Mill Creek North Park

This profile of Dexter’s Mill Creek North Park Playground is part of our Playground Profiles Series. Are you interested in sponsoring the series? Contact us for details.

Each week Ann Arbor with Kids is profiling a different playground in the Ann Arbor area including Ann Arbor, Saline, Ypsilanti, Dexter, etc. Today we are profiling Mill Creek North Park part of the Dexter system.

Dexter’s Mill Creek North Park

Mill Creek North is a playground geared towards younger kids on the banks of Dexter’s Mill Creek – adjacent to downtown Dexter. Visit the playground, wade in Mill Creek, walk along the creek, or make a stop at the Library, Farmers Market, or other shops and restaurants in downtown Dexter.

Mill Creek North Park – Playground Features

Playground Profile Last Updated: July 19, 2021

Playground Best for: Kids Under 5, Kids 5-8
Structures: 1
Accessible Structure: No
Slides: 3, Curved Slide, Racer Slide
Monkey Bars: No
Zip Line: No
Climbing Apparatus: No
Merry Go Round: No
Bouncers: No
See Saw: No
Sandbox: No
Natural Play: No
Swings: 4 traditional swings, 2 baby swings, 0 parent/baby swings, 0 adaptive swings, 0 tire swings
Ground Activities: No
Surface: Wooden Mulch
Shade: Partial Shade – Playground is full sun, but grassy area around it is shaded
Seating: Yes, Benches

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June 21

Mill Creek North Park – Park Details

Park Owner: Dexter
Location: 8140 Main Street, Dexter, MI, USA
Parking: Parking Lot – Behind the Fire Station
Bathrooms: Port a Potty
Walking Trails: Paved – Paved and Wooden Boardwalk connect the park to Mill Creek South and Hudson Mills Metro Park. There is a wooden stairway to Dexter District Library and Dexter Farmers Market. You can get to downtown through the Farmers Market or through the parking lot by the Fire Station (no stairs)
Water Play: Natural Water – Mill Creek is adjacent to the park and is shallow enough for splashing. The area by the play area can be fast moving with rapids. If you walk under the bridge to Mill Creek South, the water is slower before the rapids.
Picnic Benches: Yes, At Playground, Nearby, Shady
Pavilion: No
Sports Fields:

Mill Creek North Park Description

The structure at Dexter’s Mill Creek North Playground is on the smaller side and is perfect for younger kids. With side by side slides, a short crawling tunnel, and a curved slide, it will give a toddler or preschooler enough to explore.

But, it is a shorter structure that even young elementary kids will find limited. The older kids will probably be more intrigued by climbing up the rock (and jumping off). There are plenty of swings for all ages with 4 regular swings and 2 baby swings.

Dexter's Mill Creek North Playground - Rock

Mill Creek runs alongside the playground. This offers opportunities to wade in Mill Creek. The water is shallow, but beware of the current.

Dexter's Mill Creek North Playground - Creek Entrance

Or stroll along the creek to the north or south. Heading north will offer more shade – and a chance to find the Dexter Friendly Troll..

Dexter's Mill Creek North Playground - Dexter's Friendly Troll

Beyond Mill Creek North Park

The location of Dexter’s Mill Creek North Park gives access to a little bit of everything beyond the playground…walking trails, library, farmers market, and downtown Dexter. Just up the wooden stairs from the playground is the Dexter District Library and the Dexter Farmers Market (Saturday morning and Tuesday afternoon). Plan to visit the park before or after a trip to one of these locations.

Dexter's Mill Creek North Playground - Library

While you’re in Dexter enjoy lunch or a treat in Dexter. I stopped by the Dexter Bakery and grabbed Ham & Cheese pretzels to take home as lunch for my daughter and I.

Dexter's Mill Creek North Playground - Dexter Bakery

The Dexter Creamery also makes a great stop on a hot summer day – find them and other ice cream spots in our Ann Arbor Ice Cream Tour. On a crisp fall day, head to Dexter Cider Mill for cider and donuts. There are also restaurants in Dexter for lunch or dinner. Alternatively, Mill Creek North makes a nice stop after visiting Dexter Blueberry Farm.