Two Rivers:
Two Rivers Restoration Projects
Resilient Waterfront
Project
In partnership with the Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, Stantec, and the City of Two Rivers, LNRP has been working to bring resiliency back to the shore of Lake Michigan. While still in the design phase, these plans lay the groundwork for meaningful improvements that will take shape as resources and funding become available.
This project has two main components: shoreline stabilization and improvements along the Mariners Trail.
On the shoreline side, work is planned for the left side of the harbor near Seagull Marina and the Lighthouse Inn. With adequate funding, compatible sand will be added to widen the existing beach. This will create a softer, more natural line of defense against erosion, while also expanding recreational space for visitors. To further protect the shoreline, offshore rock breakwaters will be constructed to absorb wave energy before it reaches the coast. The south jetty of the Two Rivers Harbor will also be extended, which should improve wave conditions inside the harbor and potentially reduce how often dredging is needed at the entrance channel. In addition, the area west of the Lighthouse Inn will see dune restoration and native plantings, which will help stabilize the shoreline and reduce the ongoing issue of sand drifting across the trail and road.
The Mariners Trail portion of the project introduces a series of improvements at different locations:
Area 1: Remove half of the pavement from the wayside parking lot and restore it as prairie, creating an extension of the existing natural habitat. A meandering walking path will invite people into the space, while the remaining parking area will be repaved and upgraded with a curb-and-gutter system for improved stormwater management. A rain garden with energy dissipators and riprap overflow is also proposed to strengthen stormwater resilience.
Area 3: Reimagine some of the existing ornamental gardens maintained by the Friends of the Mariners Trail. The proposal is to convert part of these gardens into a rain garden and bioswale, which would provide ecological benefits while still being maintained by the Friends group. This shift aligns the gardens with broader stormwater and resiliency goals.
Area 5: Enhance accessibility and habitat along the lakeshore. Native vegetation would be planted around the existing boulders that act as vehicle barriers, improving both aesthetics and ecological value. Plans also include an ADA-compliant ramp with railings for accessible beach entry, a new stairway down to the beach, and, if funding allows, a small changing room and restroom facility for visitors.
Paddlers Park
The Two Rivers and LNRP are working on a restoration project at Paddlers Park. This project will help restore the park by planting native vegetation that is right along the East Twin River, directly effecting the health of the Lake Michigan Basin.