Directions

From downtown Sault Ste. Marie, take Portage Avenue (which turns into riverside drive) east along the St. Mary's River. You will drive over canal bridges, go past the Hydroelectric Plant, and go past the Aune-Osborn Park. Just past the Aune-Osborn park you will see Clyde's Drive-In and loading area for the Sugar Island ferry on the left side, pull in here and continue past Clyde's Drive-In parking spaces to Rotary Park.

Jump to Map

Rotary Park

Sault Ste Marie Area

Birding Information

As you meander along the south shore of the St. Mary's River watch bald eagles and ospreys perched in trees along the river edge or look for great blue or black-crowned night herons stalking along the river. A small island seen just north of the ferry dock has a breeding colony of black-crowned night herons- one of the furthest north breeding colonies in the state! Stop along the park shoreline or the ferry and search the open water.

This site offers nearly year-round waterfowl observation opportunities including mallards, American black ducks, common goldeneyes, and hooded, common and red-breasted mergansers. Hoping to spot a tundra swan? Visit in the late fall or early winter. Other species you might see include Caspian and common terns, common loons, Bohemian and cedar waxwings and a variety of finch and sparrow species. With a pair of binoculars, you might be able to spot the heron rookery northeast of the Sugar Island ferry.

Area Information

The park offers great views of passing freighters up close and a walkway that follows the shoreline with some informational panels. At Rotary Park kids can enjoy playground equipment, and a kid's fishing area with fishing platform. From this site, you can launch a kayak to nearby Voyager Island, a 30-minute paddle from Rotary Park, and a water trail destination. Voyager Island affords hiking opportunities along boardwalks and rustic trails, picnic tables, or the ability to watch the Sugar Island ferry. If you are hungry, be sure to park at Clyde's Drive-In where the waitstaff will come to your vehicle to take your order. Be sure to bring your appetite!