LaGrange County Master Trails Plan
Background
In 2024, the LaGrange County Community Foundation commissioned a Master Trails Plan in conjunction with LaGrange County Trails. Supported by a grant from Lilly Endowment’s Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT) Phase VIII, the effort focused on envisioning and developing a countywide network of regionally significant trails to enhance the quality of life for LaGrange County residents.
The planning process included direct public engagement with other jurisdictions and major stakeholders, along with a series of in-person meetings. The Foundation partnered with HWC Engineering to lead the development of the plan.
Planning concluded in December 2024, and in spring 2025 the LaGrange County Community Foundation presented the final Trails Master Plan to the LaGrange County Commissioners.
This trails master plan will help LaGrange County Trails and community leaders in devising a unified and thorough strategy for enhancing and expanding trail infrastructure and programs.
LaGrange County’s Comprehensive Plan has the following vision:
“LaGrange County is a collective of desirable communities in
which to live and work, recognized for celebrating its distinct
heritage and identity, growing its local businesses and
industries, preserving its natural features, improving its public
spaces and roadways, and enhancing its quality of life.”
Quick Facts
- Engaged 200 residents through in-person events, surveys to determine next steps for trails
- Priorities of the trails are: Safety, Recreation, and Transportation
- LaGrange County is above the national average for residents who walk or bike to work
- The Pumpkinvine Nature Trail has been active since 2011.
- Trail development was a top priority in the 2022 LaGrange County comprehensive plan