Revitalizing the Grand River in Downtown Grand Rapids

Experience Grand Rapids has a near-century of success as the area’s destination marketing organization. We know what it takes – and who to partner with – to attract visitors, strengthen the region’s economic vitality and enhance the quality of life for our residents.

The project will also restore the city’s namesake rapids, which have been long absent from the river. There may even be whitewater paddling opportunities at some river flows.

Grand Rapids Whitewater has developed an environmentally sound design that will be implemented in two phases. Construction on the Lower Reach of the river, from Bridge Street to Fulton Street, began in summer 2026, and will accomplish all of the objectives above. Details and timelines for the Upper Reach of the river (Ann Street to Bridge Street) – which may include removing the Sixth Street Dam and the construction of a new sea lamprey barrier – are still to come.

Grand Rapids Whitewater is one of those community partners. Formed in 2009, the non-profit organization has led a complex and arduous effort to revitalize a 2.5-mile stretch of the Grand River that flows through downtown Grand Rapids. What began as a quest to restore the city’s namesake rapids – which had disappeared from the river due to a series of dams built in the late 1800s and early 1900s – evolved into a multi‑agency, multi‑year collaboration involving federal, local, state and tribal partners; rigorous scientific study; and extensive public engagement. 

Along the way, the parameters of the project expanded beyond enhancing water recreation and riverfront aesthetics to also support long-term habitat diversity, increased fish passage, strengthened ecological resilience and improved public safety.

In June 2026, the project moved into construction with the groundbreaking of the Grand River Restoration – Lower Reach, which extends from Fulton Street to Bridge Street  in the heart of downtown. Key elements of the Lower Reach phase include:

• Removal of four low‑head dams to eliminate dangerous hydraulics and improve public safety

• Installation of natural rock structure – boulder arches, riffles, emergent habitat boulders and bank vanes

• Enhancement of aquatic habitat across 2,887 feet and 30 acres of river corridor

• Improved habitat for native Great Lakes fish and protected species, including lake sturgeon, river redhorse and snuffbox mussel

The Lower Reach project is expected to take about two years to complete. The proposed Grand River Restoration – Upper Reach project, which contemplates the removal and replacement of the 6^th Street Dam, the first sea lamprey barrier on the Grand River, is currently undergoing environmental impact studies and analysis by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

A wave of community benefits

EXGR Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives Janet Korn has served on the Grand Rapids Whitewater Board since 2015, helping provide strategic direction for the project.

“I’m involved because this project will have a tremendous impact on the economic vitality and quality of life in our community,” she says. "Plus it’s fun! Whether people are looking for a paddling excursion down the river, a great fishing hole, or a place to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature from a riverbank in the heart of the city, the restored Grand River will have something for everyone.”

Anticipation of the Grand River restoration has spurred significant interest in additional downtown riverfront development. In fact, Grand Rapids is now in the midst of one of the largest active river revitalization efforts in the country, totaling more than $1.2 billion of investment. These developments are helping to activate and revitalize a river corridor that has been underused since our forefathers tore out boulders and built dams to support the logging industry more than a century ago.

Lyon Square

Lyon Square is a public plaza along the Grand River between DeVos Place Convention Center and the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. For years, it was little more than the endpoint of a driveway between the two facilities, graced by a small river overlook .

In 2025, Lyon Square was reimagined with pedestrian paths, greenery, seating, colorful lighting and a spacious platform overlooking the river. After dark, the park is illuminated with strings of lights and a large-scale projector can be used to shine images on nearby buildings. The space hosts a variety of public events and can also be used for private events, from convention receptions to weddings.

Acrisure Amphitheater

Just short of a mile south of Lyon Square, the Acrisure Amphitheater  is a 12,000+-capacity outdoor concert venue on the banks of the Grand River. This $184 million development opened in May 2026, kicking off a debut season of 45+ shows featuring such diverse performers as Lionel Richie, Kid Cudi, Jelly Roll, MGK, Dave Matthews Band, The Black Crowes, Jerry Seinfeld and Tim McGraw. The property incorporates ample green space and is part of a nearly 4-acre “Green Ribbon” running along the Grand River – including a public park setting ideal for formal and informal gatherings and uses throughout the year.

The amphitheater is part of a planned 31-acre urban riverfront development, the largest of such in the nation, and it is expected to spur even more economic development, bringing new jobs, businesses and amenities to the area. A major mixed-use housing project has already been proposed on 3.5 acres of riverfront property adjacent to the venue.

Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum sits on a riverfront site between Lyon Square and the Acrisure Amphitheater, on the opposite side of the Grand River. Founded in 1854, GRPM shares stories of West Michigan and the wider world through historical and cultural artifacts, permanent installations and touring exhibitions. Its current home was built in 1994 and the west wall of the facility is dominated by windows offering expansive views of the Grand River. But there’s been very little connection to the river otherwise – until now.

In June 2026, the Museum hosted a Riverfront Opening Celebration introducing the public to the results of the first phase of a $70 million expansion project started in 2023. Improvements include enhanced river access, new outdoor learning areas and landscaping improvements. The Cook Carousel Pavilion, which houses the Museum’s working 1928 Spillman Carousel, has been detached from the main facility to allow for accessible trail connections along the riverfront.

Construction is now underway on next phase of the expansion, which includes adding a public lobby and two new classroom spaces, and improving access to over 250,000 artifacts and specimens in the Museum’s care.

River Trail Enhancements

For decades, a Riverwalk along both sides of the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids has afforded spectacular views of the river and the city. Now, a $55 million project is underway to modernize and extend the network of parks and trails through the center city and beyond.

The planned improvements reflect a years-long effort by the city of Grand Rapids and community partners to revitalize and activate the Grand River. The effort will support the rehabilitation of downtown’s riverfront greenspaces – including Ah-Nab-Awen Park, Canal Street Park and Sixth Street Park – and also create new parks. It will build 28 miles of new trails that fill in the gaps between the riverfront trail system and other sections of the city, allowing non-motorized access to downtown and the river from throughout the area.

It's all part of the Grand River Greenway Project, which aims to develop an 85-mile network of trails and parks connecting Grand Rapids with Grand Haven to the west and Ionia to the east. When all the trail segments are completed, residents and visitors will be able to bike, hike or paddle from downtown Grand Rapids to Lake Michigan and back again.

Described as a “transformational” investment, the river trail enhancements will complement the Whitewater Project, Lyon Square, Acrisure Amphitheater, the Grand Rapids Public Museum renovation and other projects now underway and still to come – all of which will capitalize on the restoration of the river that once drew the Hopewell peoples and People of the Three Fires to its banks.

The “new” Grand River will be a healthy aquatic habitat and outdoor urban playground that creates a tangible connection to the communities of people who came before us – and brings today’s residents and visitors together in fun, educational and experiential ways.

Watch our award-winning Dream Grand and Grow video for a virtual look at the ongoing transformation of the downtown riverfront and surrounding cityscape.