‘A destination development’: White Pine Trailhead provides a better connection to downtown Cadillac

What’s happening: Local officials and community stakeholders gathered at the new White Pine Trailhead earlier this month, celebrating the development with a dedication ceremony. The project extended the White Pine Trail further into Cadillac and installed a proper trailhead, with an entryway and signage better announcing the northern terminus of the trail and, from the other direction, entry into Cadillac itself.

The White Pine Trail runs for 92 miles, from Cadillac to Comstock Park.What it is: At 92 miles long, the White Pine Trail is Michigan’s second longest rail-trail state park, extending from its northern terminus in Cadillac to Comstock Park and passing through 15 towns and five counties along the way. The White Pine Trail is almost completely paved, save for a 30-mile stretch of gravel that is expected to be paved next year.

What was built: Construction of the new trailhead began earlier this year in April and wrapped before the recent dedication ceremony. The $500,000 project was funded through a coalition of supporters, including a $264,160 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant. The trail itself was extended from South and Lake streets to the corner of Cass and Lake streets, with a trailhead installed at the terminus. An entryway structure includes a clock tower previously located at the corner of Mitchell and Cass streets. The new trailhead includes a parking area, benches, bike racks, bicycle repair station, and map kiosks with information about the trail and Cadillac, with QR codes for more information.

What it does: The new White Pine Trailhead not only provides a proper connection between Cadillac and the trail but was designed to integrate with the city’s larger, multi-year placemaking project, the Cadillac Commons. The trailhead is the fifth element completed, with construction of the Cadillac Rotary Performing Arts Pavilion, the downtown Plaza, The Market at Cadillac Commons, and a new City Park preceding it.

The new White Pine Trailhead not only provides a proper connection between Cadillac and the trail but was designed to integrate with the city’s larger, multi-year placemaking project, the Cadillac Commons. (Photo: Prein&Newhof) 
Why it’s important: “This new trailhead brings even more value to the visitor experience and the resident experience,” says Kathy Morin, Executive Director of the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau. “At the Visitors Bureau, we're focused on visitors, but at the same time, this is a destination development that will make Cadillac a more attractive place for people to want to live.”

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