White Pine Trailhead provides a better connection to downtown Cadillac

What is happening: Local officials and community stakeholders gathered at the new White Pine Trailhead earlier this month, to celebrate the development with a dedication ceremony. The project extended the White Pine Trail to Cadillac and installed an appropriate track, with entrance and signage better advertising the northern end of the track, and from the other direction, entry into Cadillac itself.

The White Pine Trail runs for 92 miles, from Cadillac to Comstock Park.What is the: At 92 miles, the White Pine Trail is Michigan’s second longest railroad park, stretching from its northern end in Cadillac to Comstock Park and passing through 15 cities and five counties along the way. The White Pine Trail is almost completely paved, except for the 30-mile stretch of gravel expected to be paved next year.

What was built: Construction of the new track began earlier this year in April and concluded before the final dedication ceremony. The $500,000 project was funded by a coalition of supporters, including a $264,160 Michigan Natural Resources Trust grant. The lane itself extended from South and Lake Streets to the corner of Cass and Lake Streets, with a lane installed at the station. The entrance structure includes a clock tower that was previously located at the corner of Mitchell and Cass Streets. The new track includes a parking area, benches and bike racks, a bike repair station and map kiosks with information about the track and Cadillacs, with QR codes for more information.

what’s he doing: The new White Pine Trailhead not only provides a convenient connection between Cadillac and the track, but is designed to integrate with the city’s largest placement industry project, the Cadillac Commons. The track is the fifth component to be completed, with the construction of the Cadillac Rotary Performing Arts Pavilion, Downtown Plaza, Marketplace on Cadillac Commons, and the new City Park that preceded it.

The new White Pine Trailhead not only provides a convenient connection between Cadillac and the track, but is designed to integrate with the city’s largest placement industry project, the Cadillac Commons.
Why is it important: This new route adds even more value to the visitor’s experience And the “The resident experience,” says Cathy Morin, executive director of the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau. “At the Visitors Bureau, we focus on visitors, but at the same time, this is a destination development that will make Cadillac a more attractive place for people who want to live.”

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