Grand River

River in southern Michigan; length 419 km/260 mi. As the crow flies, its source is only 161 km/100 mi from Lake Michigan (into which it flows), but because of the river's winding course, its length is over twice that distance.

The Grand River rises in Jackson County, and flows north to Lansing, then northwest and west past Portland, Ionia, and Grand Rapids, to Grand Haven, where it empties into Lake Michigan. It is navigable for about 64 km/40 mi from its mouth to Grand Rapids. Above Grand Rapids, the river level falls steeply, and its energy has been harnessed for hydroelectric power at several locations here, stimulating the growth of local industry.

Grand River

River in Ohio; length 121 km/75 mi. From its source in southeastern Geauga County, it flows northeast past West Farmington, then north for 40 km/25 mi before turning sharply west near Austinburg. It passes Painesville and flows into Lake Erie at Fairport Harbor, northeast of Cleveland.

Grand River

River in southern Ontario; length 266 km/165 mi. The Grand River rises north-northwest of Orangeville and flows in a southerly direction past Waterloo, Kitchener, and Cambridge to Brantford, then southeast through Haldimand and Dunnville, to enter Lake Erie at Port Maitland. The name ‘Grand River’ was also formerly applied to the Ottawa River.

Grand River

River in South Dakota; 338 km/210 mi. It is formed by the confluence of its North and South forks at the Shadehill Reservoir in Perkins County, and then runs southeast across the Standing Rock Reservation to join the Missouri River near Mobridge.