Mill Creek Park

There's no ramp here — this is strictly a kayak and canoe launch. You're carrying your boat down to the water, so leave the trailer at home. There's a second put-in about 500 feet south along the paved Border to Border trail, which is nice if the main spot is crowded with families wading.

The parking lot is smallish and dirt, and it fills up fast on nice weekends since the park pulls in walkers, bikers, and families too. There are a few spots specifically reserved for kayak/canoe parking, but if the lot's full, head up the hill to the library lot and carry your gear down the stairs.

Mill Creek runs pretty shallow at the launch area — families literally wade in there catching crayfish and turtles. Fine for kayaks and canoes, but don't expect any depth. Spring runoff gives you the best water levels; by late summer it can get really skinny.

The trails and grassy areas along the creek get absolutely loaded with ticks, especially late spring into summer. If you're hauling a boat through any brush or walking the trail to the second put-in, do a thorough check on yourself and any dogs afterward.

What makes this launch worth knowing is the location — you're right in downtown Dexter with coffee shops and food within a two-minute walk. Picnic tables and grills right at the water if you want to hang before or after a paddle. No bathrooms though, just a portapotty about a mile up the trail.