BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. -- The official opening of the Red Arrow Trail will take place Friday, June 27, at the Lakeside Park trail crossing. 

Organizers say representatives from New Buffalo Township, Chikaming Township, Berrien County and Friends of Berrien County Trails, will join the Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. at the corner of Lakeside Road and 14949 Red Arrow Highway in Lakeside.

The trail is an eight-mile, non-motorized, paved pathway that offers a route from New Buffalo to Sawyer.

Guest speakers include:

• Gary Wood (Friends of Berrien County Trails Board Member)
• David Bunte (Chikaming Township Supervisor)
• Michelle Heit (New Buffalo Township Supervisor)
• Mac Elliot (Chair – Berrien County Board of Commissioners)
• Kevin Stack (Berrien County Road Department Project Engineer).

According to organizers, the construction of the Red Arrow Trail began in 2020, with four sections completed over five years.

"This new trail addresses the community's desire for nature and outdoor activities, offering a safe and enjoyable space for running, walking, biking, and rolling," a spokesperson said.

"It also enhances pedestrian and bicyclists’ safety for those visiting local businesses and Lake Michigan beaches."

There will also be a "Celebrate Red Arrow Trail Day!" on Saturday, June 28.

"Everyone is encouraged to explore the Red Arrow Trail and visit places along the way, who will be celebrating in their own unique ways," organizers said.

"'Celebrate Red Arrow Trail Day' signs will be posted at each designated location with a QR code linked to a full list of participating businesses."

The Friends of Berrien County Trails say they will continue to work towards connecting the Red Arrow Trail south to New Buffalo (linking to the Marquette Greenway) and north to Stevensville and beyond.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is currently designing the trail through Warren Dunes State Park to Floral Lane, and the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission is collaborating with the Berrien County Road Department to secure an MDOT TAP grant for a connection between Bridgman and Stevensville in 2026.

The ultimate vision is to connect the Berrien County trail system to the northern Kal-Haven Trail at Van Buren State Park in South Haven. 

The opening ceremony will also celebrate the reopening and completion of the three-lane Red Arrow Highway project, which runs alongside the trail.