the oden state fish hatchery

Who would think that fish could be so entertaining this is really fun and interesting for the whole family. A great place to take unexpected guests ( it's free ).

This is a regular stop for us. The kids love getting out of the car and hiking down to the underwater fish viewing area. They also LOVE feeding the fish (bring quarters for the fish food dispenser.) There are bathrooms, lovely picnic areas, and best of all - it's free!

Very nice walk though old train car with lots of history. LOve the walking trails between ponds. The kids really like to feed the fish ( there are several feed stations along the way 10 cents for a had full of grains) The building with all the tanks is really neat too. I take this little tour ever few years and always enjoy it.

This is a very simple place to visit. The kids are able to experience some education in the nuseum, but they are also able to see so many fish that they will be amazed. A nice little place to stop and feed the fish.

While visiting the area, we decided to take the kids to see the Oden Fish Hatchery. The kids really got a kick out of visiting the little museum located in train cars on the property, and they really enjoyed being able to run around and see all the different stages of the hatchery. The best part of the experience was feeding the fish out in a couple of large holding ponds. No matter how much food they were fed, the fish were very active, jumping out of the water for the pellets. If you are in the area and have some extra time, check this place out.

This is a great place to eat lunch, take a walk or wander with children. It is a beautifully, tastefully restored stream and trail system with a feeding pond and glass viewing chamber. Super cool for the outdoorsy and those who love trout ;-)

The fish hatchery is very interesting and educational. The tour guide was informative and easily answered everyones questions.

Let me start by saying that my husband and daughter were not that excited to go to a fish hatchery, but we all ended up enjoying the visit. Even though we missed the guided tour (call ahead for times), we enjoyed the nature trails, feeding the retired fish in the big pond and the viewing area where you can see the fish underwater. There is also a vintage Pullman rail car on site that can be toured. It is a small museum where you can learn about the use of such rail cars to transport fish for the state's fisheries management program.

Totally worth the visit. Kids will love it! Lots of pathed and dirt trails to follow, neat ponds to feed fish and interesting information on how fish live! Closes early, so go in the morning or early afternoon.

Watch the trout compete for the food pellets your kids(or you) throw to them. Enjoy the museum and visitor center. My grand daughter has absolutely enjoyed this place since she was two. And it is Free! and right on US 31 south of Oden, just a few miles north of Petoskey.