Grand River Restoration
By Staff Writer
Published July 29, 2026 | Written for West Michigan Kayaking Club / Kayakers Journal
In-river construction began July 1, 2026, to remove four low-head dams on the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids. The scaled-back design prioritizes natural ecology, fish passage and safety over artificial whitewater features, while restoring rapids that will support paddling at various flows.
Contractors are removing the lower-reach dams between Bridge Street and Fulton Street, replacing them with boulder arches, riffles and habitat stones. Work is expected to finish by late 2027. Plans for the upper reach, including the Sixth Street Dam, continue alongside invasive-species barriers.
The project will make the downtown stretch safer for kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding. Natural riffles and changing levels should offer casual-to-intermediate whitewater. Follow progress at grandrapidswhitewater.org.
Ah-Nab-Awen Park is closed as the main construction staging area. The riverside trail beneath the Gillett Bridge is also blocked. Future upgrades will include safer launch points for boats and boards.
Paddlers must avoid the river between Bridge Street and Fulton Street while heavy equipment operates in the water. Dam removal eliminates dangerous hydraulic undertows. The Sixth Street Dam upstream remains hazardous; boaters must continue to portage around it.
Stay connected with the West Michigan Kayaking Club at westmichigankayakingclub.online and the Facebook group WEST MICHIGAN KAYAKERS (facebook.com/groups/245452732238952).
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