Saturday, September 7, 2024
Serving Algoma, Casco, Kewaunee, Luxemburg and all of Kewaunee County
For the Star-News
KEWAUNEE COUNTY — Already a cruise ship destination, Algoma will now be a hiker destination, thanks to its designation as an official Ice Age Trail Community.
The Ice Age Trail Community program, which is run by the Ice Age Trail Alliance, helps communities leverage the Ice Age National Scenic Trail as an economic and social engine. Algoma is the 22nd community along the Trail to receive the official designation.
“Commitment to this program represents agreement to build healthy and vibrant communities,” says Amy Lord, Outreach and Education Manager for the Ice Age Trail Alliance. “It is a partnership between the Alliance and Algoma to cross promote one another; and support the community and Ice Age Trail users.”
“We’re excited to welcome Algoma as a Trail Community,” Lord says. “It’s such a friendly, welcoming city. Ice Age Trail hikers will love exploring all it has to offer.
A Trail Community often becomes “home base” for Ice Age Trail enthusiasts who are tackling the Trail in the vicinity.
“After a long hike, they’ll discover a good restaurant or a nice place to stay. They’ll have a great experience, think fondly of their visit,” says Luke Kloberdanz, Executive Director and CEO of the Ice Age Trail Alliance, “which leads to another visit in the future. We know Trail supporters and volunteers will have a positive impact at the local level in Algoma.”
“Trail Community designation enhances Algoma’s reputation as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts,” says Matt Murphy, City Administrator & Public Works Director for Algoma.
Kewaunee County is home to roughly 50 miles of Ice Age Trail, including completed, blazed segments and connecting route between completed segments.
Plans are currently in the works to blaze more than three miles of Ice Age Trail through Algoma.
This will be a new Trail segment, named after the community.
“Trail segments that go through communities are some of the most popular,” says Kloberdanz, noting the Trail purposely going through communities sets it apart from other National Scenic Trails. “You get to see up close what makes that community unique. You get a real sense of Wisconsin.”
When the Algoma Segment is blazed, more than 700 miles of the trail will be complete.
The mission of the alliance is to complete the entire 1,200-mile route.
To celebrate the Trail Community designation and opening of the Algoma Segment, there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by a guided hike on the newly blazed Trail.
The celebration will take place on Sunday, Aug. 25, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., at the Algoma Boat Club.
