Marquette Greenway Trail (Groundbreaking: April 3, 2024)
New Buffalo residents and visitors will soon have a scenic new route to and from Chicago with the Marquette Greenway Trail. This ambitious 60-mile hiking and biking trail has been over a decade in the making and is funded by state and federal grants along with $400,000 in private donations. Once completed, the trail will connect downtown New Buffalo to East Chicago, Indiana, passing through the stunning Indiana Dunes National Park.
Lions Pavilion Park
Located just across the street from New Buffalo Public Beach, Lions Pavilion Park is part of the Beach Park complex and serves as a community gathering spot.
Amenities include:
- Pavilion (home of the New Buffalo Lions Club)
- Picnic tables and grills
- Playground
- Benches
- Live entertainment venue (see our events calendar)
Sari Asher Memorial Dog Park
— 1420 E. Washington St
This off-leash dog park offers a safe and spacious area for dogs to run and play.
- Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk
- Permits Required: Annual or daily permits available onsite
Rules & Restrictions:
- Dogs must be under owner control at all times
- No aggressive dogs or dogs in heat
- All dogs must be licensed and vaccinated
- Owners must clean up after their pets
- Dogs must be leashed before exiting the park
Galien River County Park
— 17424 Red Arrow Highway
This scenic park offers breathtaking views of the Galien River wetlands and Great Lakes marsh.
Admission: Free
Features:
- 600-foot ground-level boardwalk leading to the Galien River
- 300-foot skywalk, 60 feet high, with panoramic river views
- Fishing & birdwatching areas
- Future phases will add kayak tie-ups, classrooms, and viewing platforms
Oselka Park
— 601 E. Indiana St.
A multi-use recreational park featuring:
- Baseball & softball fields
- Soccer field
- Sledding hill (winter)
- Ice-skating rink (Winter 2024-25: Closed for the season)
Nature Preserves & Water Trails
Sima Preserve & Galien River County Park Preserve
A protected Great Lakes marsh along the Galien River, offering a sanctuary for wildlife and a serene setting for paddling, birdwatching, and nature exploration.
Best access for paddlers:
Launch canoes/kayaks from the Galien River Access on Red Arrow Hwy, north of Kruger Rd.
Lake Michigan Water Trail (Nationally Recognized)
This 75-mile paddling route follows the historic paths of Native Americans and early explorers, stretching from Chicago’s lakefront to New Buffalo, Michigan. Public launch sites available every 8 miles along the route
Sports & Recreation Facilities
Pickleball Courts
— 1112 E. Clay St. (near the New Buffalo Area Schools football/track facility)
🌞 Open daily from 7:30 AM – Dusk
🏅 Recognized as one of the best pickleball facilities in Michigan
Skate Park
— 1011 E. Clay St. (across from New Buffalo Middle/High School)
🌞 Open dawn to dusk, 7 days/week
New Buffalo Township Parks
Memorial Park (Red Arrow Highway, just north of U.S. 12)
- Pavilion with picnic benches & grills
- Playground & restrooms
- Pavilion available for rent (Call (269) 469-1011 for reservations)
- Pet, smoke, and alcohol-free park
- Entertainment venue (see our events calendar)
Glassman Park
— Entrance: End of Glassman Rd.
A 47-acre riverside park featuring:
- Kayak launch & walking trails
- Zen labyrinth & river lookout points
- Pet, smoke, and alcohol-free
⛔ Closed during winter/inclement weather
