One of my favorite things about road tripping on Michigan’s M-22 is how easy it is to pull off the highway and stumble into somewhere unexpectedly beautiful. Just before reaching Arcadia, Michigan, my mom and I made a stop at Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve, and it ended up being one of the most calming moments of our entire trip.

This protected area is managed by the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy and preserves a rare coastal marsh ecosystem unique to the Great Lakes region. That alone makes it worth a visit, but the experience itself—quiet, scenic, and surprisingly accessible—is what really stuck with me.

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Why We Chose Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve

At the time of our visit, my mom was dealing with an injured ankle, so longer or more strenuous hikes were off the table. After a little research, Arcadia Marsh stood out immediately. The trail is just over 1.5 miles round trip, completely flat, and well-maintained. The ideal conditions for anyone looking for an easy walk without sacrificing views.

What to Expect When You Arrive

There’s a small parking area right on the side of M-22 that starts you right at the trailhead. In the parking lot, there’s an informational sign that explains the preserve, the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy’s work, and the unique marsh ecosystem you’re about to walk through. It felt like a lot of information to take in at once, but it was really well put together.

Almost immediately, the boardwalk pulls you into the landscape. During our October visit, the water level was just right. It was deep enough to have fish swimming in it beneath the wooden planks and reflecting the sky above. The trail follows a raised boardwalk for most of the walk, keeping both visitors and the fragile wetlands protected.

Walking the Boardwalk

I was impressed right away by how thoughtfully designed the trail is. Along the boardwalk, you’ll find:

• Benches spaced throughout the trail for resting or taking in the view
• Educational signs identifying native birds and wetland plants
• Wide, stable planks that feel safe and accessible

Even though we visited in October, which isn’t peak season for bird activity, the signage helped us identify several species we wouldn’t have noticed otherwise. The slower pace we were walking at encouraged us to look closer and appreciate each bird and plant that we were able to identify.

What stood out most, though, was how quiet it was. You could hear the wind moving through the grasses, the subtle sound of water flowing, and very little else. It felt peaceful in a way that’s not easy to find these days. Besides my mom and I, we only saw four others walking the boardwalk, and we were well spaced to enjoy the quiet.

PLEASE NOTE: Because of sensitive wildlife, dogs are not allowed at this preserve.

About the Marsh Ecosystem

Arcadia Marsh protects a Great Lakes coastal marsh, one of the rarest ecosystems in Michigan. These wetlands play a crucial role in filtering water, preventing erosion, and providing habitat for birds, mammals, and aquatic life.

As you walk, you’ll pass through areas of open water, grasses, reeds, and low shrubs—all part of a delicate system that supports migrating birds and native wildlife. The boardwalk design helps preserve this environment by keeping foot traffic above the marsh rather than through it.

Roughly two-thirds of the way through the trail, you’ll reach a gated section. This area is sometimes closed seasonally to protect wildlife and maintain the integrity of the preserve. During our visit, it was open, allowing us to continue the out-and-back trail, but it’s something to be aware of when planning your stop.

A Wildlife Moment I’ll Never Forget

Near the end of the walk, as we were looking over rocks piled beside the boardwalk, we spotted something moving quickly along the edge. It turned out to be a mink! I had never seen a mink in the wild before so I was super excited.

I’ll be honest: I didn’t even know what I was looking at at first. My mom identified it, and after a little research, we confirmed that’s exactly what it was. It moved too fast for a photo, but it didn’t matter. That moment alone made the visit memorable.

How Long to Plan for Your Visit

From start to finish, our walk took about forty-five minutes, including plenty of stops to read signs and enjoy the views. We weren’t in a hurry at all.

On the way back, the wind had picked up and was blowing directly toward us, making it much colder than our walk out. We definitely picked up the pace then, which is something to keep in mind, you’re completely exposed out on this trail. It can feel very different depending on the wind and weather.

Tips for Visiting Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve

• Dress in layers to protect yourself from wind in cold weather, especially in spring and fall
• Bring binoculars if you enjoy birdwatching
• Check seasonal access if visiting in summer; half the trail may be closed between April 15 – July 15 
• Allow extra time to slow down and enjoy the quiet

Is Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. If you’re traveling M-22 or exploring the Arcadia area, this preserve is an easy stop that doesn’t demand much time or energy.

It’s a great place to stretch your legs, breathe in fresh air, and learn about an important ecosystem that plays a vital role in Michigan’s natural landscape. Whether you’re traveling solo or with family, or simply looking for a peaceful walk, Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve deserves a spot on your Michigan M-22 Highway itinerary.

Read More: My M-22 Michigan Road Trip: Exploring Michigan’s Northwest Lakeshore