The Creeks

The most notable hidden creeks in Erie County are Mill Creek, Cascade Creek and Baker Creek.

Mill Creek

Mill Creek at Headwaters Park

A Vital Waterway in Erie County

Mill Creek runs 22 miles through Erie County and is one of the region’s largest watersheds. Mill Creek is the primary drinking water source for the City of Erie and Millcreek Township. Erie Water Works cleans the water before it comes out of your tap.

The creek begins as a small trickle in Headwaters Park near Route 8 and Interstate 90. As it travels into Presque Isle Bay, it winds through neighborhoods, forests, and open areas — even cutting right through the heart of the Erie Zoo. Beyond the zoo, the creek disappears underground and continues beneath the city, in the Mill Creek Tube, for the final two miles before reaching Lake Erie.

Erie circa 1915 - Flood Damage

A History Above — and Below — Ground

More than a century ago, Mill Creek mainly flowed in the open. Bridges crossed its waters, children played along its banks, and — as Erie’s industry grew — factories and homes used it as a dumping ground.

To manage flooding and urban expansion, the city eventually enclosed portions of the creek in what is now known as the Mill Creek Tube. Over time, additional storm drains were connected to the Tube, sometimes unintentionally routing runoff into the creek system.

Protecting Mill Creek Today

Mill Creek is more than a hidden waterway — it’s part of our drinking water supply. Efforts are ongoing to clean, monitor, and protect the creek to ensure a healthier future for Erie County residents. What goes into Lake Erie is returned to us through the tap, in our homes and businesses. It is vital for our own health that we protect the health and cleanliness of Mill Creek and the other creeks in our region (and around the world; it all flows somewhere).

Cascade Creek

A Waterway Shaped by History

Cascade Creek has played a powerful role in Erie’s development for centuries. Its strong flow once carved a deep pool at its mouth — perfect for early shipbuilding.

Map of the Cascade Docks, circa 1900

From Shipbuilding to Industry

During the War of 1812, shipbuilders took advantage of the creek’s natural depth to construct historic vessels like the U.S. Brig Niagara, U.S. Brig Lawrence, and the schooner Ariel.

About 50 years later, as trade and transportation expanded, three Cascade Docks were planned. The middle dock was set to be built right where the creek’s deep basin was located. To prevent the creek from depositing sediment and filling in that vital depth, the creek’s mouth was relocated west to where it remains today.

Strong’s Pond, circa 1900

The Age of Urban Development

As Erie grew, most of Cascade Creek was buried beneath industrial development, leaving only the northern section exposed.

In the early 1900s, the Erie County Electric Company — led by president Charles Strong — built a power plant at 5th and Cranberry. To cool the plant’s machinery, the creek was rerouted with concrete walls into a manmade cooling pond known as Strong’s Pond. Overflow from the pond returned to the creek and eventually flowed into Presque Isle Bay.

Baker Creek

A Historic Lifeline Through North East

Baker Creek may be small, but it’s long been at the heart of North East, Erie County. Its presence can be traced on maps as far back as the 1800s — sometimes labeled as a “creek,” other times as a “brook.” As the town grew around it, the creek remained an essential and ever-changing part of the community’s story.

Early Days

In the early years of settlement, fire protection posed a major challenge. When water wasn’t available, buildings were often left to burn while neighbors worked to save people and belongings. As North East expanded, Baker Creek was likely diverted from its natural hollow east of town to flow through the growing borough — providing a vital water source for the bucket brigades fighting structure fires.

Even with the creek’s help, several devastating fires struck North East in the mid-1800s, destroying sections of the business district within just a few decades. The creek couldn’t supply enough water for large fires, prompting the Borough to invest in more reliable fire protection systems.

Shaping the Creek to Fit the Town

As North East continued to grow, the community adapted Baker Creek again and again. Footbridges were built and replaced, culverts and roadways engineered, and businesses constructed directly over its flow. Concrete walls, storm drains, and runoff systems were added to help manage the water—but these changes sometimes created new challenges of their own.

The Flood of 1942

One of the most destructive events in the creek’s history came in March 1942, when a powerful flood tore through North East. The surge toppled trees, smashed into homes, buried cars, flooded basements, and caused thousands of dollars in damage. Tragically, one life was lost in the disaster.

Baker Creek on the West Side of Route 89

Today

Today, Baker Creek still winds through the borough—flowing past the historical society, local businesses, and beneath main roadways. Though much of it is now hidden from view, the creek remains an important part of North East’s landscape and history.

Baker Creek on the East Side of Route 89

Reducing Future Flooding

Flooding continues to affect parts of town during severe rain events. The Borough Council and community leaders are actively exploring ways to reduce future flooding and preserve the creek’s role as both a natural and historical feature of North East.

About Our Creeks