

Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie, the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers, history and culture of the region to fish, ecology, restoration, wind, waves and water — and much more, depending on the cruise theme. Reserve your spot at www.discoverycruises.org.

The American Lotus is one of the rarest flowers in the state of Michigan but you wouldn’t know by visiting the shorelines of Lake Erie Metropark! We’ll take a short walk to the shoreline where we’ll investigate the biology and history of this wonderful flower. Please preregister, (734) 379-5020.

Donuts, coffee and a nature walk.  What a great way to start your weekend! Join us! Please preregister, (734) 379-5020.

Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie, the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers, history and culture of the region to fish, ecology, restoration, wind, waves and water — and much more, depending on the cruise theme. Reserve your spot at www.discoverycruises.org.

Let’s take a short hike out to our modified tallgrass prairie to discover plants like Big Bluestem, Tall Coreopsis and more. Learn what makes prairie plants so unique, how fire plays an important role in keeping it healthy, and the history of prairies in southeast Michigan. Please preregister, (734) 379-5020.

Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie, the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers, history and culture of the region to fish, ecology, restoration, wind, waves and water — and much more, depending on the cruise theme. Reserve your spot at www.discoverycruises.org.

Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie, the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers, history and culture of the region to fish, ecology, restoration, wind, waves and water — and much more, depending on the cruise theme. Reserve your spot at www.discoverycruises.org.

The War of 1812 is one of America’s lesser known conflicts.  However, its impact on global history is tremendous.  Join us as we look at the who, how, and investigate why we care. Please preregister, (734) 379-5020.

It’s a rodent, it’s a bird, IT’S A BAT! Learn what makes bats special and understand misconceptions surrounding these creatures of the night. Join us for a program and guided hike, as we explore and try to observe one of Michigan’s most interesting animals. Please preregister, (734) 379-5020.

Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie, the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers, history and culture of the region to fish, ecology, restoration, wind, waves and water — and much more, depending on the cruise theme. Reserve your spot at www.discoverycruises.org.

Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie, the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers, history and culture of the region to fish, ecology, restoration, wind, waves and water — and much more, depending on the cruise theme. Reserve your spot at www.discoverycruises.org.

Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie, the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers, history and culture of the region to fish, ecology, restoration, wind, waves and water — and much more, depending on the cruise theme. Reserve your spot at www.discoverycruises.org.

From their life on the leaf of a Milkweed, to their nearly 3,000-mile migration to Mexico, we will investigate the awesome life cycle of the beautiful Monarch butterfly. Please preregister, (734) 379-5020.

Escape the dog-days-of-summer by enjoying a guided summer evening hike through the marsh. Please preregister, (734) 379-5020.

Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie, the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers, history and culture of the region to fish, ecology, restoration, wind, waves and water — and much more, depending on the cruise theme. Reserve your spot at www.discoverycruises.org.

In the not-so-distant past, Osprey were approaching extinction in North America. Now, they can be found throughout southeast Michigan. Join us as we check out the Osprey up close and personal. We’ll conclude with a short drive through the park with hopes of finding a few. Please preregister, (734) 379-5020.

The Marshlands Museum has over two thousand items in its collection.  Guided by an interpreter, this program series gives visitors a chance to investigate in detail some of the rarely seen items from the backroom.  If you have ever wondered what we have, now is your chance to find out! Please pre-register, (734) 379-5020.

Like it or not, spiders are everywhere. But don’t fear – we are prepared to set the record straight.  Join us as we take a casual stroll to investigate these important but misunderstood critters.  Please preregister, (734) 379-5020.

Take a leisurely walk along the boardwalks overlooking our marshes as we search for critters scaly, slimy, furred and feathered. Please preregister, (734) 379-5020.

Join us for raptor identification made simple. We will begin the day in the Marshlands Museum looking at some easy ways to get you on the right track when it comes to identifying birds of prey in flight. Next, we will head out on a hike to the Detroit River Hawk Watch site in hopes of spotting some of these majestic, migratory birds and to test your newly learned skills. Please preregister, (734) 379-5020.

Donuts, coffee and a nature walk.  What a great way to start your weekend! Join us! Please preregister, (734) 379-5020.

Raptors are getting ready to make the move back down south, but the flight isn’t an easy one. We’ll discover how their bodies are strong enough to travel these long distances! After, we’ll head to the boat launch to see the raptors flying over the park. Please preregister, (734) 379-5020.

Stop in anytime between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and learn about owls, owl pellets, and get your very own owl pellet dissection kit. Our staff will help you work through the pellet to discover what the owl had for lunch, and we will attempt to put the skeleton of the animal back together.

Join us as we kick-off a great weekend of celebrating the annual fall hawk migration. The Kick-off will feature hors d' oeuvres, a silent auction, a cash bar and a live birds of prey demonstration. This event includes a weekend pass to HAWKFEST too. Preregistration required, 734-379-5020.

Hawkfest is a two-day event for the whole family focusing on birds of prey (eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls) and the annual fall hawk migration over Lake Erie Metropark. This year, we will be celebrating our 30th year of Hawkfest! Join us for a great weekend of games, crafts, guest speakers and fun. Live birds of prey will be on hand all weekend!

