Ever wondered what the iconic Ypsilanti Water Tower looks like on the inside?

Join us as we share our first-person experience of what’s behind the stone walls!

Destination Ann Arbor Content Strategist and Ypsilanti community member, Maria, toured the famous landmark during a one-day-only opening during the Ypsilanti bicentennial.

While the tour is not open to the public, follow along for this exclusive as Maria highlights her journey and shares what’s inside. 

Here is Maria’s take:  

Touring Ypsi’s famous Water Tower has been on my list of Ypsilanti must-dos. While everyone can admire from afar, going inside is closed to the public. When I found out about a rare opportunity to tour, I had to experience this for myself!  

Ypsilanti water tower


Time Travelling  

As soon as I stepped inside, it felt like I traveled back in time. I thought about those who built this landmark from the ground up and the intricate engineering needed in the late 1800s. After starting at its foundation, I began my steep trek up the tower stairs.  

Ypsilanti Water Tower


It’s the Climb  

Motivated by my excitement, I raced up several flights of stairs, eventually reaching one of four larger-than-expected circular windows overlooking the Eastern Michigan University campus. What a view!  

Ypsilanti Water Tower window


At the Top 

As a group, we continued making our way up and finally we reached the top! I paused before stepping out onto the extremely narrow ledge probably 10 stories high. The ledge circles the tower's exterior and seemed to be pieced together from compiled wood, with only a chain-linked fence keeping us on the track.  

touring the Ypsilanti Water Tower


Once In a Lifetime  

After conquering my fear of heights, I quickly shifted my perspective and tried to remember every detail while taking in some of the most beautiful views of Ypsilanti. There is nothing quite like this moment!    

views of EMU campus from the ypsilanti water tower


Community Connection 

Many of us appreciated this shared special experience. It’s moments like these that make me feel most connected with our community. What an awesome opportunity to experience Ypsilanti history in this unique way. 

Maria tours the Water Tower

We'd like to thank Maria for sharing her experience with us! 


Want to learn more about Ypsi’s historic Water Tower? Start here:
History

Ypsilanti’s Iconic Water Tower

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Cities all over the world have important landmarks. They have titles ranging from “most important” to “must-see” or even to “greatest achievement”. Ypsilanti, Michigan has its own fair share of landmarks, and one has always stood out of…

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