Mink River Estuary is a Great Lakes estuary and one of the most pristine freshwater estuaries in the country. Here the waters of the Mink River and Lake Michigan combine to form diverse vegetation, wetlands and marshes. It is habitat to many species of plants, animals and migratory birds, making it an ideal place for wildlife and bird watching. Mink River Estuary is also home to the rare and endangered Hine’s emerald dragonfly.

The estuary is best seen by canoe or kayak. Enter at the public boat landing a Rowley’s Bay and paddle north along the shoreline about .8 miles to the spring-fed headwaters of the Mink River You can also hike the Schoennbrunn Trail to the estuary, with access point by the bend at County Road NP. For hiking access to the western potion, there is a parking area on Mink River Road, south of Highway 42 about 1.6 miles.