Platte River State Fish Hatchery in Benzie County has completed accessibility improvements that add a fully paved trail through the hatchery grounds, an accessible pavilion for group tours, and a bicycle rack near the visitor center.
The work was funded by a $300,000 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant. A first phase completed in 2025 added curb cuts and van-accessible parking, an accessible trail to the Upper Platte River Weir, and wider doorways with soft-closing doors.
The hatchery, established in 1928, became Michigan's primary salmon hatchery in 1972. It draws more than 10,000 visitors annually. The facility is considered the birthplace of Great Lakes salmon; some of the first coho salmon stocked in Michigan were released into the Platte River on-site in 1966.
The improvements exceed Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines for accessible design. The trail now allows visitors to take self-guided tours through hatchery buildings, along fish raceways, the Upper Platte River, the weir structure, and salmon ponds. Paul Stowe, natural resources manager at the hatchery, said the improvements mean that "more guests can explore this historic facility and learn about Michigan's hatcheries and fisheries."