A 21.6-acre land donation from brothers Don and Norman McLean has given Michigan Technological University a new 1.5-kilometer trail along the Pilgrim River in Houghton, expanding the Tech Trails Network that draws skiers, runners and mountain bikers year-round.

Michigan Tech held a ribbon-cutting to mark the opening of the McLean Brownell River Trail, which connects the existing loop trail to the broader network, according to the Keweenaw Report. The donated acreage was split between the university and the adjacent Portage Lake Golf Course.

The trail is open to the public.

Bill Roberts, Michigan Tech's vice president for advancement and alumni relations, said the gift will serve both students and the wider community.

"Through the generosity of Mr. Don McLean, our students and community will benefit from this property which adds a unique section to our trails bordering the beautiful Pilgrim River," Roberts said. "We look forward to preserving this for future generations to enjoy."

Norman McLean graduated from Michigan Tech in 1968. The university's official Facebook page described the new segment as adding to an existing 40 kilometers of trails in the system.

Michigan Tech developed the Tech Trails starting in 2001 to support its varsity Nordic skiing program and recruit students who value outdoor access. The system now includes 33 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails and 11.7 kilometers of snowshoe and bike trails, with 7.5 kilometers lighted for early-morning and evening use.

The network feeds into a broader non-motorized trail system stretching roughly 24 miles from Chassell to Calumet, positioning Houghton as a hub for outdoor recreation and regional tourism.

Michigan Tech requires an access pass or day pass for trail use. The university's cross-country team hosts its annual Husky Invitational at the Tech Trails on Friday, Oct. 30.