The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the city of Fort Wayne celebrated the opening of the Pufferbelly Trail extension today.

“Hoosiers continually tell us that trails are the top way they like to get out and experience Indiana’s great outdoors,” said Alan Morrison, DNR director. “That positive demand motivated DNR to lead the largest investment in trails in Indiana history, with funding that supports this extension of the Pufferbelly Trail and 88 other impactful trail projects across the state.”

The 1.7-mile, multi-use, asphalt trail extension was constructed by the city of Fort Wayne with help from a $2,685,278 grant administered by the DNR.

The new segment completes a major gap in the Pufferbelly Trail between Washington Center and Lima roads. The trail now extends more than 13 miles from the DeKalb County line into downtown Fort Wayne, connecting into 130 miles of existing trails and to great destinations including Lawton Park, Headwaters Park, Franke Park, and the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo.

“The Pufferbelly Trail is a crown jewel in our community that connects residents and visitors to businesses and neighborhoods. It’s evident that the trail is a strong demonstration of how collaboration and teamwork can have a lasting and positive impact, and I truly value and appreciate the partnership the city of Fort Wayne has with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources,” said Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker. “As a people-focused mayor, I enjoy seeing individuals and families enjoying the excellent amenities that Fort Wayne has to offer.”

The Pufferbelly Trail is part of the planned Poka-Bache Trail, an 81.3-mile State Visionary Trail that will ultimately connect Pokagon State Park in Angola to Ouabache State Park in Bluffton.

DNR has led the largest infusion of trails funding in state history, with $180 million in dedicated trail funding administered through DNR that facilitates critical trail connections within and between Hoosier communities. A total of 58 of the 89 projects are complete, with another 13 under construction. With this opening, more than 166 miles of trail have been built since the program’s inception.