Animals of the Huron River Statues

A sculpture of a Massasauga rattler in the play area. Johnmeszaros (Atlas Obscura User)

Gallup Park is part of a network of parks known as the “green corridor.” These parks preserve the wetlands and other ecosystems along the banks of the Huron River. To encourage visitors’ curiosity and appreciation for the natural environment, oversized statues of local wildlife have been placed throughout the park. Many of the animal sculptures can be found around the main play area, while others have been placed at spots along the paved walking trails that run along both sides of the river.

Among the statues are sculptures of a Canadian goose, A massasauga rattlesnake, a muskrat, a painted turtle, a spotted salamander, and many more. The park also features a sculpture of a wolverine, an animal that is not actually native to Michigan but popular in the city of Ann Arbor as the mascot of the University of Michigan.

A small kiosk at the play area has a map where all the statues can be found along with information about each creature represented.

Know Before You Go

Parking lots can be found along Geddes road at the play area and at the boat rental building at both ends of the park. Parking spots are also available at the nearby Furstenberg Nature Area.

The park's main paths are paved and wheelchair accessible.