Page 45 - Manistique Visitor Guide - 2023

Manistique Visitors Guide
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flavor, but also the railroad and the logging camp flavor,” Reese said.
As Michigan’s heritage trail coordinator, Dan Spegel works on projects like this one to help shed light on some amazing history around Michigan’s 13,000 miles of state-designated trails.
Since 2015, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Michigan History Center has helped communities around the state create a deeper sense and experience of “place” for trail users through its Heritage Trails Program.
“Heritage trails connect people with the natural and cultural heritage of the landscape they are passing through,” Spegel said.
Pure Michigan
In February 2020, the Haywire Grade reached another significant milestone when it was designated one of three new Pure Michigan Trails.
According to Pure Michigan officials, designated Pure Michigan Trails provide access to national, state or regional scenic resources of high quality and splendor, and articulate the natural essence of Michigan.
Logos commemorating the Haywire Grade’s 50th anniversary celebration and those of partner organizations adorn mile markers along the grade.
Michigan DNR photo
“Michigan is known for having thou- sands of miles of hiking, biking and kaya- king trails, but the trails and communities that receive this designation are truly outstanding and embody what Pure Mich- igan is all about,” said David Lorenz, vice president of Travel Michigan. “We are pleased to partner with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to honor these trails and trail towns.”
ral and cultural resources in the area, dis- play iconic signage, increase awareness of trails for tourism and provide a catalyst for economic activity in their associated communities.
To qualify as one of the trails, routes may be a single trail or combination of trails and must be more than a mile in length, open to the public and substan- tially completed.
Those qualities, officials say, fit the Haywire Grade perfectly.
The trails and towns receiving Pure Michigan designations comprise some of the elite Michigan trail experiences. They promote healthy lifestyles, conserve natu-
Reese said the Pure Michigan designa- tion and recognition the Haywire Grade is receiving are great for the region and the state.
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“It’s exciting for everybody,” he said. “This has been building momentum for years.”