Huron River Miles 63-61
Dexter is situated where Mill Creek flows into the Huron River. It provides an ideal launching point for paddlers seeking to use the Water Trail. Parks, shops, pubs and dining in this picturesque small town are a short walk away.
The launch at Mill Creek Park near the Dexter District Library offer easy access with nearby parking. Paddlers will enjoy a half mile of flowing river down Mill Creek into the Huron. Watch out for a low bridge at the library or reported log jams downstream.
There is another launch, just upstream of the Main Street bridge and down the ramp from the Water Trail information kiosk. Experienced kayakers can use this one to shoot the rapids at the former site of the Mill Creek dam (check conditions carefully to avoid scraping your boat on the rocks or for holes during high water). The class II level of difficulty designation on the American Whitewater Association website for this spot draws paddlers from Ohio, Indiana, and throughout Michigan.
Dexter’s proximity to Hudson Mills Metropark, Dexter Huron Metropark and Delhi Metropark, and the Border to Border Trail give easy access to all kinds of outdoor pursuits that include fishing, biking, running, and walking, in addition to paddling.
History
Dexter was first settled in 1824, 13 years before Michigan became a state, when land speculator Samuel L. Dexter purchased a large tract of land and originated the village. It was known as the “Mill Creek Settlement” until the village was platted in 1830 and the name was officially changed to Dexter. The removal of the Mill Pond Dam in 2008 and subsequent restoration of Mill Creek catalyzed the historic and quaint village to expand its economic and community development opportunities based on the waterway flowing though town.
Events
Dexter’s cultural events include Dexter Daze and the Paint Dexter Plein Air Festival in August, a Summer Music Series on Fridays and the Farmer’s Market on Tuesdays and Saturdays May through October.
Visitor Information
Outfitters
Skip’s Huron River Canoe Livery & Outfitters offers Huron River kayaking trips and tubing from their nearby location at Delhi Metropark.
A RiverUp! Story
Flat Rock
