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10 Marvels of the Midwest
BY SUZANNE MATYAS
Northcentral America may be famous for its vast fields and rolling plains, but its incredible trails
prove that the area has plenty to offer trail users, from bustling cities and charming countryside to
majestic landmarks and stunning landscapes. For experiences that are anything but “plain,” check out
these 10 Midwest trail marvels, curated by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy staff.
Michigan
PERE MARQUETTE RAIL-TRAIL
Missouri
MKT NATURE AND FITNESS TRAIL
This smooth 30-mile route is one of the most heavily
used in the state of Michigan, with many beautiful land-
scapes and amenities to attract trail users.
The trail starts in Midland at the Tridge, a three-way
bridge located at the confluence of the Tittabawassee
and Chippewa rivers, and connects to the 4-mile Chip-
pewa Trail. Traveling north, this rail-trail immediately
passes by the Dow Historical Museum and the Bradley
House, a restored home from 1874; both offer tours and
a look back at an earlier age in Michigan.
The path provides its visitors a scenic sampling of
wildlife, forests, rivers and farmland and passes through
several small towns. Two that make for great stopping
points are Sanford and Coleman, where you’ll find shops
and restaurants. In between the towns is Veterans
Memorial Park, the home of 200-year-old red and white
pines, as well as Pine Haven Recreation Area.
At the end of the rail-trail in Clare, visitors can con-
tinue their journey through Michigan on the 53-mile Pere
Marquette State Trail.•
Length: 30 miles
Surface: Asphalt
Uses: Biking, walking, inline skating, fishing, cross-country
skiing, horseback riding; wheelchair accessible
This popular trail extends nearly 9 miles from the
famous 238-mile Katy Trail, carrying its users north
from McBaine on a former spur line of the Missouri-
Kansas-Texas (MKT) Railroad. The first half of the
MKT goes through wooded areas and sprawling
farmland while following nearby Hinkson Creek, which
connects with Grindstone Nature Area and Stephens
Lake Park.
Along the way, enjoy highlights such as the Martin
Luther King Jr. Memorial at the bucolic Battle Garden,
and Forum Nature Area, a spectacular wetland filled
with wildlife. As the trail approaches Columbia, it trav-
els over several old wooden bridges that cross Branch
Creek. The trail ends at Flat Branch Park in the city’s
charming downtown, which is filled with lots of stores
and shops, and is in close proximity to the University
of Missouri’s historical campus.
The MKT Nature and Fitness Trail was awarded
second best urban trail in USA Today’s 10 Best Read-
ers’ Choice Awards in 2015. •
Length: 8.9 miles
Surfaces: Concrete, crushed stone
Uses: Biking, walking, cross-country skiing
Look for RTC’s
updated Midwest
Rail-Trail
Guidebook
series, coming
this spring!
Learn more at
To learn more
about these and
other trails,
check out
.
6 RAILS TO TRAILS WINTER 2017
B E S T O F