NAKWEMA TRAILWAY
Project Report 2026
July 2026
We are filled with deep gratitude for your generous support and continued belief in this once-in-a-generation project Your commitment is helping us create a seamless, connected corridor that brings communities together, provides meaningful access to northern Michigan’s extraordinary natural landscapes, and strengthens the economic vitality of the entire region.
This year, progress has been driven by the passion and persistence of trail teams working in every corner of the corridor. Their dedication, combined with your investment, has advanced design and engineering, and moved multiple segments closer to construction. Each milestone brings us one step nearer to a continuous trail that will serve us all for generations.
Already, we are seeing how the Nakwema Trailway is inspiring collaboration among townships, businesses, tribal governments, and conservation partners. Communities along the route are envisioning new trailheads, revitalized main streets, and expanded outdoor recreation opportunities These efforts not only enhance quality of life but also support local economies.
At its heart, the Nakwema Trailway is about connection: connecting people to nature, connecting communities to one another, and connecting all of us to healthier, more active lifestyles. Together, we are building a legacy that will make northern Michigan an even happier, healthier place to live, work, and explore
Thank you for believing in this vision and for walking beside us, sometimes literally, on this journey. We are honored to share the progress highlighted in this annual report and look forward to the transformative work still ahead.
With sincere appreciation,
JULIECLARK CEO TARTTRAILS
The Nakwema (nah-KWAY-mah) Trailway represents a generational investment in our region, our identity, our people, and our future. Nakwema, meaning “where paths connect” in Anishinaabemowin, will provide critical nonmotorized transportation and recreation infrastructure, joining Charlevoix and Traverse City, in between and beyond. The 45+ mile trail will support a broader understanding of our region by those who live here and those who visit with a new way to connect to the extraordinary towns, villages, businesses, and natural spaces that have captivated us for centuries.
Develop a non-motorized trailway between the TART Trails and the Top of Michigan Trails Council networks
Create opportunities for everyone to participate in active living and healthy lifestyles
Spur economic development opportunities, enhance regional identity and strengthen vibrant communities of northwest Lower Michigan
FOUNDERSCIRCLE
MANY THANKS TO THE NAKWEMA FOUNDERS CIRCLE MEMBERS, WHO HAVE MADE A GENERATIONAL INVESTMENT IN THE COMMUNITIES OF OUR REGION.
4Front Credit Union
Anonymous
Herrington-Fitch Family Foundation
Charles Stewart Harding Foundation
Jim and Diana Huckle Family Foundation
Isabel Foundation
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Michigan Department of Transportation
Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund
The Neithercut Family
John and Sue Paul
Short’s Brewing Company
State of Michigan
This year, the Nakwema Trailway movement grew stronger in a meaningful way: through people. We saw a surge in advocates, volunteers, and community members who believe in the Trailway’s vision and are actively sharing our story, showing up, and building momentum. This expanding audience represents a powerful foundation for long-term sustainability, proof that awareness, trust, and enthusiasm for the Nakwema Trailway are growing even in a challenging construction climate With more voices championing the Trailway than ever before, we are well-positioned to turn this groundswell of support into future investment and lasting impact.
ENGAGEMENT
SHORT’SSHORTESTMARATHON
Over 225 people joined the Nakwema Trailway team at Short’s in Elk Rapids to run the shortest marathon, and celebrateconnectionstocome.
TRAILTEAMMEETINGS
The Torch to Bay, Elk Rapids, and Charlevoix Trail Teams are comprised of over 100 volunteer community memberswhoworkhardtomaketheir homeshappier,healthierplacestolive.
EVENINGSONRIVERSTREET
We joined the Elk Rapids Chamber of Commerce for two Evening’s on River Street, engaging with over 200 residentsandvisitors
OUTREACHEVENTS
We held events throughout the corridor, bringing more than 100 neighbors together the envision what afuturetrailnetworkwilllooklike
Maple Bay <-> Elk Rapids
Momentum continues to grow thanks to the leadership of the Village of Elk Rapids and support from local partners and the Elk Rapids Trail Team This spring, the Village secured a $2 million conditional commitment through the Michigan Department of Transportation's Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). Combined with matching funds, this investment will support construction of the 16mile trail connecting South Bayshore Road/US-31 to Townline Road.
The engineers and Nakwema team are moving forward with federal processes, finalizing engineering plans to meet TAP requirements, refine project costs, and prepare for fundraising efforts to secure the required matching funds.
Meanwhile, planning continues for Phase 2, the trail from Townline Road to Maple Bay County Park, in coordination with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Michigan DNR, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, and Grand Traverse County Parks & Recreation.
Eastport
This past winter, we temporarily activated the five-acre Eastport property on Barnes Park Road near the US-31/M-88 intersection by using it to store equipment for a local partner, Antrim County. This summer, the project team will begin a community visioning process to gather input from residents and stakeholders, helping shape a long-term vision for the site and guiding future investment and development.
Torch Lake Township
Trail planning in Torch Lake Township advanced this year through collaboration between the Torch to Bay Trail Team, Nakwema staff, and C2AE, culminating in completion of an Alternatives Analysis.
The study identified a preferred route that follows the east side of US-31 before crossing near the US-31/M-88 intersection and continuing north to Old Dixie Highway
The route prioritizes safety, environmental stewardship, and fewer roadway crossings and easements.
Current work includes surveying, preliminary design, landowner outreach, stakeholder coordination, project phasing, exploring funding opportunities, and l i f f t i t ith t hi d nty partners
an’s Island <-> Charlevoix
inues for the trail connection in Fisherman's Island State Park voix. Nakwema staff are th Charlevoix Township, City of d the Charlevoix Trail Team to ct vision and priorities.
man's Island State Park, trail ains coordinated with Michigan of Natural Resources. As that es, Nakwema staff will help rail route and begin design rk. This work will guide project Bells Bay Road.
