Grand Rapids Dam Removal Uncovers Original Rapids as Restoration Project Advances
In Grand Rapids, Michigan, the ongoing project to restore the rapids in the Grand River has revealed evidence of the city's original rapids. Nearly half of one of the downtown dams has been removed, and boulders are being strategically placed to recreate the river's natural flow. The project, led by Grand Rapids WhiteWater, aims to return the river to its historical state, a process that has been nearly two decades in the making. During excavation, crews discovered a limestone formation believed to be part of the original rapids. The project is expected to continue through the current construction season and into 2027, with the dry summer weather aiding progress by keeping water levels low. 
