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August 8, 2024 - In 1824, an idyllic picturesque creek provided habitat and resources for not only the Potawatomie Indian tribe, but the first settlers of what was to become the City of Ann Arbor. That same creek, now named Allen Creek, still flows today, 200 years later, underneath much of downtown Ann Arbor, and parts of the Old West side neighborhood.
During our 2024 bicentennial, the Ann Arbor community can visualize and celebrate the “Ghost Creek" that is Allen Creek, just beneath our feet. Sidewalk signs have been placed to signify where the historic Allen Creek flowed under our paved roads and sidewalks. This installation will be available late spring, through the fall. Take a walk and try to envision what the landscape of Ann Arbor looked like 200 years ago, with this beautiful creek flowing through the new settlement of Ann Arbor.
Go to the “Historic Allen Creek" map on the Historic Allen Creek webpage to explore the route of Allen Creek and its enclosed current day location. Click on photo points to see what the creek area looked like prior to and during its enclosure in 1922-1926.
Ann Arbor has 123,851 residents, spans 28.97 square miles and is frequently recognized as a foremost place to live, learn, work, thrive and visit. To keep up with City of Ann Arbor information, subscribe for email updates, and follow the city on Twitter and Facebook. The city's mission is to deliver exceptional services that sustain and enhance a vibrant, safe and diverse community.