Swedetown Universal Access Project
The Swedetown Trails Club and Calumet Township have committed to a three-year project (2024-2026) to create a universally accessible recreation and adaptive sports facility and trail.
Goals
- Create a two-mile loop meeting ADA standards for width and slope
- Renovate and expand the existing chalet to move all common areas to the ground level and adhere to Universal Design standards for accessibility.
Two Hoots Accessible Trail
The universal access trail (Two Hoots) was completed in the fall of 2025 and also serves as a beginner mountain bike trail. The trail is at least 36″ wide with periodic passing zones, and grades of no more than 4 percent. Funding partners are listed below.
Universally Accessible Chalet
The existing chalet was built in the early 1990s with DNR and Calumet Township funding. It features concessions/kitchen, restrooms, seating for 20-30, a changing room, a ski wax area, and a wood stove. However, most of the common areas, including the gathering room and concession area, are on the second floor with no ramp or elevator. The bathrooms are on the ground floor, but that floor also does not meet accessibility standards.
First Step: Parking Lot
The initial work has occurred in the parking lot, which was expanded and raised to the level of the ground floor of the chalet. There are now designated handicap parking spots, which will be paved as part of the renovation project.
Chalet Expansion and Renovation
The expansion and renovation will include:
- Moving all common areas to the ground level
- Meeting Universal Design specifications for accessibility
- Expanding amenities and usable floor space to meet growing user demand
- Including user storage areas
- Adding outdoor space – covered patios
- Re-purposing existing second-floor space to create office space and expand storage
Progress to Date (Dec. 2025)
2023
- Site survey
- Chalet concept and design developed (UP Engineers & Architects)
- Parking lot design
2024
- Parking lot expanded and raised to chalet level (preparation for paved handicap parking spots
- Universal Access trail base built
2025
- Universal Access trail completed
- $400,000 DNR grant secured
Expenses and Investments to date (December 2025)
Expenses
Chalet
- Parking lot design/site survey $ 5,600
- Raise/expand parking lot $ 52,000
- Preliminary chalet design $ 13,000
- Detailed chalet design $ 70,000
Trail
- Design/build two-mile UA trail $ 74,000
- Complete UA trail (gravel, bond) $ 57,000
Total (Dec. 2025): $271,6000
Investments
- Calumet Township $122,000
- Swedetown Trails Club $ 42,100
- Copper Shores Foundation $ 35,000
- Visit Keweenaw $ 35,000
- Christopher Reeve Foundation $ 25,000
- Keweenaw Community Foundation $ 7,000
- UP Engineers & Architects $ 3,000
- League of Michigan Bicyclists $ 2,500
Total (Dec. 2025) $271,600
Upcoming Costs and Funding
Project Costs
- Expanded and Universal Access Chalet $1,000,000
Four ADA parking spots and sidewalks $ 25,000 - Landscaping and rain garden/bioswale $ 15,000
Project manager (DNR requirement) $ 40,000
Interpretive trail signage $ 2,000
Contingency $ 50,000
Total $1,132,000
Investments Secured or Expected
- DNR Trust Fund $ 400,000
- Keweenaw Community Foundation (rain garden) $ 3,200
- Calumet Township $ 100,000
- Swedetown Trails Club $ 104,250
Total $607,450
Next Steps
The Swedetown Trails Club is actively seeking grants and other fundraising opportunities. In the spring, the club expects to launch a community fundraising effort to complete the project.