Marquette Greenway Trail

Challenge

The Marquette Greenway Trail is a bold regional vision: a continuous, multi-use path connecting Chicago to New Buffalo, Michigan. Spanning more than 50 miles, the trail enhances mobility, recreation, and economic opportunity across three states and multiple communities along the southern Lake Michigan shoreline.

While many portions of the trail have been successfully designed and constructed, one of the most complex and high-impact segments lies within the City of Portage, Indiana. This particular section – often referred to as the Salt Creek or National Parks connection – contained two distinct challenges.

First, crossing Salt Creek – a protected, ecologically sensitive waterway – required a carefully designed bridge that preserved the natural setting while supporting trail continuity. Second, the trail itself presented major obstacles. A steep 35-foot grade change at the east end of the corridor created serious accessibility and constructability issues. The surrounding topography added complexity, demanding a durable solution that minimized environmental disruption over the long term. 

Solution

To overcome these challenges, the City of Portage partnered with SEH to design a 12-foot-wide multi-use trail and a 120-foot-long pedestrian bridge, serving as the linchpin that ties this segment to the broader Marquette Greenway. The bridge was designed to accommodate emergency and maintenance vehicles in the previously inaccessible areas while offering scenic views that encourage trail users to slow down and enjoy the natural surroundings.

To address the steep grade, the team constructed roughly 5,800 sq. ft. of retaining wall, allowing for a switchback trail alignment that preserves ADA accessibility without compromising user experience. Thoughtfully designed overlooks and rest areas are integrated throughout the trail, offering moments of pause and connection to the landscape.

The Town of Burns Harbor, Indiana, is already home to a 1.5-mile paved segment of the Marquette Greenway Trail, which runs from State Road 149 to the Portage town line. This stretch plays a crucial role in connecting the eastern and western portions of Indiana Dunes National Park, bridging previously separated park units and enabling seamless travel along the lakeshore. When paired with Portage’s recently completed ¾-mile section, the result is a continuous four-mile trail that invites residents and visitors to explore the region without relying on a car.

More than a transportation project, this trail reflects a broader cultural and economic shift toward active living, outdoor recreation, and sustainable community development. It enhances connectivity between neighborhoods, local businesses, and natural areas, opening new opportunities for tourism and economic growth.

To help make this vision a reality, SEH worked closely with the Town to secure more than $2.5 million in grant funding – critical support that reduced the local financial burden and moved the project forward efficiently. By aligning funding strategies with community goals, the Town was able to advance construction while delivering long-term value for residents and visitors alike.

SEH is proud to support the City of Portage, Porter County, and Burns Harbor in bringing multiple phases of the Marquette Greenway to life. Each completed segment builds momentum and strengthens regional unity. As the final pieces come together, communities like Portage stand ready to welcome a new wave of trail-goers, offering them not just a path, but a place to reflect, explore, and connect.