Argo Pond

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 1s+2s dance set and rotate:
 Set, Rotate singly and dance on 1 place clockwise, change places RH on sides and dance on to face 2M with 1L behind him
9-16 1s dance ½ Alternating Tandem Reel with 2M+3L and face 3M, 1s dance ½ Alternating Tandem Reel with 3M+2L and end 2nd place opposite sides
17-24 All set and link for 3 twice
25-32 All circle 8H round and back

(MINICRIB. Dance crib compiled by Charles Upton, Deeside Caledonian Society, and his successors)

Keith Rose's Crib Diagram

Argo Pond - Full Size And Key To Symbols

Dance Information

Constructed in 1920 by the Detroit Edison Company for hydroelectric power, it was decommissioned in 1959 and transferred to the city of Ann Arbor in 1963. The dam measures 18 feet in height and 150 feet in length, with six automated spillways spanning a crest length of 162.5 feet. Its discharge capacity is approximately 8,500 cubic feet per second. The reservoir created by the dam, often referred to as Argo Pond, covers about 96 acres, extending 2.46 miles upstream with an average depth of 16.3 feet.​

The area surrounding Argo Dam offers various recreational opportunities. The eastern shore features the 22-acre Argo Nature Area, while the western bank hosts the 36.9-acre Bandemer Park. Both parks provide trails and facilities for visitors. Additionally, the Border-to-Border Trail, a 35-mile pathway connecting Dexter Township to Ypsilanti Township, crosses the dam, enhancing accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists.​

Water-based activities are popular in the vicinity of the dam. The city operates the Argo Park Livery, offering kayak and canoe rentals for those wishing to explore the Huron River. In 2012, the Argo Cascades were introduced - a series of man-made rapids descending 12 feet over a 1,200-foot course - allowing paddlers to navigate the river without portaging around the dam. Fishing is also common both in the reservoir and downstream, with species such as channel catfish, bluegill, bass, black crappie, northern pike, and walleye present.

Discussions about the dam's future have occurred over the years. Proposals to remove it aimed to restore a natural river flow, improve fish habitats, and reduce invasive species like zebra mussels. However, concerns about the potential loss of recreational spaces and the costs associated with land reclamation have led to the dam's retention. In 2010, state authorities deemed the dam structurally sound, allowing it to remain in place with ongoing maintenance. ​

Argo Pond - Reservoir Side Of The Argo Dam

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