Barton Dam, Ann Arbor, MI - Huron River Drive

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Barton Dam, Ann Arbor, MI

Barton Dam is one of Ann Arbor's four dams on the Huron River. It was designed by engineer Gardner Stewart Williams and architect Emil Lorch and built in 1912-1913 as part of the development of hydroelectric power on the Huron River by the predecessor of Detroit Edison. The earthen-construction dam is 34 feet high, 1767 feet long, and is accessed from Barton Park which is on West Huron River Drive at Bird Road. There is an ample sized lot for parking at park.

The City of Ann Arbor purchased the dam from Detroit Edison in the 1960s, and restarted hydroelectric generation in the 1980s. The facility has a 900-kilowatt turbine that generates 4.2 million kWh per year.

Park Contact Information

1001-1031 W Huron River Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Corner of W Huron River Drive and Bird Road
Vehicle Permit Required: No

Related Web Sites

Barton Dam from Waymarking.com

A blog on the Barton Nature Area

Barton Nature Area from City of Ann Arbor

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