Fitzgerald Park Dam Portage

This is a carry-in portage around the dam, not a traditional boat launch — no ramp, no trailer parking. You're putting in canoes and kayaks here. The take-out upstream has a dock structure, and the put-in below the dam is a natural path down to the water. Don't show up with a trailered boat expecting to get wet.

The upstream take-out by the dock is straightforward, but the downstream put-in is basically a dirt path to the river. It can get slick and mucky, especially after rain or in spring. Wear shoes you don't mind trashing — the bank gets churned up from foot traffic and the wet environment along the Grand River.

Fitzgerald Park is a massive draw for hikers, disc golfers, families, and sightseers — especially in fall when the ledges light up with color. Weekends from spring through autumn the parking areas fill up fast, and ongoing construction projects have periodically shut down lots, pushing everyone further out. Get there early on weekends or plan for a longer carry to the water.

The park runs 8am to dusk, so no pre-dawn launches or late evening paddles. If you're planning a longer float on the Grand and timing your take-out here, keep that window in mind — the gates close.

Restrooms get locked up once the season winds down, usually by late October. They swap in porta-potties that range from passable to grim. Spring can be hit-or-miss too. Plan accordingly if you're staging a longer river trip from here.