Coldbrook Creek (Michigan) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coldbrook Creek |
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Coldbrook Creek in Highland Park
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| Country | United States |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Fisk Lake 732 ft (223 m) |
| River mouth | Grand River |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Grand River (Michigan) |
Coldbrook Creek is a small stream that flows through the city of Grand Rapids in Kent County, Michigan. It's called an urban stream because it runs through a city.
The creek starts at Fisk Lake, which is located near the old John W. Blodgett Estate. From there, Coldbrook Creek flows until it reaches the larger Grand River. While some parts of the creek now flow underground in large pipes, there are plans to bring these sections back to the surface. You can see parts of the open stream on the campus of Aquinas College and inside Highland Park. A part of the creek also runs next to the Grand Rapids Eastern Railroad.
The Story of Coldbrook Creek
Long ago, near where Coldbrook Creek meets the Grand River, an important event happened. A leader named Ke-way-coosh-cum was killed there. Because of this event, some people used to call the creek "Blood Creek."
Later, the Lyman brothers built a grist mill on the creek. A grist mill is a special building where grain, like wheat or corn, is ground into flour. This mill was located near what is now Plainfield and Leonard.
Coldbrook Creek, along with a smaller stream called Carrier Creek, was very important for Grand Rapids' early days. These creeks provided the water for the city's first pumped water supply system. The pumphouse was located near where Coldbrook Creek meets Monroe Avenue.
Coldbrook Creek Today
Today, Coldbrook Creek still begins at Fisk Lake. However, much of the stream has been made to run underground in large pipes, known as culverts. This underground section is called the Coldbrook Drain.
You can still see parts of the creek flowing openly. These visible sections are found on the campus of Aquinas College and within Highland Park. Many people are working to "daylight" parts of the creek. This means bringing the stream back to the surface from its underground pipes. Bringing the creek back to the surface helps nature and makes the area look nicer for everyone.
