A Trail of National Significance –The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail

Dreamt of by locals for decades, the structure and approach to this multi-partner project was formalized through the scenic byway effort that engaged local governments and communities. Key project partners to bring the 27+ mile Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail to life included the Michigan Department of Transportation, Networks Northwest, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the NPS Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program, Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes and TART Trails who envisioned a new way for people to explore and enjoy the iconic Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

I am proud to have been involved from the early planning stages to the completion of the SBHT from Empire to Good Harbor Bay. Before the trail, the only place to ride your bike at Sleeping Bear Dunes other than county roads and state highways was around the campgrounds. The trail now links many of the Park’s popular destinations, gateway communities, and provides significant accessibility options for all to enjoy the beauty and nature of the National Lakeshore. I attribute the project’s success and rapid completion to the collaborative work, unique skills, and resources each partner brought to the project.”

—Barbara Nelson Jameson, Michigan Program Director, Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program, US National Park Service

The collaborative spirit between organizations lies at the heart of the project’s success. With the National Park Service providing the land and technical expertise, MDOT providing the engineering and construction management, TART Trails providing the fundraising and development support, Networks Northwest providing the planning support and Friends of Sleeping Bear providing the maintenance services, a solid foundation was established to help construct 20 miles of trail and provide tens of thousands of visitors with better ways to experience the Lakeshore and the surrounding communities.

2009

SBHT Plan approved in the SBDNL Master Plan

2012

First leg of trail complete between Glen Arbor and the Dune Climb

2014

The 5.5 mile segment from the Dune Climb to Empire complete, creating a 9.5 mile paved connection between Glen Arbor and Empire

2015

Glen Arbor to Port Oneida segment complete adding nearly 3.5 additional miles

2016

Port Oneida and Bohemian Road complete adding 3.8 miles

2019

Trail design from County Road 669 to Good Harbor Trail approved by Cleveland and Centerville Townships

2023

Design Engineering of the Pathway to Good Harbor

2025

Construction of the 5 mile Pathway to Good Harbor

2026

MILLION RAISED TO DATE

$ 16.7 $27.5 MILLION ESTIMATED TOTAL PROJECT COST

27 MILES including the planned ~2 miles south of Empire

The next section of the Heritage Trail will extend north from Bohemian Road (CR 669) to Good Harbor Trail (CR 651). This nearly 5-mile section will meander within the Lakeshore to a popular trailhead, telling the history of the land while winding through conifer forests and wetlands, alongside golden meadows and rolling dunes and by a historic farmstead. This phase will feature both a paved trail and boardwalk pathway separated from the roadway, promoting safe access for all ages and abilities to explore and enjoy. Project partners have worked for over a decade to create the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, and will continue to seek connections to the south and explore safer access to the communities along the corridor. As the Heritage Trail grows, other communities seek to make their own connections—from Frankfort to Suttons Bay, Leland to Glen Arbor. TART Trails is excited to continue to work with partners to help support better, safer ways to get outside and active and make those community connections. traversetrails.org

Extension to Empire; Continue to plan for future connections—to Suttons Bay, Betsie Valley and beyond