The Lakeshore Trail will be multi-use walking/biking path ultimately connecting the Red Arrow Linear Park Path and the John and Dede Howard Family Trail to the Van Buren State Park Trail which connects to South Haven. 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.
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.
•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