The steamer Mildred carried passengers to and from Cook Park until about the time of World War I. The park stood at Cady's Grove, about three miles upriver from the dock behind the bank in Allegan, though the trip was much shorter by land traveling south on M-40 just beyond Thomas Street. At the time, Cook Park was the place to go for picnics, family gatherings, or simply spending time listening to the band play in the gazebo.