Summer 2026 Update
Planning continues for the trail connection in and between Fisherman’s Island State Park and Charlevoix. Nakwema staff are partnering with Charlevoix Township, City of Charlevoix, and the Charlevoix Trail Team to identify project vision and priorities.
Within Fisherman’s Island State Park, trail planning remains coordinated with Michigan Department of Natural Resources. As that work advances, Nakwema staff will help inform the trail route and begin design within the park. This work will guide project design along Bells Bay Road.
Schematic design began in 2020 for a segment of trail connecting the Lake to Lake Trail at Bells Bay Road in Charlevoix Township to Clipperview Road in Norwood Township. The goal of this process is to identify a trail alignment, develop preliminary costs, and conduct public outreach.
In December 2020 the project team and Michigan Department of Natural Resources presented a proposed trail route. To view that presentation, please click here. Following the public meeting, an online survey was conducted between December 17, 2020 and January 11, 2021 to help inform trail planning and design for a proposed trail route. One hundred ninety-six (196) surveys were submitted. View highlights from the results via the link below.
Online Survey Results Summary – Winter 2021 (PDF)
Partners continue to work on creating an accessible route from Charlevoix to the picturesque Fisherman’s Island State Park. The Michigan DNR’s ongoing park study, which includes evaluating the main road and entrance location, put trail planning on hold — while also presenting an opportunity to learn the values of park visitors better. In the meantime, the DNR applied for funding to support the development of the Nakwema Trailway at the north end of the park. Project partners are exploring improvements between Bells Bay Rd, the Lake to Lake Trail, and downtown Charlevoix. We will be working on finalizing an alignment that fits within the values and timelines of our partners in this area.
