What is the Hamtramck Trail?

The Hamtramck Trail is a 1.5 mile non-motorized trail, open to walkers, cyclists, joggers, skateboarders and all pedestrians. The Trail is a project of Preserve Our Parks, a 10-year old non-profit community organization in Hamtramck, Michigan.

The Trail begins in Hamtramck’s downtown district, one of the 10 hippest areas in the country, according to the Utne Reader. Downtown Hamtramck boasts a mix of ethnic restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues, representing all of the City’s diversity.

The Trail then winds through Hamtramck’s neighborhoods, and into historic Veterans’ Memorial Park. This Park houses the tomb of Colonel Francis Hamtramck, the City’s namesake.

Exiting the Park, the Trail takes you through a diverse community of Polish, Bengali, and Arabic residents. This community is the historic birth of the U.S. automobile industry. The trail passes the site of former UAW Local 3 hall, and the sprawling General Motors Poletown Plant, which sits on the site of the old Dodge Main plant.

The Trail ends at the Dequindre Cut, at Hamtramck’s border with Detroit. The Cut runs along the Grand Trunk rail line, past the New Center, the Cultural Center, and Eastern Market, and ends at Detroit’s riverfront parks. Currently, the Cut is also being developed for non-motorized transportation.

The Hamtramck Trail is scheduled to be completed in 2007. The first phase of the Dequindre Cut – from the riverfront to Eastern Market — will also be completed by that time. When the entire 5-mile trail is completed by 2010, Hamtramck residents will be able to bicycle or walk from downtown Hamtramck to Eastern Market and the Detroit Riverfront.

POP is raising awareness, excitement, and, of course, funds to help make this landmark project a reality.

Be a part of the biggest parks and recreation improvement project in Hamtramck history. Purchase a limited edition Hamtramck Trail t-shirt or mug.

For more information, or to be involved in the Hamtramck Trail,
please contact POP.