Buchanan is a step closer to extending McCoy’s Creek Trail to reach IN-MI River Valley Trail

What’s happening: The city of Buchanan is one step closer to extending its McCoy’s Creek Trail, thanks to the recent announcement of an approximately $340,000 commitment from the Niles-Buchanan Area Transportation Study (NATS) and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) programs. Later this month, the city will submit an application for an additional $300,000 grant from the Michigan DNR Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF). Construction is expected to begin in 2023.

What it is: As it stands today, McCoy’s Creek Trail is a shared-use path that runs along McCoy’s Creek, a roughly five mile-long pathway for walkers, hikers, and bicyclists that runs through prairie, E.B. Clark Woods, and downtown Buchanan. The trail features historical markers, exercise stations, access to nature areas, and more.

…And where it’s going: The McCoy’s Creek Trail Extension Project will extend the current shared-use pathway an additional half-mile, with the ultimate goal to extend the pathway to Niles, Michigan. Doing so would then connect downtown Buchanan with the Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail, a 17-mile trail that runs from Niles to Mishawaka, Indiana.

Why it’s important: The extension would run along Schirmer Parkway, down River Street across River Street Bridge, and into Buchanan Township, connecting to local destination River St. Joe Brewery at Flatwater Farms. The trail stands to boost Buchanan’s tourism draw as well as improve the quality of life for existing residents; the city estimates that 75 percent of its population lives within walking distance of the current trail.

What they’re saying: “The City of Buchanan is thrilled to receive a commitment of these grants which will make our vision of an extended trail into a reality, and deliver more health, quality of life, and economic benefits to our community and the region. Everybody loves this project,” says Rich Murphy, Buchanan’s community development director. “The trail extension will take you from our beautiful historic downtown, through the wilderness, across the river, and end at the only organic brewery in Michigan, River St. Joe Brewery at Flatwater Farms. How cool is that?”