Friends of the Blue Star Trail

Our mission is to promote, construct, and maintain the scenic Blue Star Trail to connect people and communities from Saugatuck to South Haven while improving their safety, wellness, economic health, and environment.

Trail route option shown above was developed by the Friends in late 2019 to preserve center lane over bridge for emergency vehicle use. For more details, click here.

Renderings shown above designed by F&V in June, 2019 are trail route options from Lake Street in Saugatuck to Main Street in Douglas. For more details, click here.

WHAT'S NEW?

Click on blue italicized links for more details on updates shown below.

August, 2020 - With the onset of the pandemic in March, the tri-community trail committee has not reconvened since their first and only meeting on February 26.  As we await further progress on the north section, the Friends have begun exploring viable route options for the south section of Trail in South Haven and Casco TWP.

June, 2020 -  After much discussion and thoughtful reflection, the Board of the Friends of the Blue Star Trail has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Lakeshore Harvest Ride. While riding bicycles in the countryside is certainly a recommended and safe activity, bringing hundreds of visitors and volunteers together at the start and finish, buffet lunch, and multiple stops at vendors along the route is not a good idea under current circumstances.

May, 2020 - Spring update and status of Tri-Community group
As the weather shifts into Spring, many of us are looking to get outdoors for fresh air, sunshine, and exercise. The recent stay-at-home order has been a reminder of the need for simple pleasures - like getting outside on a sunny day and stretching our legs. We are so incredibly lucky to live in such a scenic area and to have a portion of the Blue Star Trail complete. (more)

January, 2020 - Friends Board renews commitment even though the $200,000 conditional pledge expired as a result of Saugatuck City's Council inability to yet approve, after more than 2 years, an ASSHTO compliant trail route.

December, 2019 - Rather than approving the City's resolution (see below), we are pleased to report that the governments of Saugatuck Township, Douglas and most recently, Saugatuck City, have voiced support and agreed to work with Friends  to draft a viable resolution of support for the Trail.

December, 2019 - To respond to the stated desire of Saugatuck's City Council and Fire Dept. to preserve the center lane for emergencies, the Friends develop a center lane trail option by reconfiguring the 'split trail' options presented to Council in June.

December, 2019 - **To avoid having to satisfy MDOT standards for trail, Saugatuck City's Council discusses during workshop meeting whether they should "go it alone " and build a trail which is less safe.

October, 2019** - Saugatuck City Council unanimously approved a resolution presented by the City Manager that the City “supports” proceeding with the north section of the Blue Star Trail in conjunction with Saugatuck Township and Douglas. But the resolution —with no input from the Friends of the Trail-- imposes conditions that make it actually a step backward, as several speakers at the meeting noted.

September, 2019 - On September 14, the 8th Annual Lakeshore Harvest Ride attracted over 400 riders and raised more than $26,000 for the Trail.  Big thanks to our sponsors, tour stops, volunteers and participants!

June, 2019 - Two new route options from Saugatuck City to Douglas are presented.

June, 2019 - Kickoff of 'Connect Us' campaign begins with goal to secure approval from Saugatuck City Council of a Trail route in 2019.

May, 2019 - A local couple, who wish to remain anonymous, have made a conditional $200,000 pledge to the Friends of the Blue Star Trail . Their goal is to connect, in one phase, the Trail from Douglas to the Blue Star Trail/Beeline Trail in Saugatuck Township (see below).

*Also, click on Articles, Editorials and Correspondence for more information.

Help Connect Us All!
To learn how you can help, click on the "Connect Us" logo
immediately below...Thank you!

EVENTS!

Our Annual Bike Tour, scheduled for September 19, 2020 has been rescheduled to September 18, 2021.

WHO ARE WE?

An all-volunteer charitable organization partnering with local communities to promote and fund the scenic Blue Star Trail - a 20 mile paved, non-motorized recreational trail between Saugatuck and South Haven.

WHAT DO WE DO?

Friends of the Blue Star Trail acts as a catalyst in partnership with local communities to promote and fund the trail.

HOW IS IT FUNDED?

We raise money through direct donations and our two main fund-raising events – “Toast to the Blue Star Trail” and “Lakeshore Harvest Ride”. These activities fund engineering and provide local match funds required to obtain state/federal matching grants needed to construct the trail.