Rose Lake Wildlife Research Area (Bath Rd. to The Point)

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Difficulty: Easy
Length: 0.7 miles / 1.1 km
Duration: 1 hour or less

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Overview: The Rose Lake Wildlife Research Area is a boon to outdoor enthusiasts of all varieties. Part of a network of trails surrounding a large shallow impoundment, this trail takes you past old farmsteads, research crop plots, and views of the local wildlife.

Tips: The fall colors on the marsh are absolutely stunning. Early October brings the best color, but be aware that the parking areas can be crowded as this is also waterfowl hunting season.

Points of Interest

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Old Farmstead

If you hunt around in the brush, the remains of an old farmhouse are visible, including the cement slab and foundations. They were vacated and razed in the 1970's when the land was purchased by the MDNR.

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Concord Grapes

A short trip off the trail leads you to an overgrown brushy area full of Concord grapes. They were planted at the old farm, but have run wild for decades and overrun the sumac bushes.

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Trail Intersection

From here, you can choose to head east or west to the two largest bays of the flooding. Head west to reach the dam and the point...

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Food Plots

The MDNR plants various food plots to research the effects of wildlife on different crop combinations. In the fall, the crops are left standing to provide food to wildlife over the winter.

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More Food Plots

These plots are usually sorghum, so watch for pheasants!

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Earthen Dam

This dam holds back the water in the flooding. The marshy area to the east is mainly between 3-6ft deep and provides habitat for migratory waterfowl and hunting areas during duck and goose season in the fall.

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Cattail Marshland

These cattail marshes provide habitat for many species of ducks. Watch for them in the spring and fall.

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Lilly Pad Pond

This shallow arm of the flooding is almost a separate pond. It has lots of ducks, as well as beaver, muskrat, and mink. Occasionally, herons and other water birds visit to look for frogs and fish.