Mariners Trail is a 5.5 mile recreational trail along the shore of Lake Michigan between Manitowoc and Two Rivers in east central Wisconsin. The paved surface accommodates walkers, joggers, bikers, and roller bladers. Mariners trail is an excellent place for walking a dog. Dog walkers are asked to keep their pet on a leash and clean up after their dog.
The southern trailhead is at the Manitowoc Marina, while the trail terminates at the Lighthouse Inn in Two Rivers on the north. There is no usage fee: the Trail is free to all users.
Access to the trail can be made virtually anywhere along its length, as the Trail parallels major roads along its entire length. Parking is available at both ends of the trail, and at numerous waysides along the trail. There are three motels either on the Trail, or very close by.
At the north end, the Trail ties into the Rawley Point Trail, which takes the user through Two Rivers and into the Point Beach State Forest. This seven mile section utilizes city streets, limestone surfaces, and a five-mile section through the State Forest.
The trail user can continue to the south along Lake Michigan, across the Manitowoc River on the 8th Street bridge, and then follow the trail along the south side of the river, past the car ferry dock, and into a residential area.
Restroom facilities are present on the Trail just north of the Manitowoc Marina, at the Woodland Drive wayside at the approximate mid-point of the trail, and at several restaurants along the Trail.
Maintenance and upkeep of the Trail is performed jointly by the cities of Manitowoc and Two Rivers.
About Friends of Mariners Trail
Friends of Mariners Trail (FOMT) is a non-profit organization formed in 2003 to assist in the operation, up-keep, promotion and future development of the trail. The organization has about 40 members, ranging from those who are very active and attend every meeting, to those who simply wish to make a contribution through their membership fee while not being active.
The main fund-raising activity is the "Trailathon", held each summer, consisting of a Trail walk and radio auction. Members particpate in trail cleanups each spring and throughout the usage season, at which time members and friends clean litter and overgrown brush from the Trail.
The Friends of Mariners Trail sponsor an annual Trail photo contest. The best of the submitted photos are printed in the annual calendar which comes out in October and is sold at various sites in the area. Prizes are awarded to the contest winners.
Funds raised by the organization are used for Trail improvement through items such as benches, bike racks, and landscaping. Two informational message boards, one near each end of the Trail, were purchased and installed. These are updated periodically. In October, 2006, funds were used for a rerouting of the Trail around the Waldo Blvd. parking area. In October, 2011, the Friends group worked with the City of Manitowoc to repave a section of the Trail near West of the Lake Gardens. This project was financed jointly by the city and FOMT. It is foreseen that a repaving of the entire Trail may be necessary in the next five to ten years, and a major donation for this work is envisioned.
In 2007, the Flowerbed Program was initiated. FOMT solicits community peoole who would be willing to plant and maintain a flowerbed along Mariners Trail. The program has been very successful, resulting in about 35 beds being cared for by local people. The beds have substatially enhance the beauty along the trail, and are constantly commented on by Trail users.
FOMT meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month, from February to October, at 6:30 pm, at the Chamber of Manitowoc County Building, 1515 Memorial Drive, Manitowoc. This location is right on the Trail, about 0.6 miles north of Reed Avenue. Meetings are open to both members and non-members. A complete list of meetings, as well as a map, is located on the Meeting Dates page. No meetings are held in November and December, and the January meeting is a special dinner meeting for recognizing Trail contributions and familiarizing potential new members.
Membership dues are $15 for an individual. Special family membership rates are also available. Complete information about joining is available on the Membership Application Form.
For more information about FOMT, you may email us at marinerstrail@charter.net
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