Business Analysis Report
Impacts of the Pere Marquette Rail-Trail
on the Economy and Business Community
of Midland and Isabella Counties, Michigan
Department of Park, Recreation and Tourism Resources
By
Drs Christine Vogt, Chuck Nelson, and Joel Lynch
Department of Park, Recreation, & Tourism Resources
Pere Marquette Rail-Trail Case Study
The Pere Marquette Rail to Trail History
The Pere Marquette
railroad corridor began as
an industrial asset to
transport raw materials and
finished goods across the
state of Michigan. Today
the corridor remains a
significant transportation
asset providing transit,
exercise and recreation
experiences to residents and
tourists.
Transportation and Community
Redevelopment
Linear-trails symbolize
redevelopment efforts. In
Coleman Michigan, the
abandoned railroad corridor
and downtown area were
transformed into positive
community assets and
exercise/recreation
facilities.
Department of Park, Recreation, & Tourism Resources
Old Coleman Depot (1990)
Yesterday’s Depot Restaurant (2001)
Pere Marquette Rail-Trail Case Study
Linear-Trails Connect
Communities and Business
Department of Park, Recreation, & Tourism Resources
Pere Marquette Rail-Trail Case Study
Midland
Sanford
Coleman
North
Bradley
Downtown North Bradley
Downtown Sanford
Downtown Coleman
Downtown Midland
Linkages between Linear-Trails
and the Economy
•! Investment in infrastructure
•! Expenditures by trail users
–! Sporting equipment and accessories
–! Restaurant and convenience goods
–! Accommodations for overnight stays
•! New development of residential areas along the linear-trail
and existing homes retaining or gaining value
•! Out-of-county visitors use and participate in special events
•! Agricultural industry participates with farmers’ markets
and trail users experience farm life and landscape
Department of Park, Recreation, & Tourism Resources
Pere Marquette Rail-Trail Case Study
Linkages between Linear-Trails
and the Business Community
•! Theme