Grand Rapids Whitewater

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Grand Rapids dam removal underway to restore namesake rapids

As of September 2026: Leading the restoration effort

Heavy machinery entered the Grand River on July 1, 2026, starting a two-year project to remove four low-head dams and restore the rapids that gave Grand Rapids its name. The work follows 18 years of planning, permitting, and fundraising by the city and Grand Rapids Whitewater.

Updated Sep 30