Red Arrow Trail officially opens in Berrien County

BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. (WNDU) - After five years of construction, the Red Arrow Trail in southwest Michigan is now officially open.

The eight-mile paved multi-use trail connects New Buffalo and Sawyer.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Friday to mark the opening of the trail.

At the ceremony, dozens of people gathered at the Veteran Memorial Park in Lakeside to celebrate this new way of travel between the two coastal cities.

The highway that used to have four lanes now has three, with one transformed into a trail dedicated for non-motorized vehicles like bikes, roller skates and pedestrians.

“This does not require a car or having a parking spot, so that’s wonderful, too,” says Kimberlee Wendt, executive director for the Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce. “Someone could start from one end and tour the entire area just using bicycle, walking, roller blading, or other things . . This eight-mile-long trail will allow people to safely walk, bike, and roll along the highway. Shop owners are now hoping this could bring some positive impact to their businesses.”

Katie Marggraf is a co-owner of Black Currant Bakehouse, a local bakery located right around the corner from the trail. Serving the community for eight years, she’s excited to see how this will improve the township’s walkability even more.

“I think more people would come from New Buffalo to Union Pier, and vice versa,” Marggraf says. “A lot of time when people come with their families, they just stay in their house in one neighborhood. But if it is easier to venture out with bike, I think people would do that.”

More than 20 businesses, including Marggraf’s bakery, are participating in the Red Arrow Trail Day, which is part of this celebration featuring various promotions and events all Saturday.

“We’re going to do a discount on cold brew because it’s gonna be hot, especially if you walk or bike in tomorrow as opposed to driving,” says Jesse Ives, co-owner of Black Currant Bakehouse. “We really like to promote alternative transportation.”

Just as a reminder, every store will come up with its own promotions and events.