SHAWANO, WI- Hikers and bicyclists traversing the picturesque Mountain Bay Trail will have a welcoming pit stop in Shawano, as the Friends of the Mountain Bay Trail and Shawano Pathways have unveiled a new information center housed in a refurbished depot building at the trail’s intersection with Main Street.
A pre-opening fundraiser on May 2 offered locals a sneak peek at the renovated facility, located adjacent to All Aboard Nutrition. Operating from dawn to dusk, the center will feature an array of amenities, including restrooms and Wi-Fi. While unmanned, the facility will be monitored by security cameras to deter vandalism.
Wendy Crawford of the Friends of the Mountain Bay Trail says the bathrooms are big and important addition for trail users. “Currently, there is a bathroom facility in Pulaski and one in Eland, but no other ones,” Crawford said. “Shawano can be that destination for a stop to rest or we can let people start their bike ride on the trial from Shawano.”
Matty Mathison of Pathways highlighted the center’s multifaceted role, serving as both an information hub and a testament to the trail’s rich history. Metal silhouettes tracing the trail’s evolution from a railroad line to its current status as a popular recreational route will adorn the interior, showcasing the various modes of transportation and towns along the trail.
In addition to preserving the trail’s heritage, the center will feature displays showcasing its evolution and historical significance, including old newspapers, maps, and photographs documenting the building’s former life as a train depot.
Complementing the information center is a bike repair shop operating adjacent to the facility, with plans to expand operating hours based on demand. For self-sufficient cyclists, a fix-it station outside the center provides essential tools, while bike racks encourage exploration of downtown Shawano.
As the center opens its doors to trail enthusiasts, Mathison hopes that visitors will embrace and preserve this valuable community resource, ensuring its continued success for years to come.
The center will be open in a week.
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