What began as a ski club has evolved into a year-round destination that draws visitors from across the Midwest. Now, the Swedetown Trails Club is taking the next step to accommodate its growing popularity.
For four years, the Swedetown Trails Club and Calumet Township have collaborated on plans to reconfigure the Swedetown Chalet, a project that will improve accessibility, relocate event and concessions storage, and expand the facility’s footprint.
“This isn’t just a building, it’s something that complements and enhances the outdoor experience we provide,” said Larry Zurawski, president of the Swedetown Trails Club. “Over the years we’ve been increasing the number of people who would want to use the trails by adding different activities.”
The timing of the renovation reflects the trails’ explosive growth. Since the pandemic, Swedetown has become a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. Winter brings skiers, while sunny months attract mountain bikers. The surge extends beyond the Copper Country.
“Trails are used extensively, especially on weekends,” said Dean Woodbeck, a board member of the Swedetown Trails Club. “The last two or three years we’ve noticed a lot of cars with Wisconsin and Minnesota license plates. I think part of that is because we have quality, consistent grooming, so people aren’t afraid to drive here from a distance.”
The increased foot traffic has strained the existing chalet. The renovation will move public space to the first floor, improving accessibility for all visitors. The project will increase public space by approximately 30 percent and add outdoor patios to encourage visitors to linger.
“Public space at the end of the project will be increased by about 30 some percent over what it is now,” Zurawski said. “And also beyond that we’re going to add patios on the outside which will attract more people to hang around.”
On Tuesday, the Swedetown Trails Club launched a fundraising campaign with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The effort mirrors a successful 2025 fundraiser by the Hancock Trails Club that created a new bike park on M-203.
The club aims to raise $50,000, which MEDC will match dollar-for-dollar, creating $100,000 in additional funding for the project.
“When we meet that $50,000 goal, then MEDC will match that $50,000,” Woodbeck said. “So that’ll be $100,000 to go with the roughly $1 million that has been raised over the last couple of years to complete the $1.1 million chalet expansion and renovation and accessibility project.”
Those interested in supporting the fundraising campaign can find details online through the Swedetown Trails Club and MEDC.
