Historic Moment as Grand Rapids Brings Rapids Back to the River

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — After more than a century and 17 years of planning, Grand Rapids is finally bringing the rapids back to the Grand River while also preparing to welcome a major new entertainment venue that will anchor the city's transformed riverfront district.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service approved more than $11 million in federal funding for the first phase of construction on the Grand River Restoration project, completing all major federal and state authorizations for what has been a nearly two-decade mission.

Rapids Returning to Downtown

Rapids once populated the Grand River as it twisted through West Michigan, eventually becoming the namesake for one of the state's largest populations. Then industry moved in, dams were built, and the rapids disappeared. Now, after more than a hundred years, the rushing waters are coming back.

The Grand Rapids Whitewater Executive Director Matt Chapman explained the timeline for the project during an interview with WOOD Radio.

"We've got the contractor on board. They're gearing up now," Chapman said. "They will likely start to mobilize, and Ah-Nab-Awen Park will be used for the construction staging and access."

Chapman noted that while equipment will be visible in Ah-Nab-Awen Park this spring, actual work in the river won't begin until July 1st.

"Bulldozers and equipment won't roll into the river itself until July 1st," he explained.

The project faces significant challenges, including the presence of endangered mussel species in the river. Chapman said the team relocated more than 9,000 mussels, with 38 of them classified as endangered mussels. These were removed from the construction area and placed in different locations.

"A big part of this project is restoring the natural habitats for fish and endangered mussel species," Chapman said. "That was really the first step of the project."

Construction Timeline

The City of Grand Rapids awarded a $14.5 million construction contract to remove dams and install natural rock structures. The project will focus on the Lower Reach, which stretches from I-196 to Fulton Street.

"They will start to mobilize, and Ah-Nab-Awen Park will be used for the construction staging and access," Chapman said. "It's really location we have to get into the river. So, there will start to be some work happening this spring in Ah-Nab-Awen Park."

According to Chapman:

• Construction equipment should be in the river roughly from July 1 until mid-December, depending on water levels
• Crews will return to the river again in the spring of 2027
• Construction on the lower reach should be completed after two summers of work

"This summer we'll actually get started with the actual physical removal of the dams and restructuring of the river channel," Chapman said.

Mayor LaGrand Calls It a Historic Moment

Grand Rapids Mayor David LaGrand called the funding approval a milestone achievement.

"After 17 years of planning and collaboration, we are finally bringing the rapids back to the Grand River," Mayor LaGrand said. "This project will transform our riverfront, improve access to the water, and create a healthier, more vibrant river for generations."

LaGrand thanked the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Grand Rapids Whitewater, former Mayors George Heartwell and Rosalynn Bliss, current and past federal and state legislators, and river partners for their long-standing support.

Acrisure Amphitheater Opens May 15

While the rapids restoration project gets underway this summer, another major development is already preparing to open its doors. The 12,000-seat Acrisure Amphitheater is scheduled to open on May 15, 2026, hosting major artists and anchoring a new riverfront district.

The amphitheater's inaugural season features an impressive lineup that includes:

• Lionel Richie - opening the season on Friday, May 15, 2026, with special guests The War & Treaty and Brian Vander Ark
• Kid Cudi - Wednesday, May 27
• Russell Dickerson - Saturday, May 30
• Parker McCollum - Saturday, June 6
• Jelly Roll - Saturday, June 13
• Santana & The Doobie Brothers - Monday, June 15
• Godsmack - Tuesday, June 16
• MGK and Wiz Khalifa - Wednesday, June 17
• Meghan Trainor - Thursday, June 18
• Darius Rucker - Thursday, June 25
• Pussycat Dolls - Tuesday, June 30
• The Guess Who - Wednesday, July 1
• Weird Al Yankovic - Friday, July 3
• Dave Matthews Band - two nights, July 7 and 8
• John Mellencamp - Friday, July 10
• Sarah McLachlan - Friday, July 17
• Hank Williams Jr. - Saturday, July 18
• The Black Crowes - Wednesday, July 22
• Lil Wayne - Saturday, July 25
• Dirty Heads and 311 - Tuesday, July 28
• 5 Seconds of Summer - Wednesday, July 29
• Chicago & Styx - Thursday, July 30
• Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band - Friday, July 31
• Lynyrd Skynyrd and Foreigner - Saturday, August 1
• Jerry Seinfeld - Saturday, August 8
• Goo Goo Dolls and Neon Trees - Tuesday, August 11
• Five Finger Death Punch - Saturday, August 15
• Hilary Duff - Sunday, August 16
• Lindsey Stirling - Friday, August 21
• Thomas Rhett - upcoming date

A $1B Riverfront Transformation

These developments are part of a broader $1 billion riverfront transformation that is reshaping downtown Grand Rapids. The project includes:

• The new Acrisure Amphitheater
• The Grand River dam removal and rapids restoration
• The Acrisure Amphitheater opening in May
• The Grand River dam removal project starting this summer

The amphitheater is expected to anchor a new riverfront district that will include improved public access, entertainment venues, and enhanced connectivity to the Grand River.

Impact on Community

The Grand River restoration project aims to:

• Improve aquatic habitat for native fish and mussels
• Add recreation opportunities like rafting to the river
• Enhance public access to the water
• Create a healthier, more vibrant river for future generations

Mayor LaGrand emphasized the collaborative effort behind the project:

"I'd like to thank the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Grand Rapids Whitewater, former Mayors George Heartwell and Rosalynn Bliss, our current and past federal and state legislators, and our many river partners for their long-standing support and commitment to this vision."

The project represents years of dedication from multiple stakeholders, including environmental groups, city officials, and federal agencies working together to restore one of the city's most iconic natural features.

What's Next

As construction equipment mobilizes this spring, residents can expect:

• Spring 2026: Staging and preparation work in Ah-Nab-Awen Park
• July 2026: Beginning of dam removal and river restructuring
• December 2026: Completion of first phase of construction
• Spring 2027: Return for continued work on the river restoration
• 2027: Expected completion of the Lower Reach project

The Acrisure Amphitheater will open its doors this May, marking another milestone in Grand Rapids' ongoing riverfront revitalization efforts.

Sources:

• FOX 2 Detroit - https://fox2detroit.com/news/grand-rapids-is-getting-its-rapids-back-after-batch-federal-funding-gets-approved
• WOOD Radio - https://woodradio.iheart.com/featured/wood-radio-local-news/content/2026-03-25-gr-whitewater-executive-discusses-timeline-for-grand-river-restoration/
• NewsBreak - https://www.newsbreak.com/103-3-wkfr-520710/4557855863818-here-s-every-concert-coming-to-grand-rapids-acrisure-amphitheater-in-2026