The Lakeshore Trail will be multi-use path ultimately connecting the Red Arrow Linear Park Path and the John and Dede Howard Family Trail to the Van Buren State Park Trail in Covert Township, Van Buren County.  The first phase will be a 2.5-mile multi-use walking and biking trail from Higman Park Road, Benton Harbor, along M-63 to a trailhead located on Monte Road (where the recently completed Lakeview Mountain Bike Trail is located).  Please consider making a donation today!  Your donation will match federal and local foundation grants. 

This project will connect the community to several parks and beaches along Lake Michigan and to downtown Benton Harbor and St. Joseph. This trail will connect you to 12 miles of public trails at Harbor Shores.  This trail will also connect the Lakeview Mountain Bike Trail (7 miles) with a shared trailhead and bathroom facilities.  

LakeshoreTrail Phase 1 Map
Did you know that St. Joseph/Benton Harbor is almost exactly ½ way between New Buffalo and South Haven (about 28 miles each way).  This project is  critical to connect the communities along Lake Michigan.

 Lakeshore Trail Map
Schedule for Phase 1 – Higman Park Road to Monte Road Trailhead  (2.5 miles)
•Engineering Review By MDOT– May – August 2024
•Right of Way/Local Match Secured – September 2024
•Bid Project – Fall/Winter 2024
•Start Construction – Spring 2025
 Fundraising Campaign
•Total Project Estimate- $3.2 million (includes engineering, construction and construction administration).  Until the project is put out to bid, this  is just an estimate. 
•95% is committed to the project from federal, state and local foundations and donations.
Fundraising Goal - $200,000