MI Trails 2050 – Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance

shaping the next 25 years of trail development

Imagine a Michigan where trails seamlessly connect communities, promote health and wellness, and fuel economic growth. This is the vision behind MI Trails 2050, a collaborative initiative to create a roadmap for the future of trails in our state.

Trails are unique in that collaboration and coordination are required to plan, build, and promote sustainable use and maintenance. A statewide trail planning and public engagement effort at that scale last took place in 2007, creating the “Connecting Michigan” plan. This update to the plan will involve diverse stakeholders from across the state representing government, community organizations, businesses, and public and private funders.

We invite you to join us in shaping the future of Michigan’s trails. Participate in a summit near you, share your ideas, become a sponsor, and help us build a thriving trail network for generations.

Michigan boasts a rich network of trails, but maximizing their potential requires a strategic plan. MI Trails 2050 addresses this need by:

Taking a holistic approach: We’ll consider the impact of trails on health, wellness, community building, economic development, transportation, recreation, and the environment.

Raising awareness: Embracing communities’ identities while rethinking trails as multipurpose amenities for an enhanced quality of life.

Engaging many voices: Through six summits spread across the state, we’ll convene communities and stakeholders to shape the future of trails.

Building a lasting legacy: MI Trails 2050 will be a co-created document, ensuring a roadmap that reflects the needs and aspirations of all Michiganders.

join us at a summit near you

As part of this statewide effort, we’re seeking to create space for better communication and coordination between public and private stakeholders, to build a shared plan and vision that integrates trails more effectively with local, regional, and state master plans.

We’re holding six regional summits across the state to bring together important perspectives from each part of Michigan. We anticipate each summit will include a trail experience, a panel of regional experts, and a featured speaker.

Let us know at mitrails2050@michigantrails.org if you have suggestions.

~~Register – June 3: Northern Center at NMU in Marquette~~

~~Register – June 10: Ziibiwing Center in Mount Pleasant~~

~~Register – June 17: SEMCOG in Detroit~~

~~Register – June 24: Fetzer Center at WMU in Kalamazoo~~

~~Register – July 8: Treetops Resort in Gaylord~~

Register – July 17: Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville

thanks to our sponsors!

Interested in becoming a sponsor? We’d love to have your support! Please contact andrea@michigantrails.org for details.

share your voice

Can’t attend but still want to participate? You can weigh in by filling out one of the forms below.

Option A – Full Version
Got time and ideas? Great, the long form allows you to dig into what matters most to you: Complete the full MI Trails 2050 participation form

Option B – Short & Sweet
Short on time? No problem. This abbreviated version gets right to the point:
Take the quick version

Would a virtual session help?
We’re exploring options for folks who can’t attend in person. If a virtual facilitated Summit would work better for you, let us know.

stay updated

get the gear!

Show your love for Michigan’s trails! We’ve put together some great MI Trails 2050 swag, and every purchase supports the work of the Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance.

Click Here