RIVER FOR ALL

A Guide to Exploring the Grand River this Winter

A GUIDE TO EXPLORING THE GRAND RIVER THIS WINTER Aerial photo of the lagoon at Riverside Park The Grand River (or Owashtanong) is a beautiful Grand Rapids destination to explore year-round. Here are our picks for must-visit parks and public spaces this winter. Riverside Park Riverside Park is the largest river edge park in the City […]

Through the Eyes of Grand Rapidians: A River Story

THROUGH THE EYES OF GRAND RAPIDIANS: A RIVER STORY About the Project In the summer of 2019, UCLA student Sol Dressa worked with Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. and Grand Rapids Whitewater to help shape the planning phase of the river restoration project. Her goal was to ensure the creation of inclusive river amenities through active […]

When to Watch for Fish Migration at Fish Ladder Park

WHEN TO WATCH FOR FISH MIGRATION AT FISH LADDER PARK Fish Ladder Park (located at 560 Front Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI) is a functional piece of architectural artwork designed by artist Joseph Kinnebrew in 1975. Its practical use is to allow migrating fish to find a way around the powerful water flow from the […]

Community Spotlight: Grand Rapids Water Protectors

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: GRAND RAPIDS WATER PROTECTORS Grand Rapids Water Protectors at a recent clean-up event at Plaster Creek Park. (Photo by Brandy Reyes) Grand Rapids Water Protectors (GRWP) is a local organization focused on public education and action around the health of our waterways. We connected with Brandy Reyes, the vice president of the organization, […]

Virtual Event: Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer: Healing Relationships with the Natural World

Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer: Healing Relationships with the Natural World The Wege Foundation will host the 24th annual Wege Speaker Series on Thursday, May 27 at 4pm. The flagship event took a hiatus last year due to the pandemic. This year’s event will be virtual. Presenting is Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer, renowned author, educator and […]

Exercise with a View with these Fitness Stations Along the Grand River

EXERCISE WITH A VIEW WITH THESE RIVER EDGE FITNESS STATIONS In the summer of 2019, the Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department and Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. partnered to bring six outdoor exercise stations to the Grand River’s edge in Sixth Street and Canal Parks. The equipment is free to use and perfect for anything […]

Media

PRESS Recent Coverage Things are happening in and along the Grand River all the time. Read below about recent updates from our partners and beyond. 2021 8/10/2021 18th Annual Mayors’ Cleanup Hits Grand RiverCategory: City of Grand Rapids 7/29/2021 Grand Rapids offering guided kayaking trips on Grand RiverCategory: City of Grand Rapids 7/28/2021 What’s the […]

Community Spotlight: Latino Outdoors GR

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: LATINO OUTDOORS GR A group photo of a Latino Outdoors GR kayaking trip in October 2020. (Photo courtesy Sergio Cira) Latino Outdoors Grand Rapids is a local organization that brings people who identify as Latinx together to discover and enjoy outdoor activities across the region. We connected with Sergio Cira, the chair of […]

Blog

BLOG Exercise with a View with these Fitness Stations Along the Grand River • April 30, 2021 • Explore the River A Guide to Kayaking in the Grand River • July 9, 2020 • Explore the River You still can enjoy the Grand River while physical distancing • May 6, 2020 • Explore the River