Fish Ladder Park
Park · Grand Rapids ·

Fish Ladder Park

Park · Grand Rapids ·

Watch migrating fish, fish in river, scenic city and water views

river view
walks
wheelchair accessible
scenic view
public art
fish cleaning station
restroom facilities
waterfront
Fish Ladder Park by null
Fish Ladder Park by
Fish Ladder Park by
Fish Ladder Park by null
Fish Ladder Park by null
Fish Ladder Park by null
Fish Ladder Park by null
Fish Ladder Park by null
Fish Ladder Park by null
Fish Ladder Park by null
Fish Ladder Park by null
Fish Ladder Park by null
Fish Ladder Park by null
Fish Ladder Park by null
Fish Ladder Park by null
Fish Ladder Park by null
Fish Ladder Park by null
Fish Ladder Park by null
Fish Ladder Park by null
Fish Ladder Park by null
Fish Ladder Park by null
Fish Ladder Park by null

Information

606 Front Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 Get directions

Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Information

Static Map

606 Front Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 Get directions

+1 616 456 3696
grandrapidsmi.gov

Features

•Wheelchair accessible entrance
•Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Last updated

Jan 17, 2026

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@onthegrid
18,031 Postcards · 836 Cities

On the Grid : Fish Ladder Park

"A long time ago, the rapids in the Grand River were pretty grand. Now, thanks to a dam built where the river flows through downtown, it’s a little more controlled, but still mighty pretty. Come early fall, pull up a spot at the fish ladder to watch steelhead, coho and salmon swim their way up stream. Or, if you packed your waders, join the dozens of fisherman gathered at the dam looking to reel in a big one." - Visualhero

https://onthegrid.city/grand-rapids/west-side/fish-ladder-park
Fish Ladder Park
@onthegrid
18,031 Postcards · 836 Cities

"Fish Ladder Park, West Side. A long time ago, the rapids in the Grand River were pretty grand. Now, thanks to a dam built where the river flows through downtown, it’s a little more controlled, but still mighty pretty. Come early fall, pull up a spot at the fish ladder to watch steelhead, coho and salmon swim their way up stream. Or, if you packed your waders, join the dozens of fisherman gathered at the dam looking to reel in a big one."

Grand Rapids
Fish Ladder Park
@onthegrid
18,031 Postcards · 836 Cities

"Fish Ladder Park, West Side. A long time ago, the rapids in the Grand River were pretty grand. Now, thanks to a dam built where the river flows through downtown, it’s a little more controlled, but still mighty pretty. Come early fall, pull up a spot at the fish ladder to watch steelhead, coho and salmon swim their way up stream. Or, if you packed your waders, join the dozens of fisherman gathered at the dam looking to reel in a big one."

Grand Rapids
Fish Ladder Park

FriedChicken

Google
Michigan is having a very severe drought right now so Grand River water level is very low. It still have nice view and people still try to fish here. It is also call "snagger corner "because do all kinds of illegal things here. There is a sign said no fishing near the ladder. Fish ladder design by Joseph Kinnebrew help fish go upstream, all the way up to Lansing.I did see a couple fish on the bottom The park also connect to the Riverwalk and you can wall all the way around sixth street dam.

Howard S.

Google
Fish Ladder Park's Fish Ladder was completed back in 1976 to aid fish spawning upstream while allowing the public to see them on their journey. It's a very short walk from the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum and worth a visit. It's also a popular spot for fishing.

Brian D.

Google
This place was pretty cool to see. If I'm correct they are working on funding to improve the place. The restroom facilities are not the greatest, but are there. There was a fish cleaning station which I thought was cool. It was neat to see the ladder and watch people fish. The water isn't very deep, but the undercurrent right at the dam seemed to be very dangerous.

Axel A.

Google
It had trash on the ground and smelled due to people smoking stuff. Otherwise it was a nice view of the water, buildings surrounding, and the bridge(s). There also was some sort of trash pile of wood and blue drums on the water bank near the boat launch but it could have been an abandoned raft as well, hard to tell.

Erin P.

Google
Very cool place! Check it out if you're in the area. The fish weren't using the ladder when were were there but you're still able to fish and see all sorts of fish just swimming beneath the lookout areas.

Corrin R.

Google
This is one of my and my husband's favorite places to come and take walks and enjoy the beautiful scenery. We also love to go fishing near here! Just remember that there is no fishing allowed in the Fish Ladder itself!!!! We just came today and walked around a little bit south of the Fish Ladder and found a lot of usable and fixable lures, and also some very pretty shells. If you haven't visited Fish Ladder Park yet, I highly recommend it! If you have been here before, I also highly recommend you come back again soon! This place is so beautiful, and relaxing.

Shawn L.

Google
It was fun to go and watch the fish either succeeding up the ladder or not and trying again. Nice to see architectural art melding into nature. There is a walk way so that you can view the Grand river, the fishermen and the outline of the city. It's free to go. It was a bit busy but this is the time of year that the fish are going upstream and Art Prize is happening right now. We were still able to see the fish. They were really fast so I was not able to get a shot of the fish. It was still a cool experience.

Mohamed

Google
Fish Ladder Park is a unique and peaceful spot in downtown Grand Rapids. The river views are relaxing, and it’s a great place for a quick walk, photos, or just taking a break by the water. Not a huge park, but definitely worth a visit — especially during fish migration in spring or fall.