Cadillac Listings

Harrietta State Fish Hatchery is State of Michigan's oldest operating state hatchery and was first opened in 1901. It is a major rearing facility for rainbow (mostly for inland waters) and brown trout (both inland and Great Lakes waters). The current facility was completely renovated in 1979 with minor improvements made in 1994 and 1999. The current rearing facility uses only well water and has both indoor and outdoor rearing facilities. The facility also has an interpretative area providing information on how watersheds work and how a hatchery operates.

Harrietta State Fish Hatchery's interpretive area has a self-guided outdoor trail system that offers many different areas of interest from some old hatchery construction to information on Ecosystems and how they play a role in the environment. The indoor interpretative room provides information on the Big Manistee watershed, your connections to the Great Lakes, the operation of the hatchery including an indoor tank room viewing window, and an interactive computer with hands on learning opportunities concerning our watersheds and other aspects of fish culture.

Harrietta Hatchery is located on 160 acres of very hilly state land. The area is a mix of conifers and hardwoods. There is a wealth of groundwater in the area as is evidenced by the many springs scattered through the hills. The property is bordered on the east and west by private property, but it backs up to thousands of acres of federal property in the Manistee National Forest on the south. Visitors are welcome to wander the hills, but access is limited to walk in only, as we cannot risk having access to our wells blocked by parked cars.

Hatchery Hours: The hatchery is open at no charge to the public. For more information or to schedule group tours call 231-389-2211 or check their website for current hours of operation.