About Mariners Trail
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. The southern trailhead is at the Manitowoc Marina, while the trail terminates at the Lighthouse Inn in Two Rivers on the north. 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 several 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 so as to ensure sustainability of the trail to the communities of Two Rivers and Manitowoc. 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 on the second Saturday of each August, consisting of a Trail walk, 5k Fun Run, and radio auction. The Friends also holds a Trail Cleanup Day annually on the first Saturday in May, at which time members and friends clean litter from the Trail, and otherwise prepare it for the season.
The Friends of Mariners Trail also sponsor an annual Trail photo contest. The best of the submitted photos are printed in the annual calendar which comes out in November and is sold at various sites in the area. Prizes are awarded to the contest winners.
Funds raised by the organization is used for Trail improvement through items such as benches, trees, 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. 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.
FOMT meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month, except November and December, at 6:30 pm, with location alternating between the Manitowoc Recreation Department and the Two Rivers Recreation Department. The Board of Directors meets immediately before the general meeting, at 6:00 pm. Visitors and prospective members are always welcome.
Meeting Addresses:
Manitowoc Parks and Recreation Department
1105 Fleetwood Drive (at Waldo Blvd.)
Manitowoc
Two Rivers Recreation Department
Hamilton Community House - Senior Center
1520 - 17th Street
Two Rivers
Membership dues are $15 for a 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 the Friends using contact us, or phone Judy Corrado at (920) 684 - 0828.
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