Midwest Continental Divide

Our team secured early funding, convened local governments and stakeholders and managed the planning process to keep the vision moving forward.

This initiative aims to create a trail system around Indiana’s unique watershed divide, where rainwater either flows north to the Great Lakes or south to the Mississippi River. The route will link parks, forests and attractions such as Potato Creek State Park, Lydick Bog, Bendix Woods, the Indiana Dinosaur Museum and South Bend Chocolate Company, turning the western part of St. Joseph County into a single destination.

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The Challenge

Despite its significance, the Midwest Continental Divide was an underutilized and largely unknown destination asset for both Indiana and St. Joseph County. The site lacked a unified development plan or dedicated funding, awareness was limited, infrastructure was absent, and no single entity had the mandate to coordinate across multiple jurisdictions.

HOW COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT MADE A DIFFERENCE

THE SOLUTION:

Our team established a city and county coalition, obtained state and local funds for planning and aligned the trail with nearby economic‑development projects, while guiding public engagement.

WHAT WE ACHIEVED:

The planned trail will connect roughly 160 acres of preserves, parks and trails.. It will create new recreation options, tie the west side of South Bend to natural and cultural sites and support ecotourism and quality‑of‑place. Educational programs will highlight local geology, conservation and waterways. The project remains in early planning stages, with public input underway and phased construction expected over several years.

COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT’S IMPACT

$40M

early funding secured.

35+ miles

of trails projected.

26-mile

loop connecting South Bend, North Liberty, Potato Creek State Park, and Lakeville.

5-member

commission established to serve as key decision makers.

THINK DIFFERENTLY ABOUT THE FUTURE

“This initiative was designed to bring people together to think differently about the future of St. Joseph County. Seeing that vision take shape through projects like the Midwest Continental Divide Trail reflects the power of collaboration, outdoor recreation and smart investment in the places that make our region special.”

David Niezgodski | Indiana State Senator, District 10