Gallup Park | Ann Arbor

Gallup Park – A Detailed Overview of Ann Arbor’s Premier Riverside Park

Gallup Park is a 69-acre public park situated along the Huron River and Geddes Pond in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It is one of the city’s most beloved and frequently visited recreational areas, popular for its scenic views, accessible trails, water-based activities, and family-friendly amenities. Originally designated as a public park in 1958, it was named in honor of Eli A. Gallup, Ann Arbor’s longtime Superintendent of Parks who served from 1919 to 1957. The park has grown to become a vibrant, multi-use green space combining natural preservation with modern recreational design.

Geography and Layout

Gallup Park’s unique layout includes:

A large central pond (Geddes Pond), an impoundment of the Huron River.

Multiple artificial islands within the pond, connected by pedestrian bridges.

A looping paved trail system, weaving through wooded areas, riverside paths, and open green spaces.

Several access points along Geddes Road, with primary parking near the canoe livery.

The park's design balances the calm beauty of wetland ecosystems with modern accessibility, making it ideal for both casual walkers and more serious outdoor enthusiasts.

Water Activities and the Canoe Livery

One of Gallup Park’s main attractions is its boathouse and canoe livery, which serves as a hub for all water-related activities. Visitors can:

Rent canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, and stand-up paddleboards.

Embark on river trips, with options to paddle downstream to other parks like Argo or take a round-trip around Geddes Pond.

Launch personal watercraft from designated docks and boat ramps.

Use dry bags and life vests provided by staff, with equipment suitable for all ages.

The Huron River’s gentle current and wide breadth around Gallup make it an ideal location for beginners, families, and anyone seeking a leisurely paddle among water lilies, turtles, and ducks.

Trails and Walking Paths

The park features over three miles of paved, multi-use trails, which are part of the broader Border-to-Border Trail (B2B Trail) system:

These trails accommodate walking, jogging, biking, and rollerblading.

They pass through dense riparian woodland, grassy meadows, and alongside both the river and Geddes Pond.

The main loop, approximately 1.6 miles long, circles the pond and crosses several bridges.

The pathways are fully accessible, with low grades and smooth pavement, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

The scenic beauty along the trails changes with the seasons—from spring wildflowers and summer foliage to autumn colors and winter river ice.

Playgrounds and Family Areas

Gallup Park includes three playgrounds, each offering different experiences:

The Rotary Centennial Playground is the centerpiece, designed to be universally accessible and inclusive of children with physical and sensory challenges. It features:

Nature-themed play structures.

Interactive musical elements.

Surfaces suitable for wheelchairs.

Other play areas include traditional climbing structures, swings, and sand features.

Adjacent picnic areas and open lawns provide shaded spots for families to gather, eat, or host birthday parties.

Natural Features and Wildlife

Gallup Park’s habitat supports a rich variety of flora and fauna:

Birdwatching is excellent year-round. Species often spotted include:

Great blue herons.

Kingfishers.

Woodpeckers and warblers.

Migratory waterfowl like mergansers and Canada geese.

A Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden, established in 1989, offers nectar-rich flowers and sheltering plants that attract pollinators.

Turtles, fish, and frogs are commonly seen near the shoreline and from bridges.

The natural areas are protected, and visitors are encouraged to enjoy them passively, without feeding animals or disturbing nesting sites.

Public Art and Cultural Installations

Gallup Park has embraced art as part of the park experience:

The iconic “Canoe Fan” sculpture, made of real canoes formed into a flower-like design, celebrates Ann Arbor’s river culture.

The annual “Embracing Our Differences Michigan” outdoor art exhibit is hosted in the park. This traveling exhibit features:

Large billboard-sized artworks promoting messages of inclusivity and diversity.

Student and professional submissions from around the world.

These installations give the park a reflective, community-centered atmosphere and make it a space not only for recreation but also for civic engagement.

Picnic Areas and Event Facilities

Gallup Park is equipped with:

Two rentable picnic shelters that can be reserved for events such as reunions or corporate outings.

Dozens of picnic tables and charcoal grills scattered throughout the park.

Open fields for casual sports, frisbee, and yoga.

A café and indoor event space within the canoe livery building, ideal for small gatherings or meetings.

During peak summer weekends, these areas are often full of families enjoying lakeside cookouts.

Accessibility and Facilities

Gallup Park is designed with inclusivity in mind:

Restrooms and drinking fountains are located near key areas and are wheelchair accessible.

Parking is available near the main entrance and additional lots throughout the park.

The trail system, playgrounds, and boating docks all follow ADA compliance standards.

Park signage is clear and multilingual in places, with QR codes for maps and updates.

Events and Seasonal Programming

The park is active throughout the year, hosting:

Huron River Day in September, a city-wide celebration of the river featuring:

Free boat rentals.

Environmental education booths.

Live music and food vendors.

Nature walks, guided birdwatching, yoga in the park, and paddling clinics are regularly scheduled during the warmer months.

In winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are encouraged on the trails.

Gallup Park has also served as a venue for historical events, including segments of the Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival, drawing crowds of thousands.

Conclusion

Gallup Park is a multifaceted natural retreat embedded within Ann Arbor’s urban setting. It offers something for everyone—from peaceful walks and birdwatching to lively family outings, river adventures, and public art encounters. Its thoughtful design emphasizes accessibility, community use, and ecological preservation. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor, Gallup Park represents one of the finest examples of urban green space in southeastern Michigan.