Union Street Dam Park - Image 1
1 / 3

Union Street Dam Park

4.4
·99 reviews·Traverse City, United States

A serene park along the Boardman River, known for its mature willow trees, fishing, and peaceful natural beauty.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Serene nature, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Union Street Dam Park - Image 1

Union Street Dam Park

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Serene nature, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene park along the Boardman River, known for its mature willow trees, fishing, and peaceful natural beauty.

4.4
(99 reviews)

"Amazing waterway with willow trees and gamefish, a peaceful spot to check out. Reddit+1"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎣 Cast a Line

Known for good fishing, bring your gear for a relaxing afternoon by the river.

📸 Capture the Scenery

The mature willow trees and river offer great photo ops.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 99 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Boardman River Views

Boardman River Views

Along the riverbanks

Enjoy peaceful waterway scenes with mature willow trees and abundant gamefish.

Reddit+1
Fishing Opportunities

Fishing Opportunities

River access points

A popular spot for anglers, with a good chance of catching gamefish.

Reddit
Rustic Walkways

Rustic Walkways

Circumferential paths

Explore aged walkways offering unique photographic areas along the river.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Nature, Mind the Trails

Union Street Dam Park offers serene river views and fishing spots. Be aware that some walkways might be obstructed by high water, and certain stair sections may require caution due to overgrowth and disrepair. Reddit

Fishing & Photography Hotspot

This park is a known spot for fishing and capturing beautiful waterway scenes, especially with its mature willow trees. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Serene nature, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Good for fishing
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

What’s missing on the bucket list? Check out @traversecitytourism for more❗️#michigan #bucketlist #michigansummer #traversecity #northernmichigan
@thewanderingmichigander
27.8K likes • 461.8K views

🎣 Cast a Line

Known for good fishing, bring your gear for a relaxing afternoon by the river. Reddit

📸 Capture the Scenery

The mature willow trees and river offer great photo ops. Reddit+1

From winding backroads painted in oranges and golds to fresh apples, local wine, and cozy downtown finds, fall in Traverse City feels like it was made just for you. ❤️ #fall #TraverseCity #puremichigan #fallvibes
@traversecitytourism
16.6K likes • 480.1K views
Here’s what to do in Traverse City, MI🍒 #traversecity #traversecitymi #michigan #nomich #northernmi #northernmichigan #michigansummer #cherryfestival #Summer #thingstodo #thingstodoinsummer
@annabellesaco
9.8K likes • 202.5K views

👟 Watch Your Step

Some stairs and walkways may be in disrepair; exercise caution. Reddit

🌳 Enjoy the Nature

Appreciate the native shrubs and peaceful atmosphere. Reddit

HOW TO SPEND 72 HOURS IN #traversecitymichigan ⛵️🦙🌼🍒🥾 SAVE this post to refer back to + follow for more unique travel itineraries! ✈️ #traversecity #visitmichigan #traversecitymi #sleepingbeardunesnationallakeshore #sleepingbeardunes #thingstodoinmichigan #summerinmichigan #michigantravel #travelitinerary
@mellowyellowpay
9.2K likes • 252.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎣 Cast a Line

Known for good fishing, bring your gear for a relaxing afternoon by the river. Reddit

📸 Capture the Scenery

The mature willow trees and river offer great photo ops. Reddit+1

👟 Watch Your Step

Some stairs and walkways may be in disrepair; exercise caution. Reddit

🌳 Enjoy the Nature

Appreciate the native shrubs and peaceful atmosphere. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(99 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate Union Street Dam Park for its peaceful river views and fishing opportunities, enhanced by mature willow trees. However, some reviewers note that the park is in need of maintenance, with certain stairs and walkways showing signs of disrepair and overgrowth, which can impact accessibility. Reddit

"Nice park with pretty views. I saw two groups fishing, so likely a popular fishing place. However, the place is in need of some TLC. There were stairs which were clearly dangerous with overgrown vegetation, sticks lying around and displaced steps."

Feryal Alayont

"Peaceful and truly an amazing waterway. With Willow trees of over 100 years of age, native shrubs and ground cover, and the aged and rustic walkway which circles the pooling Boardman river (although high water levels have obstructed much walkway), and knowing that species of gamefish are still as abundant as they were decades ago; is still as enjoyable as ever."

David Aldrich

"Cool spot to check out while in Traverse City."

moshermeadows1102

What People Like

Peaceful river views
Good fishing spot
Mature willow trees

What People Dislike

Needs maintenance
Disrepaired stairs/walkways

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Union Street Dam Park is accessible by car, often found near the Boardman River trail in Traverse City. Parking is typically available nearby, though specific details can vary. Reddit

Yes, there are walkways along the Boardman River, but be aware that high water levels can obstruct some paths, and certain stair sections may be in need of repair. Reddit+1

Information on public transport directly to the park is limited. It's best to check local Traverse City transit routes for options that get you close to the river trail area. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Union Street Dam Park is generally a public park, meaning there is no admission fee to enter and enjoy its natural beauty. Reddit

As a public park, Union Street Dam Park is typically open from dawn until dusk, allowing visitors to enjoy the space throughout daylight hours. Reddit

Yes, a valid Michigan fishing license is required to fish in the Boardman River at Union Street Dam Park. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy fishing, photography, leisurely walks along the river, and simply appreciating the natural scenery with its mature willow trees. Reddit+1

While specific picnic tables aren't always highlighted, the park's natural setting offers spots to relax and enjoy a packed meal. Reddit

Some walkways are accessible, but high water and potential disrepair on certain paths might make it challenging. It's advisable to check current conditions. Reddit

The park is known for its gamefish in the river and the mature willow trees provide a habitat for various local bird species. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Look for areas along the Boardman River, especially near the mature willow trees and the rustic walkways, for picturesque shots. Reddit+1

Early mornings and late afternoons often provide softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the park's serene beauty. Reddit

The dam itself, the aged walkways, and the expansive willow trees are key photographic elements within the park. Reddit+1

You may also like

1 of 2
Union Street Dam Park (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide