Overview
Argo Park & Nature Area is a 22 acre linear park on the east side of the Huron River (see the Ann Arbor Parks and Nature Area map for location context). The Argo Canoe Livery is a busy spot drawing crowds looking to rent canoes, kayaks, and rafts to paddle down the Huron River. Open from May - October, visit Argo Park Canoe Livery for more information or to make a trip reservation. Restrooms, shelter, public boat launch, fishing pier and the Argo dam are all near the Argo Livery. The Argo Cascades, a series of nine small rapids, rock chutes and pools serving as a bypass channel to connect Argo Pond to the Huron River are a popular attraction. With Argo Pond the central feature between Bandemer Park and Argo Nature Area, the Argo Pond walk highlights both parks in a 2.2 mile loop. The Border-to-Border trail crosses from Bandemer Park at the Argo Dam providing a trail connection to downstream parks such as Riverside, Fuller Park and Gallup Park. While the Allen Creek Berm Tunnel now provides a path connection from the Border-2-Border trail and Argo Park to Wheeler Park and downtown Ann Arbor. View the 90 second video that showcases this project and its grand opening in 2020.
Argo Nature Area offers a variety of splendors for visitors. From the peaceful views of the river to the calls of migrating birds, from a woodland trail to the shoreline boardwalk for hiking or running, from the view of the city skyline at night to the stars reflecting off the pond, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Argo. The unpaved trail runs the length of the park along the river and travels through two types of woods -- in the southern half you’ll find more basswood and willow, in the northern half you’ll see black oak and shagbark hickory plus more spring wildflowers. The entire trail offers beautiful views of Argo Pond & Huron River and provides connections to Bandemer for a wonderful loop trail of a little more than 2 miles around Argo Pond. The park also features a
rain garden and
mural. Read 2001 Park Focus: Argo Nature Area by Gillian Harris or 2011 Park Focus: Argo Nature Area by Tina Roselle for Natural Area Preservation insights and projects related to Argo Nature Area.