Directions
From downtown Sault Ste. Marie, follow Portage Avenue east to the Sugar Island Ferry dock. Take the ferry (note: there is a fee) to Sugar Island. To access the Bailey-Lagerstrom Nature Preserves, continue east on Sugar Island Road/1 1/2 Mile Road for 3.8 miles. Turn south (right) onto South Brassar Rd and continue for 4.5 miles. Turn east (left) on East 6 Mile Road and drive for 0.5 miles. Continue on South Homestead Road for 6.8 miles. The Bailey-Lagerstrom Nature Preserve the parking lot is on the south (right) side of the road at the big curve. For Cook Island Nature Preserve: After departing the ferry, continue straight on 1 1/2 Mile Road for 1.8 miles. Turn north (left) onto South Westshore Drive and continue for 0.6 miles. Turn left onto West Shore Drive and drive for ~300 feet to enter the preserve. The Cook Island Nature Preserve can also be accessed by kayak or canoe.
Sugar Island Preserves Cook Island and Bailey - Lagerstrom Nature Preserves)
Sault Ste Marie Area
Birding Information
At Cook Island Nature Preserve, on the north end of Sugar Island, you can spot waterfowl including geese, mallards and American black ducks. If you go early enough in the day, you might even hear secretive marsh birds including pied-billed grebes and Virginia rails. From the water, you might catch a glimpse of common and Caspian terns. Further inland, keep an eye out for woodpeckers including yellow-bellied sapsuckers, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers and northern flicker. A short hike leads to pristine wetlands and over 2 miles of shoreline at Bailey-Lagerstrom Nature Preserve which offer ample opportunity to view numerous waterfowl species as well as more common species such as swamp and song sparrow and common yellowthroat.
Area Information
The Cook Island Nature Preserve is situated along the eastern Upper Peninsula Water Trail, and many species are best viewed from the water.
Bathrooms
No
Parking
Along the road
Road Birding
No
Hiking Trails
Yes
Viewing Platform
No
Winter Access
Yes