The Thompsonville Area Revitalization Project (TARP) is proud to announce a groundbreaking ceremony for Phase One of the Thompsonville Junction Trailhead Project. This significant event will take place at 11am on Friday, July 11 at the historic Thompsonville Junction (Diamond Crossing) near the corner of Thompson Ave and Michigan Ave in Thompsonville.

This ambitious two-phase project aims to transform the heart of Thompsonville, leveraging its rich rail history to create a vibrant hub for recreation and community growth. The Thompsonville Junction, a historically significant site where two major rail lines once intersected, played a pivotal role in the development of Benzie County and Northwest Michigan. TARP’s vision is to honor this legacy by creating a modern, accessible trailhead that serves as a focal point for the region. Interpretive signage will be included to share the fascinating history of this once-robust town and rail crossing.

Phase One, set to be completed by Fall 2025, focuses on the construction of key infrastructure:

  • A brand-new ADA-compliant Visitor’s Pavilion: This facility will feature four modern bathrooms, two showers, electricity, and a dedicated picnic area, encouraging visitors and campers.
  • An official Bicycle Trailhead on the Betsie Valley Trail: This will include a drinking fountain/water filling station, comfortable seating areas, secure bike racks, and a convenient bike repair station.

Phase Two, scheduled to begin in Spring 2026, will enhance the adjacent campground facilities:

  • Refurbishment of the existing ten campsites to include electricity at each site.
  • Two of these campsites will be upgraded to be fully ADA compliant, ensuring accessibility for all visitors.

“The Trailhead Project is a volunteer-based effort to bring about a transformational change in the Thompsonville area community,” said Charles Kraus, TARP president. “By focusing on the rich rail history of the Village, we are transforming that legacy into a positive force for community improvement. We envision this project attracting visitors, new businesses, and new residents, while also encouraging further infrastructure improvements in the village core.”

This development is strategically positioned as a central point where two regional pathways converge, ultimately connecting a byway to and from Beulah, Interlochen, Kaleva/Manistee County, and the Copemish/Cadillac area. This central location will greatly enhance regional recreational activities, including biking, running, and walking, bringing a renewed focus to Thompsonville.

TARP, a 501(c)(3) non-profit established in 2021, is dedicated to undertaking projects that improve the quality of life for all people in the greater Thompsonville area. The Trailhead Project has garnered significant interest and financial support from area residents, businesses, municipalities, and philanthropists. To date, TARP has successfully raised over one million dollars for the project. However, due to rising inflation costs, additional donations will be crucial to comfortably complete Phase Two.

Numerous foundations and organizations that have contributed to date include: the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, Rotary Charities of Traverse City, the Oleson Foundation, The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, The Biederman Foundation, The Art and Mary Schmuckal Foundation, The Dalmac Fund, The Michigan DNR Trust Fund, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, The Traverse City Track Club, The Green Brick Foundation, Honor Savings Bank, State Savings Bank, Benzie Sunrise Rotary, The Seabury Foundation, the Harry A. and Margaret D. Towsley Foundation, Impact100 Traverse City, The Hillquist Family Foundation, and the Office of the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development.

For more information, or to consider a financial donation to help offset the costs of project construction, visit the TARP website allaboardtville.org or Facebook page facebook.com/allaboardtville/.