Bicyclists are happy at the prospect of a paved, dedicated trail connecting Chicago and Michigan. The Marquette Greenway Trail will span about 58 miles along the south shore of Lake Michigan.

Named after pioneer explorer Jacques Marquette, the project originated from a 2005 proposal from Congressman Peter Visclosky to initiate an overall rebirth of the area. The Illinois portion, entirely within Chicago, is already done. In Indiana, where most of the trail is located, construction is expected to be completed in late 2026 or early 2027.

The Michigan segment is divided into two phases. The first phase, connecting New Buffalo to Grand Beach, starts in early 2023. The second phase connects Grand Beach to the Indiana border and should finish in 2025.

As it currently stands, most of the entire route is complete, with cyclists able to ride with regular traffic for the missing stretches. Filling in the few remaining gaps will allow cyclists to safely ride end to end.

Photo 15843520 / Biking © Benkrut | Dreamstime.com

Although the Marquette Greenway Trail is only missing a few of its 58 miles for completion, those miles come at a high cost of several million dollars. Most of the necessary funding is secured, with fundraising expected to obtain the rest early next year.

All areas around the Marquette Greenway Trail should benefit from the Marquette Greenway Trail. The increase in traffic will bring more revenue to all.

While I am not an avid long-distance bicyclist, the prospect or challenge of this bike trek is very appealing to me. Although I have a couple years to wait, by the summer of 2025 I will be able to bike from my place north of Chicago to my sister’s home near Michigan.

— John Wroblewski, online writer