Wetlands, waterfront trails and memorial sites give Monroe County its distinctive character. On Lake Erie, William C. Sterling State Park is Michigan’s only state park on the lake. There, the park protects more than 500 acres of Great Lakes marsh and restored prairie on the lake plain. Nature and history are distinct themes side by side: you can focus on the landscape and wildlife, or learn about the events along the River Raisin.
Wetlands and wildlife viewing
Erie Marsh Preserve illustrates the importance of wetlands in southeastern Michigan. It accounts for 11 percent of the marshland remaining there and is one of the largest marsh areas on Lake Erie. Shorebirds, waterfowl and land birds use the area for migration and breeding; birds of prey join them in the fall. This also changes how the preserve can be experienced over the course of the year: in fall, birds of prey become an additional focus for wildlife viewing.
A five-mile loop trail follows a series of dikes through different wetland types. Expect muddy and uneven conditions along the way. At Sterling State Park, the Marsh Trail leads to an observation platform and an observation tower. Fishing is also an option there, from the shore and offshore on Lake Erie, as well as in the park’s Great Lakes marshes and lagoons. An accessible boat launch provides access to Lake Erie.
Kayaks can be rented at the Sterling State Park campground office from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Since this is a seasonal service, it’s a good idea to check availability before your trip. This lets you consider wetland wildlife viewing, spending time on the water and kayaking as different interests for your stay, without requiring a set itinerary.
Trails through waterfront and agricultural landscapes
The 100-mile Cornerstone Bicycle Route runs through Monroe County, through picturesque small towns and along the Lake Erie shore. It follows low-traffic roads and passes through rural agricultural landscapes of rolling fields and orchards.
The River Raisin Waterway also runs through the county: it extends more than 130 miles and empties into Lake Erie. The waterway has launch sites for kayaking and canoeing, and visitors can also observe a variety of bird species. The bicycle route and waterway offer two different perspectives on the landscape: one along roads through towns and farmland, the other on and by the water.
History along the River Raisin and in Monroe
River Raisin National Battlefield Park preserves, commemorates and interprets the battles of January 1813 in the War of 1812, as well as their aftermath. Walking and biking trails are part of the park, including the River Raisin Heritage Trail. For 2026, visitor center hours are listed by season: daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from May 1 through September 30, and daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from October 1 through April 30. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Check the hours before your visit. The visitor center features a diorama of the River Raisin settlement, orientation maps, ranger programs and a theater; individual exhibits may change.
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 holds one of the largest collections of 18th- and 19th-century artifacts related to southeastern Michigan. Exhibits range from Native American Woodland culture and early French-Canadian settlers to Victoriana, the American Civil War and Monroe County veterans. The topics offer insight into different chapters of regional history, rather than limiting the past to a single era.
The Monroe County Fair also has a long history: fairs have been held there since the 1830s. Agritourism in the county includes hands-on farm tours, pumpkin patches and corn mazes, as well as farmers markets, U-pick farms, orchards and vineyards. Individual farms and seasonal offerings vary. Monroe County is accessible via I-75, I-275 and US-23; Detroit Metropolitan Airport serves the county.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Dundee, Luna Pier, Emmet, Isabella, Iron County, Presque Isle County, Branch, Charlevoix County.
For the main travel overview: Michigan.
