IN-MI River Valley Trail

The Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail partners are working to create a 34-mile trail connecting Niles, MI to Mishawaka, IN.  The completed trail would be used by commuters, students, families and tourists.  The trail would connect people to:

• 4 universities and several schools
• 4 downtowns (Niles, Roseland, South Bend and Mishawaka)
• 16 parks and 2 YMCAs
• 5 hospitals or major medical facilities
• Several historical and cultural attractions
• Businesses offering eating, lodging and shopping

As shown on the map, a few segments are needed to complete this trail system.  The preliminary estimated cost to construct 5 miles in Indiana and 6 miles in Michigan is $5 million. (This estimate does not include factors such as acquisition, road crossing treatments, sensitive environmental features and site conditions.)

Updates on Progress

The City of Niles just completed 2.25 miles of trail from Plym Park to 3rd/Fort Street.   The official ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on October 30, 2010.  The trail was funded by the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund and the City of Niles.  Thanks to all of the hard work and dedication at the City of Niles, especially the Public Works and Community Development staff and the Parks Committee.

As you can see from the "Trail Ends" pciture, the trail needs to be completed south of the City of Niles.  The Niles Township Parks Committee is actively working with partners to make this connection from Niles City to the Indiana state line.  There is an abandoned railroad line owned by Norfolk Southern and negotions between the Township and the Railroad are underway to make this trail a reality!  

In Indiana, the St. Joseph County Parks Department and partners are working to continue the trail to Roseland and onto South Bend and Mishawaka.  St.. Joseph County Parks and Michiana Council of Governments have conducted a traffic study at Cleveland Avenue and have found an affordable solution for getting trail users across this busy road. 

In South Bend, IN, extension of the section known as the Northside Trail is in the planning stage.  The extension will more-or-less parallel Northside Blvd. from 21^st Street to Logan St. where it will link up with Mishawaka's Riverwalk.    

PARTNERS

Several organizations and agencies support the completion of this trail.  IN-MI River Valley Trail Partners   Your organization can consider signing a resolution of support  (PDF or Word).  If your organization would like to have a presentation made about the effort, please contact Marcy Colclough at 269-925-1137 x25 or colcloughm@swmpc.org.

More information:

• Download a Brochure (PDF) for the Indiana Michigan River Valley Trail
• View a Map of Existing Trail and the Proposed Route
• Presentations about the Indiana Michigan River Valley Trail

           -Short version (PDF)

           -Long version (PDF)

*Some of these files are large and may require a high speed connection to download.  If you do not have the newest version of Adobe Reader click here to download.