The Lower Grand River is now an official State of Michigan Water Trail!
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources recently approved LGROW’s application to designate the Lower Grand River as a Water Trail. The Lower Grand River flows 96 miles, from Portland to Grand Haven, and features 35 public access points along the way. Check out the interactive map below to start planning your trip. Stay tuned as we create a water-resistant planning guide you can take with you on the river!
What is a Water Trail?
A water trail is any route along a river, lake, or bay that is specifically designed for the use of small boats such as kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, etc. Water trails have developed access and launch points that are accessible to the public. These trails encourage tourism and healthy activities and assist in showcasing Michigan's incredible water resources, local pride, and economic growth. A water trail, or blueway, is similar to a hiking trail, or greenway.
Water Trail Goals
Protect and enhance watershed values, including water quality
Provide public education about the historic, ecological, recreational, and economic values of the river and its tributaries
Develop individual and collective stewardship for watershed values
Promote recreational use and enhancement of public facilities, information, and safety
Coordinate all sub-watershed groups for the Grand River
The Grand River Water Trail
The Grand River is the longest river in Michigan, spanning 252 miles long. The Grand River water trail is split into three sections, the Upper, Middle, and Lower Grand River. Each section has its own committee or alliance that has taken responsibility for the future development and oversight of these areas. Each one of the three sections is working together to develop a sustainable, enjoyable, and safe water trail for residents and tourists alike. With the help from citizens, access and launch points will be established, potential waterway hazards will be reported, and heritage sites will be identified.
Lower Grand River Water Trail News
LGROW’s application to designate the Lower Grand River as a State Water Trail was approved by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in September 2024.
LGROW submitted an application in February 2024 to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to designate the Lower Grand River as a State Water Trail. Learn more about Michigan Water Trails here.
LGROW receives funding to complete State Designation for Lower Grand River Water Trail! Read more here.
Lower Grand River Water Trail Development Plan
A draft of the Grand River Water Trail Development Plan is available here. Stay tuned as we make final edits to the plan in the coming weeks.
WATER TRAIL MEETINGS
The Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds has hosted community input sessions for the public to provide suggestions and comments on the Lower Grand River Water Trail Development Plan.
11/18/21 - Stakeholder input session
2/14/22 - Access Site Owners meeting
2/23/22 - community open house - gvsu (gr)
4/26/22 - community open house - ottawa co.
7/20/23 - Access Site Owners meeting
Let us know what is important to you to make a safe, user-friendly water trail on the lower grand river!
Terrain360
Terrain360 has provided LGROW a 360° view of the river. Plan your next trip down the Grand River from the comfort of your home. You can now get a 360° views of boat bayous, stretches of the river and public access sites. Clink the link below for more information.
The Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds (LGROW)
LGROW, an agency attached to the Grand Valley Metro Council (GVMC), began as a coalition of storm water regulation in the lower Grand River watershed. LGROW later expanded in 2009 to provide basin-wide oversight, implement watershed-wide initiatives and prioritize water quality concerns for the lower Grand River and tributaries. The lower Grand River runs through Kent and Ionia counties with its tributaries extending into Muskegon, Mecosta, Newaygo, Montcalm, Ottawa, Allegan, Barry, and Eaton counties.
The Middle Grand River Organization of Watersheds (MGROW)
MGROW was formed in 2011 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is associated with the portion of the Grand River from Eaton Rapids to Lyons and includes the Maple, Looking Glass, and Red Cedar river watersheds. Its mission is to "protect and preserve the history and the natural resources of the Middle Grand River watershed by promoting education, conservation, restoration, and wise use of watershed resources".
Read the Middle Grand River Water Trail Plan here
The Upper Grand River Watershed Alliance (UGRWA)
Formed in 2003 and centered in Jackson, Michigan, this watershed alliance covers headwater area from northern Hillsdale County to Eaton Rapids. "In 2003, communities and nonprofit agencies, from across the watershed, came together and developed a Watershed Management Plan for the Upper Grand River. One of the recommendations in that Plan was the creation of an umbrella organization to address water quality and land use issues that cross political boundaries. The Upper Grand River Watershed Council was formed initially, under Michigan's Local River Management Act. In 2008, the Watershed Council changed to a Watershed Alliance, under Michigan's Watershed Alliance Act, providing non-profit status. The Alliance is a partnership of many different groups all working to one end: restoring the river to meet water quality standards and to provide quality habitat and recreation".
Read the draft Upper Grand River Water Trail Plan here