Pumpkinvine Trail extended to Shipshewana

 

SHIPSHEWANA, Ind. -- The newest extension of the Pumpkinvine Trail opened in Shipshewana on Friday.

The new path is a nearly one-mile long addition of trail that fully connects Shipshewana to Middlebury, Goshen and Elkhart, now making this regional trail network more than 25 miles long.

The expansion was made possible thanks to the Next Level Trails grant, which awarded funding to the tune of $953,482 in conjunction with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

The departments director, Dan Bortner, says that the trail is a vital investment to communities across Indiana.

““The DNR is proud to partner with towns like Shipshewana to complete this major trail extension,” said Bortner.

The town of Shipshewana is not the only place that will receive funds thanks to the Next Level Trails Program, which will dole out a total of $150 million to many Hoosier communities in an effort to expand trial networks.

According to Shipshewana Town Manager, Bob Shanahan, the trails are an essential part of the community.

“This extension will help our town grow and improve the quality of place for current and future residents,” said Shanahan.