Start of the Art Trail
See Where it all Began
Headwaters Park is a natural fit for the beginning of the Art Trail, as it is the location where Mill Creek begins.
On the night of the Flood, historic rainfall, combined with numerous clogged culverts in the city, contributed to the disastrous flooding. Here at the headwaters, some farm buckets showed nearly 12 inches of rainfall over the course of the evening. From this point, the creek will flow over 22 miles, through neighborhoods, suburbs, and underneath the city until it exits into Presque Isle Bay.
Please note: No art piece will be installed at this location; only a sign.
When You Visit
Discover Headwaters Park – Where Nature and Conservation Meet
Headwaters Park spans 70 beautiful acres right next to the Thomas E. Bundy Industrial Park. In part donated by Erie County and also parcels purchased by the Erie County Conservation District, this diverse conservation area is full of life — so don’t be fooled by the peaceful views and gentle sounds! From birds and deer to pollinators and amphibians, the park is buzzing with wildlife across a variety of habitats.
Once marked by old farming and logging practices, the land has been transformed through the hard work of environmental stewards. Today, Headwaters Park features innovative stormwater management systems that protect nearby Mill Creek — and visitors can learn about these efforts through informative signs along the trails.
Visit the Headwaters Park website.
Trails, Trails and More Trails
You’ll find mature forests, native grasses, wetlands, and open meadows — all connected by nearly 3 miles of scenic trails. It’s the perfect place to hike, picnic, walk your dog, or simply unwind in nature.
Accessibility
There is a wetland trail that is ADA-accessible, using a boardwalk and an observation deck with scenic views over the wetlands, plus a Pocket Park with ADA trail surfaces and a covered picnic bench. The park’s maps mark “ADA paths / sections” so you can plan your outing using those particular sections. Both the upper and lower parking lot offer ADA parking spaces.
Places to Park
Headwaters Park has its own parking lot, which is maintained (and cleared in winter) for visitors. The lower parking lot is adjacent to both the steps and gradual trail leading to the trailhead. The upper parking lot offers direct access to the Pocket Park. The park’s parking lot is accessible via Wager Road.
Headwaters Park — the origin of the Mill Creek Flood.
Looking Back
In 1915, the current industrial park was farmland; no highway, no industry, rarely an automobile. Over 100 years ago, Headwaters Park was a successful mill and farm, utilizing the power of the creek to sustain the mill's function and keep the farm healthy.
- Jacob Albrecht was an entrepreneur who built a woolen mill here on the site of Headwaters Park in the late 1800s. A flood in 1893 destroyed his mill.
- The Werren family also had their farmhouse and dairy farm on the site of Headwaters Park.
- The region was often used for outdoor recreation such as light boating, swimming, picnicking, hiking and hunting.
Erie circa 1915 - Flood Damage at the 26th St. bridge
The Flood
On the afternoon of August 3, 1915, continual cloudbursts in this area resulted in an average of 7 to 9 inches of rainfall in six hours, more than what the City of Erie received.
- It was literally a perfect storm, combining back-to-back cloudbursts with heavy rain over a short period. This accumulation then traveled rapidly downstream, combining with other tributaries to increase water volume and carrying debris that would clog culverts.
- While damage to the farms was minimal, because all of the water flowed away, damage toward the mouth of the creek was unimaginable, a culmination of gravity (over 700 feet drop from the headwaters to the mouth), collection of water in one spot, and debris flow.
