Looking Glass River Access Improvements

The Looking Glass River that flows through the central region of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula is about 71 miles long, has no dams, and borders many wetlands and woodlots. It is a natural greenway that is a quiet oasis in suburban DeWitt and DeWitt Township and provides visitors the opportunity for wildlife viewing, picnicking, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.

Spicer Group was hired by both the City and Township to design new universally-accessible canoe/kayak launches, along with shoreline stabilization, interpretive sign, access path, and parking improvements. Spicer also provided grant writing/administration and construction inspection/administration.

The City used an awarded grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund to pay for the improvements in the amount of $64,400. The Township used an awarded grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund in the amount of $78,000, to pay for the improvements.

Canoers and kayakers now have two easy-in and easy-out launches for accessing the Looking Glass River. The floating launches can be used for fishing and nature viewing, as well.

The City of DeWitt and DeWitt Township are working together to create the beginnings of a water trail on the Looking Glass River. Both communities have parks on the Looking Glass River and neither community previously had an accessible canoe/kayak launch.