To transform the Huron River corridor into a destination for people at home and beyond our immediate area, we are encouraging local river communities to face the river instead of away from it. We partner with public and private entities to develop the 104-mile Huron River Water Trail to make it easy for river recreationists to enjoy amenities along their journey.
Kiosks
In Milford, Dexter, Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Flat Rock, water trail users are greeted by FOUR-SIDED STONE KIOSKS with information about the HRWT and trail-based amenities in each town.
River-Inspired Design
These benches on the riverside are a welcome respite for visitors.
Canoe and Kayak Lockers
We created an inspired design for safe and attractive storage solutions in the Trail Towns. A prototype is installed in Ann Arbor’s Bandemer Park.
TRAIL TOWN POINTS OF INTEREST
TRAIL TOWN VISIONING AND PLANNING
The 5 largest communities on the river are becoming destinations for users of the water trail, hike-bike trails, and equestrian trails in order to improve the trail user experience and encourage them to spend more time in each community.
Strategic Plans
Each Trail Town has developed TRAIL TOWN STRATEGIC PLANS for communicating its vision as Trail Towns and identifying priority projects.
Visioning
Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Flat Rock to Lake Erie communities held visioning exercises. They created planning maps and held community conversations.
River Business Development
A new riverfront brewery in Milford. Two new kayak and canoe outfitters in Flat Rock, and a new one in Dexter. Expanded services from existing outfitters to meet the demand, and fly-fishing guide shops with ever-increasing following. And more on the way.
ART ON THE RIVER
Detroit Institute of the Arts Inside | Out Exhibit
Arts and Cultural Programming: in 2015, the Trail Towns hosted the first multi-location installation of the popular DIA Inside|Out program. Art installations were from the vantage point of paddlers on the HRWT.
Flux + Flow Interactive Exhibit
This project will be on Fleming Creek, Superior Township and is being built so stay tuned! Park visitors will be delighted and surprised by this interpretation of water meeting land.
MEASURING VALUE AND REVITALIZATION
CONNECTING LAND-BASED TRAILS
Several trail systems follow the Huron River like the Border-to-Border Trail, Downriver Linked Greenways, Lakelands Trail, and the Governor’s Iron Belle Trail. Our work supports trail development, connection to the water trail, and elevating the outdoor recreation sector in southeastern Michigan.