The towns of Burns Harbor and Porter recently broke ground on a two-mile expansion of the Marquette Greenway. Once completed, the 60-mile Marquette Greenway corridor along the south shore area of northwest Indiana will go through several Region communities, connecting southeast Chicago, Illinois, to New Buffalo, Michigan. The groundbreaking in early June 2026 adds to the 32 miles of existing open trail, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said, while twenty-six additional miles of trail construction are planned for future segments.
“Once complete, these new sections of the Marquette Greenway in Burns Harbor and Porter will offer residents a great way to stay active, enjoy nature, and connect with their community,” said Indiana Governor Mike Braun. “Trails are essential links across Indiana, and we’re proud to partner with the visionary leaders in northwest Indiana who are bringing the Marquette Greenway to life, section by section.”
Two segments of 10-foot-wide asphalt multi-use trail will be constructed as part of the Marquette Greenway expansion. The town of Burns Harbor received a DNR grant for $5 million to build 0.82 miles of trail, which includes extensive grading, retaining walls, and a boardwalk to cross under the Norfolk Southern Railroad and over the Little Calumet River. The trail will extend from the existing terminus of the Marquette Greenway east of State Road 149 to Babcock Road. The town of Porter received a DNR grant of $2,077,016 to build 1.04 miles of trail from Babcock Road to Howe Road, a news release said.
“The Indiana DNR funding partnership between the town of Burns Harbor and the State of Indiana has catalyzed Marquette Greenway development,” said Burns Harbor Redevelopment Commission President Roseann Bozak.
“We are thrilled to begin construction on the most complex section of trailway in collaboration with DNR, the town of Porter, and the National Park Service. Once completed, trail users will enjoy Burns Harbor’s unique vista of natural and steel heritage through the Indiana Dunes National Park.”
