Rifle River Recreation Area

Cheryl Greaney

Rifle River, located in Ogemaw County, is like being in Michigan's Upper Peninsula only closer to home for most of us. The 4,449 acres are open year-round for recreation and camping. 

History

In the early 1920s, Harry M. Jewett, a Detroit automobile manufacturer, purchased land near Rose City to fulfill his dream of creating a haven for the "rod and gun." He named this private hunting and fishing retreat Grousehaven, and the main lodge was located on a narrow section of land between Lodge Lake and Grebe Lake. Once, while in this area of the park, I found some youngsters trying to find the old wine cellar that had been a part of the home. It is an underground room about 8 feet by 12 feet that also housed the pump that brought water from the lake to the Jewett retreat. An active sportsman and conservationist, Jewett raised and released game birds and reared fish, and in 1925, he opened this wilderness retreat to small groups of wealthy sportsmen from around the world. A lookout tower is located just off the road near the old homestead. From that tower I had a beautiful view of the two lakes and could see a bald eagle's nest on the far side of Grebe Lake in a tall pine. I happened to have my binoculars so that made it easier to spot one of the eaglets sticking its head up above the large nest. I am told the eagles have created another nest on Devoe Lake (which also is visible from the lookout tower) and have been nesting there for the past three years. 

After Jewett's death in 1933, Grousehaven was used little by his family even though the caretaker remained on site. In 1944, the Conservation Commission approved $75,000 for the purchase of the property. The Department of Conservation renamed it the Rifle River Area and it was administered by the Fish Division as an experimental fishing and hunting site. Persons using the site were required to check in and out, recording their take for the day. In 1963, the Parks Division acquired the area and it is now known as the Rifle River Recreation Area.  

Fishing

Boat motors are not allowed on any of the seven lakes or three ponds in the recreation area. Fishing on Jewett Lake is by permit only because the lake is still being used for research. The permit is obtained at the park headquarters and Jewett Lake is catch and release only. Live bait cannot be brought into this lake.  Both Devoe and Grousehaven lakes have trout and there is a variety of panfish in all the lakes.

Loons and Trumpeter Swans

Rifle River Recreation Area Manager Steve Krantz says in spring he often will see loons nesting on several lakes. Steve also said the trumpeter swan has been introduced to this area and several pairs can be seen on some of the lakes.  He has seen as many as eighteen. (That's  another reason for me to go back to the park. I've only seen mute swans in Michigan.)   

Trails

A visitor to the park needs to bring his or her hiking shoes and bike. There are 14 miles of hiking/biking trails in the park. However, bicycles are not permitted on the Pintail Trail because this area has many rare and endangered plants. This trail area is classified as a northern fen because of the alkalinity of the soil; a bog typically has a more acidic base. The self-guided interpretive trail features recently upgraded signs and information panels.   

Riding a bike on the trails is great exercise but might not allow you time to spot an otter playing in the creek or see a bobcat chasing a rabbit, which was my good fortune when I was there early one morning. Walking the trail is a wilderness experience. The slower pace gives you the opportunity to experience the feeling of being in a pristine environment. I like to take my bike to a remote area and just sit along the river to watch for wildlife. I often see deer and more waterfowl than I've been able to identify.

Beavers in the Area

On my next visit to Rifle River, I plan to take my kayak and float the three-hour trip down the river. Perhaps I can catch otters at play. Beavers also build numerous dams. I saw a beaver dam at Oyster Creek so I asked manager Steve Krantz about the activity of these animals. He said if the beavers create dams in the more remote areas of the park the dams are left undisturbed. But removal of many beaver dams is necessary to maintain the flow of water in the seven miles of trout streams. Dams cause a build up of silt and the water temperature to rise, which harms the reproduction of the fish.        

Camping

I've camped in the 75-site modern campground with the new, modern restroom. But my favorite spot is the rustic Spruce Ranch Campground. This campground has a buffer zone between each campsite and only 16 sites. There also is the Devoe Lake Campground. This 58-site rustic campground is nice because of its beach on Devoe Lake. The rustic campsites in both campgrounds are only $10 per night.

Cabins

I'm hoping to use one of the five cabins this fall. They are heated with propane, but have no electricity. Park manager Steve Krantz said using propane is safer and cleaner than a wood burning stove.  The remote cabins, which sleep six, also are very popular with hunters and snowmobilers. The Grebe Lake cabin has been renovated. This cabin was built in the 1930s by the CCC "boys" at the Mill Lake Outdoor Center at the Waterloo Recreation Area. In 1983, the cabin was taken apart, transported and reconstructed at Rifle River. Cabins currently rent for $65 per night. 

Hunting

The wilderness setting of Rifle River is ideal for hunting or trapping. Ruffed grouse, ducks, geese, turkey, woodcock, rabbits, squirrel, raccoon, fox, bear and deer may be hunted during their respective seasons. Beaver, otter, mink and muskrat are in abundance and may be trapped. Regulations may be obtained at the park headquarters.  

Reservations and Directions

Reservation for the campgrounds and cabins (the park is open year-round) may be made by calling 800-44-PARKS. For more information, visit the park's Web page at:  http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.aspx?id=489

To drive to Rifle River Recreation Area, from Rose City, go east on F-28 (Rose City Road) about 5 miles to the park entrance on the right (south) side of the road.