Hawkfest is a two-day event for the whole family focusing on birds of prey (eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls) and the annual fall hawk migration over Lake Erie Metropark. This year, we will be celebrating our 30th year of Hawkfest! Join us for a great weekend of games, crafts, guest speakers and fun. Live birds of prey will be on hand all weekend!

Let’s learn a bit about the Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle, two raptors that can be seen in and around Lake Erie Metropark. After, we’ll head to the boat launch to see the raptors flying over the park. Please preregister, (734) 379-5020.

Don’t let your camera scare you – take it off automatic and make a picture, don’t just take a picture.  Join us as we investigate photography basics including aperture, shutter speed and some easy composition strategies. Please preregister, (734) 379-5020.

Donuts, coffee and a nature walk.  What a great way to start your weekend! Join us! Please preregister, 734-379-5020.

Try your hand at creating a historic plover decoy while we take some time to investigate the natural history of these amazing birds. Please preregister, 734-379-5020.

Nature has influenced many inventors to create exciting products and technologies over the years. From airplanes to Velcro and so much more! Discover the impact these inventions have made on society! Please preregister, 734-379-5020. Time: 10 a.m. & 2 p.m.

2019 marks the 85th Anniversary of the Federal Duck Stamp. No, they are not sending letters, but they are a key part in wildlife conservation. Join us as we explore the origins of this impressive program. Please preregister, 734-379-5020.

A great addition to your front porch, this craft is designed to complement your Jack-o’-lantern collection! Join us as we go on a hike to find the best-looking leaves, and then create our own fall themed lanterns. Please preregister, 734-379-5020.

Take a leisurely walk along the boardwalks overlooking our marshes as we search for critters scaly, slimy, furred, and feathered. Please preregister, 734-379-5020.

Take a leisurely walk along the boardwalks overlooking our marshes as we search for critters scaly, slimy, furred, and feathered. Please preregister, 734-379-5020. Time: 10 a.m. & 2 p.m.

The Marshlands Museum has over two thousand items in its collection.  Guided by an interpreter, this program series gives visitors a chance to investigate in detail some of the rarely seen items from the backroom.  If you have ever wondered what we have, now is your chance to find out! Please pre-register, 734-379-5020.

Donuts, coffee and a nature walk.  What a great way to start your weekend! Join us! Please preregister, 734-379-5020.

As the brilliant colors of fall give way to the barren winter, it’s time to prepare for the harsh conditions that lie ahead. From migration to hibernation, we’ll discover the different adaptations and strategies animals use to survive this time of the year. Please preregister, 734-379-5020.

From the cute, little fawn to the majestic whitetail buck; we will be taking an in-depth look at the habits of these much-loved creatures. Please preregister, 734-379-5020.

Learn about the habits and habitats of these extraordinary birds.  After an indoor presentation, we will head out on the trails and see if we can lure in an owl or two with recorded calls! Please preregister, 734-379-5020.

As we approach Thanksgiving, learn a little more about the star of this holiday, the Turkey! We will find out some fascinating facts about this unique wild fowl, and discover why Benjamin Franklin wanted the Wild Turkey as our National Bird…move over Bald Eagle! Please preregister, 734-379-5020. 

Take a leisurely walk along the boardwalks overlooking our marshes as we search for critters furred and feathered. Please preregister, 734-379-5020.

Michigan hunting season is in full swing, but how has it changed from seasons past? Join us as we look at the evolution of “The Hunter,” exploring how technology has changed the way we hunt. Please preregister, 734-379-5020. Time: 10 a.m. & 2 p.m.

Everybody loves a photo contest so now is your chance to show your stuff. Winners will have their images hung in the observation room. After the judging, we’ll investigate some photographic strategies.   For details on how to participate in the contest, contact the Marshlands Museum. Everybody is welcome, even if you didn’t submit anything. Please preregister, 734-379-5020.

Stop in anytime between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and learn about owls, owl pellets, and get your very own owl pellet dissection kit. Our staff will help you work through the pellet to discover what the owl had for lunch, and we will attempt to put the skeleton of the animal back together.

Make this Christmas Season special with a visit by ‘ole St. Nick himself and enjoy a holiday snack, games, crafts, music by the Mrs. Claus Jam Band and more!  The program takes place at the Lake Erie Golf Course Starter Building.  Preregistration required, 734-379-5020. Time: 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.

Donuts, coffee and a nature walk.  What a great way to start your weekend! Join us! Please preregister, 734-379-5020.

Join us for a live owl program presented by the Leslie Nature and Science Center where we’ll get to see these amazing birds up close and personal! Please preregister, 734-379-5020

Clicking tendons, not-so-poisonous flowers and the number six are all part of Christmas, believe it or not. Join us as we look deeper into the often unknowns of the holiday season. Please preregister, 734-379-5020.

Take a light-hearted look at the 12 Days of Christmas with an animal twist. Enjoy cocoa and cookies during the program too. Please preregister, 734-379-5020. Time: 10 a.m. & 2 p.m.

This simple and ancient technique has been used by man and his relatives for thousands of years. Join us and learn a little more on how this dying art kept mankind alive and fed for millennia. Please preregister, 734-379-5020.