Michigan’s Two Hearted River was made famous in the 1920s short story by Ernest Hemingway, Big Two-Hearted River. As chronicled in the story, the river has historically provided excellent trout fishing opportunities. You may have even heard of the Michigan beer of the same name. The river is fed by five main tributaries – Dawson Creek, and the North, South, East, and West Branches, the last of which is where you will find MNA’s Two Hearted River Nature Sanctuary.
The Two Hearted River meanders through the southern end of the Two Hearted River Nature Sanctuary. Photo by Rick Baetsen.
Located in the northwest section of Luce County, in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, this very remote sanctuary protects a variety of rare plant and animal species and their habitat, such as the indian pipe flower, pitcher plant, moose, and pine martin.
Acquired in September 2000, this sanctuary was one of the last that MNA founder Bertha Daubendiek was involved in purchasing, and one that she felt passionately would be a beneficial addition to MNA’s statewide network of sanctuaries.
Surrounded to the east and south by The Nature Conservancy’s Two-Hearted River Forest Reserve, and to the north and west by Lake Superior State Forest, this MNA property protects dry northern forest, as well as hardwood conifer swamp habitat, both of which are listed as vulnerable natural communities with the Michigan Natural Features Inventory. Combined with these other conservation lands, MNA’s Two Hearted River Nature Sanctuary plays a role in protecting nearly 200,000 acres of unbroken land, and contributes to the overall health and diversity of the ecosystem.
Learn more about this and other sanctuaries at michigannature.org
Michigan Nature Association 