Background
The Flyway Trail is a multi-phase project in western Wisconsin with an end goal of creating a continuous 108-mile trail between Winona, MN and Reedsburg, WI. Phase 1 of the project from Winona to Buffalo, WI has been completed. Today, we are happy to report that Phase II of the project is moving along swimmingly. The second phase takes the trail from Buffalo to the Great River Road Trail in Marshland, increasing connectivity for other trails in the area as well.
Progress
Now that the engineering study has been completed, project stakeholders now have a good estimate of the budget needed to complete Phase II, and anticipate construction will begin mid-2024. When completed, Phase II will connect the terminus of the Great River Road State Trail to the end of Phase I of the Flyway Trail, located at the Town of Buffalo Park in Bluff Siding, WI. This means that trail users will be able to traverse between Winona, MN and Reedsburg, WI via the Flyway Trail, connecting to the Great River Road State Trail and onto the La Crosse River, Elroy-Sparta, and 400 State Trails – a distance of 108 miles all via trails!
Plans are already being developed for Phase III of the project, which will extend north to Alma, WI and eventually to Nelson, WI. Phase III will provide safe passage for users along this corridor allowing them to enjoy the beauty of the bluffs along the Mississippi River, Merrick State Park and the scenic Lake Pepin area.
The Bike Fed will continue working with local stakeholders and Buffalo County officials to determine what the best funding options are to cover the remaining costs of Phase II and, eventually, Phase III.
Partners
Flyway Trail Board