Creating Connections for Generations to Come – Traverse Area Recreation

Trail

In 1987, a group of residents called Citizens for a Better Way came together to provide pedestrian and bicycle connections along the U.S. 31 corridor. Citizens for a Better Way worked closely with local and state government officials to create what came to be called the Traverse Area Recreation Trail, our namesake. Their vision was to connect Traverse City with the Grand Traverse Resort in Acme. They got to work securing funding and changing laws for this to happen. They took an underutilized, unimproved, and neglected industrial area along the rail line and revitalized the corridor. Their vision set into motion what we have come to expect in our trails today. Pathways that connect people and places, create investment in community, and protect and enhance our natural areas and public spaces.

Traverse City is the trailhead to the vast network of biking and hiking trails in the region. It fits perfectly with the appreciation of outdoor activities and preservation of our natural resources. Making improvements to the trails is a huge benefit to local residents, the community and our guests.”

—Trevor Tkach, President/CEO Traverse City Tourism

Today the TART serves as a spine for the regional trail network. Beginning with Mile 0 at Clinch Park at the edge of West Grand Traverse Bay, trail users can connect to the Leelanau Trail to the north, the Boardman Lake Loop Trail and Boardman River/ Ottaway Trail to the south, and the Vasa Pathway and Nakwema Trailway to the east. From the TART, you can connect directly to downtown Traverse City, nearby parks and neighborhoods. We are at the precipice of generational opportunity for change as we work with our partners at the City of Traverse City, the Traverse City Downtown Development Authority and the Michigan Department of Transportation to improve and extend this critical corridor along the entire bayfront.

Currently under design and engineering, the TART Bayfront Improvement and Extension effort addresses priority goals including increasing safety for all trail users, elevating and showcasing the rich cultures of our region, and supporting a more walkable, bikeable Traverse City. The trail will be designed with water quality, park visitor experience and environmental stewardship at top of mind. Together with our project partners and community support, we’re taking this 30-year-old trail, that has served us well, into the future. This much needed revamp will provide new routes to get from Cherry Bend to Eastern Avenue and create safer crossings into town as well as to the bay. It allows people to get where they need to go outside of their cars, so they can appreciate and enjoy the parks and incredible natural resources we have right here in our own backyard.

1993

City of Traverse City builds trail along Railroad Ave to connect the bayfront to Barlow

1994

City, Grand Traverse County and Friends of TART fund trail extension west from Division to M-72

1990

TART Phase I constructed (Barlow to Three Mile)

1995

TART constructed from 3-Mile Road to Bunker Hill in Acme Township

2014

City of Traverse City extended the trail along the north side of M-72/Grandview Parkway and constructed a pedestrian crossing at Elmwood

2020

~1 mile of trail between 3 Mile and Airport Access Rd widened and replaced

2022

Traverse City Commission hires Progressive AE for design engineering services for TART improvement and extension between Garfield and Eastern Ave to Division St.

2024

In 1997, the Friends of TART traveled to Washington, D.C. to receive the Environmental Excellence Award from the Federal Highway Administration for excellence in non-motorized transportation. Out of 154 nominations, Friends of TART was one of 16 winners from 34 states chosen as a recipient. Nominated by Cindy Krupp of the Michigan Department of Transportation, the award is given to those who “achieve a truly multi-faceted, environmentally sensitive transportation solution.” The achievement recognizes years of hard work committed to pursuing a vision of connected communities and safe and convenient travel for bicycles and pedestrians in the Grand Traverse region.

Construction; Improving and enhancing the spine of the TART Trails network and connections between our bayfront and downtown, neighborhoods and homes