Parking Wars Ann Arbor: Summer Crowds at Argo Bring Tows, Tickets, and Tension

Summer in Ann Arbor means sunshine, tubing, and plenty of time on the Huron River. And nowhere draws a crowd quite like the Argo Cascades. This 4th of July weekend was no exception—people poured in from all over to float, picnic, and soak up the vibes. But the good times on the water brought some trouble on land.

From Friday, July 4 to Sunday, July 6, Ann Arbor Police cracked down on parking violations around Argo, issuing 42 tickets and towing 12 vehicles. Officers were on foot throughout the weekend, keeping an eye on things and making sure the crowds stayed safe and the laws were followed. While there were no arrests, enforcement was clearly a top priority—especially when it came to parking.

Cascades Chaos in the Neighborhood

Ask any resident near Argo and they’ll tell you: the parking situation gets wild. Locals have even started calling it Cascades Chaos. Limited parking at the park itself means that once the lots fill up, cars spill over into nearby residential streets—often ignoring posted signs or permit-only rules.

This isn't new. Back in 2016, the city rolled out extra street parking restrictions in the neighborhoods around Argo, limiting some areas to permit holders only during peak hours. These rules give police the authority to issue immediate tows, which we saw in full effect this past weekend.

Why It Matters

The concern isn’t just about inconvenience. Streets like Longshore Drive have posted no-parking zones to ensure that emergency vehicles can get through. When drivers ignore those signs, it puts safety at risk—especially on crowded weekends when first responders might need quick access to the park.

Where to Park Instead

If you're planning a trip to Argo this summer, don’t risk a ticket or a tow. Once the Argo Livery lot fills up, the City of Ann Arbor recommends using the overflow lot near Wall Street and Broadway. It’s a short walk and a lot less stressful than coming back to find your car gone.

Bottom Line

Ann Arbor loves its river life, but with that comes responsibility, especially when it comes to parking. Let’s make sure summer fun doesn’t turn into summer fines.

Have you experienced "Cascades Chaos" firsthand? Got a tip for stress-free parking around Argo? Share your thoughts and stories with us on Instagram @AnnArborHub or tag us in your weekend photos. Let’s keep the river fun and the neighborhoods calm.

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