The Lakeshore Trail is a multi-use walking/biking path that will ultimately connect the Red Arrow Trail and the John andLakeshore Trail Logo Dede Howard Family Trail to the Van Buren State Park Trail, which connects to South Haven.  The first phase, expected to be complete in 2025, is a 2.5-mile multi-use walking and biking trail from Higman Park Road in Benton Harbor, along M-63 to the Lakeview Mountain Bike Trail trailhead located on Monte Road.  

Please consider donating today!  Your donation will match federal and local foundation grants.

This project will connect several parks and beaches along Lake Michigan to downtown Benton Harbor and St. Joseph. It also connects to 12 miles of Harbor Shores public trails and the 7-mile Lakeview Mountain Bike Trail, inclusive of 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 – April 2024
•Right of Way/Local Match Secured – April 2025
•Bid Project – Summer 2025
•Start Construction – Late Summer/Fall 2025
 Funding
•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. 
Funding has been secured from Michigan Department of Transportation - Transportation Alternatives Program, Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, Michigan Trails Fund, USDA Rural Development Block Grant, Carbon Reduction Program, Whirlpool Foundation, St. Joseph - Benton Harbor Rotary Club, Bike Michiana Coalition, Corewell Foundation, Berrien Community Foundation For Good and the Frederick Upton Foundation.  Three successful Give Back Events were hosted by North Pier Brewing, Planks Tavern on the Water and Silver Beach Pizza.   There was also a successful fundraising campaign through Patronicity where $75,000 in local funds were raised to obtain a $75,000 matching grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.