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About Us
A Great American Road Trip on one of America's Byways
A Great American Road Trip on one of America's Byways
The Great Lakes Seaway Trail stretches 454 miles from its northernmost international bridge at Massena, NY to its Seaway Trail Pennsylvania link on Lake Erie, and continues another 64 miles to the Ohio line. The signed driving route connects historic villages and vibrant cities with scenic landscapes and diverse destinations along the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario, Niagara River and Lake Erie.
Seaway Trail is extremely proud to have been selected as one of America’s Byways by the U.S. Department of Transportation. America’s Byways “possess outstanding qualities that exemplify the regional characteristics of our nation.” Seaway Trail was chosen for its unique landscape which has been sculpted by the forces of nature and for its historical significance.
Mission Statement
The mission of Seaway Trail Inc. is to increase tourism revenues and to enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for travelers, communities, and members throughout the Great Lakes Seaway Trail by managing and marketing it as the leading scenic byway.
Vision Statement
Seaway Trail Inc. is nationally recognized as a leader for reinvigorating the Great Lakes Seaway Trail as a premier travel destination. By realizing our full potential, we are one of the best well-known, traveled, and loved byways of America. Our members continuously earn the highest of ratings among consumers.
Organization
Seaway Trail, Inc. is a not-for-profit membership organization with offices in Sackets Harbor. The organization has a full-time staff of 5 persons and approximately 700 members.
Beneficiaries
Seaway Trail Inc. serves its members and local governments by promoting and advocating for the wise and sustained use of the inland coastal corridor as a scenic byway. Seaway Trail, Inc. facilitates their ability to interact with the tourist and with each other. By doing so, businesses, local governments, counties, and residents benefit from a coordinated approach to the management of its unique intrinsic qualities and tourism promotion. A by-product of Seaway Trail, Inc. programming provides residents along the byway with local recreational, educational and employment opportunities, a sense of identity as a scenic byway community, and an enhanced quality of life.
Goals
- Pursue an increased but stable rate of economic development and growth of the tourism industry throughout the Seaway Trail region
- Protect and enhance the scenic, natural and cultural resources of the Seaway Trail region
- Develop the Seaway Trail region as a high quality experience for recreation and vacations.
Representative Projects
- Seaway Trail Discovery Center, Sackets Harbor –historic limestone building owned by NYSOPRHP housing interactive exhibits on “America’s Byways” program, War of 1812, lighthouses, influential people, agriculture, architecture, natural history and recreation that inspire travel to and stewardship of Seaway Trail destinations and resources.
- Travelers Signage – Over 60 Seaway Trail kiosks featuring maps and information are located in byway communities and destinations. Over 50 resource sites have received Seaway Trail interpretive panels that “tell the story of that specific site”.
- Publications – annual Journey magazine, guidebook series, maps and brochures.
- Planning – Tourism Development Plans for Seaway Trail regions, Byway Interpretation Plan, Conservation Plan (under development) and Bicycle Plan (under development).
- Marketing – ongoing domestic and international public relations and travel trade initiatives, including targeted niche markets.
Staff Contacts
Teresa Mitchell - President
Email: teresa@seawaytrail.com
Charles Krupke - Chairman
Email: bjk11@gisco.net
Kurt Schumacher - Project Manager
Email: kurt@seawaytrail.com
Daryl Giles - Administrative Assistant
Email: daryl@seawaytrail.com
Kara Lynn Dunn - Publicist
Email: karalynn@gisco.net
Gift Shop
Email: giftshop@seawaytrail.com