10/09/2026
If you’ve been in the Hotel District recently, you’ve probably noticed some action on the river… the rapids are returning to the Grand! 🌊
In the 1800s, the Grand River’s roaring rapids gave our city its iconic name. During the industrial era, dams and channelization altered the river, slowing the rapids that once defined the city.
Today, community partners like Grand Rapids Whitewater and Grand River Network are bringing them back! This effort will improve public access, expand recreation opportunities, support local businesses, boost tourism, and encourage future development along the riverfront.
The project will also create a healthier ecosystem by improving fish habitats and helping protect endangered species, and encourage more diverse aquatic life.
A vision that began in 2009 is finally becoming reality, and we couldn’t be more excited to watch the rapids return from the heart of the hotel district. ✨ Pretty cool, right?
