Trails and Economic Development

Economic development professionals across East Central Indiana work together to attempt to attract businesses to the area. At the same time business owners are attracted to a community because of the business opportunities offered, they also look for a high quality of life for their own families and the families of their employees. After all, if their employees and families aren't happy, they will not be as productive and may soon quit their jobs in order to move to a community that has a better quality of life. When the Cardinal Greenway staff welcomes visitors to the Depot who have come from out-of-town to ride the trails, we are eager to share information about our community in an effort to welcome everyone to share this valuable resource.

As new subdivisions are built, their advertising includes tag lines such as, "Located next to the Cardinal Greenways" or "Live along the Greenways." During planning phases, we work together to create paths through the subdivision to connect to the Greenways so all nearby homeowners can easily access the trail. It has been reported that homes along the trails have seen their property values rise by as much as 9%.

Trails may also increase tourism. Cardinal Greenways continues to increase the number of tourists who come to spend the day, the weekend, or even the week riding the trails. Tourists stay in our hotels, eat at our restaurants, shop in our stores, and fill their gas tanks. And on their way home, they question, "Why don't we have a greenway in our community?"

Mike's 500 Bike Shop and The Island are just two examples of new businesses that have opened up along Cardinal Greenways. Mike's is open year round, while The Island operates from spring to fall when trail traffic is at its heaviest. The Island serves smoothies, tropical fruit, flavored coffees and a variety of other treats. It also features a sandy beach, a beautiful waterfall, and music to make your heart sing.

Other businesses have increased their traffic since the greenway first opened. Mill Street Inn in Gaston features a large menu with something to please everyone. Serving breakfast all day, the restaurant also specializes in home town favorites such as chicken & noodles and homemade pies. Saturday mornings are especially popular at Mill Street Inn, where a collection of cyclists and farmers alternate tables.

Twenty-seven miles south on the trail, in the town of Losantville, another restaurant with homemade fixings is The Blue Moon. Featuring the "Elvis Special," peanut butter and banana on toast, homemade pies and dinners are also features that keep trail users coming back for more. After sampling the "Elvis Special" at a recent event, Governor Daniels returned with his motorcycle club so that everyone could get a taste of Elvis in Losantville.

Although there are several other businesses along the trail, they are highlighted in different places on the website. We hope you enjoy each of them as you travel the beautiful linear park called Cardinal Greenway.