Mercer Bike Trail Expansion Project Update

April 29, 2026

The Mercer Bike Trail Expansion is a priority initiative led by ICORE (Iron County Outdoor Recreation Enthusiasts), guided by both the Town of Mercer Comprehensive Plan and the Iron County Strategic Outdoor Recreation Plan.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Town of Mercer is fully supportive and prepared to move forward with Phase 1 construction of the multi-use trail expansion. This phase is based on a comprehensive feasibility study completed in 2025, funded through a DOT TAP Grant and the Town of Mercer.

The expansion will complete a 24-mile loop, connecting two separate segments of the Heart of Vilas County trail system by linking Mercer (Iron County) to the WinMan Trails in Winchester (Vilas County).

PHASE 1 HIGHLIGHTS

Phase 1 focuses on a 7-mile, primarily urban loop within Mercer that will:

  • Establish the foundation for the full trail expansion
  • Provide a safe, accessible loop for residents and visitors
  • Connect key community destinations, including:
    • Downtown Mercer businesses
    • Mercer Public Library
    • Mercer School (Pre-K through 12)
    • Mercer Depot Historical Museum
    • Carow Park
    • The preserved School Forest

PROJECT COST & FUNDING

  • Total Phase 1 Cost: $1.9 million
  • Grant Request (80%): $1.52 million through the DOT TAP program
  • Local Match Required (20%): $379,000

In November 2025, the Mercer Town Board unanimously approved sponsorship of the TAP grant application for construction. While the Town is not in a position to fund construction directly, it has committed to long-term maintenance of the trail once completed.

Thanks to the completed feasibility study, the team successfully prepared and submitted a detailed 38-page grant application within a one-month window.
Grant award announcements are expected in June 2026.

Progress thermometerFUNDRAISING PROGRESS

Fundraising efforts began in late 2025 to secure the required local match and demonstrate community support:

  • $50,000 raised from the 1st Annual Mercer Bike Fest (August 2025)
    • 235 riders participated
    • 300+ attendees
    • 26 volunteers
    • 32 local business sponsors and donors

 

  • $202,000 raised through private donations to date
  • $10,000 grant application submitted to the Gogebic Range Health Foundation
  • $127,000 remaining to reach the fundraising goal and begin construction in 2027

 

Planning is already underway for the 2nd Annual Mercer Bike Fest on August 1, 2026, with expectations for even greater community participation and impact.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Community support is critical to securing this project and unlocking over $1.5 million in federal funding.

Join us on August 1st 2026 for the Mercer Bike Fest. See the events page for more details and sign up form.

Unable to make the ride? Please consider donating. Your donation supports safer routes, stronger connections, and outdoor opportunities for all ages. Making a donation is easier than ever, go to ironcountyoutdoors.org/make-a-donation, you can donate online or by mail.

Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to construction.

BUILDING THE FUTURE OF MERCER

This trail expansion is more than a recreational project—it’s an investment in community connectivity, outdoor wellness, and long-term economic growth.

Together, we can make this vision a reality.