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It is well known that Michigan has some of the most beautiful autumn scenes in the country. Taking a crisp Fall day, one of many Michigan train trips will give you a colorful fanfare of eggplant-purple, red, maroon, orange, yellow, and golden leaves that visually ignite the landscape. One of the best ways to enjoy the fresh air and spend time this fall is to enjoy the peak autumn colors in Michigan with a relaxed train ride through the scenery.
Michigan Train Trip Attractions
The Attraction of Train Travel in Michigan
Michigan is a treasure trove of unique train adventures, offering enchanting escapes into history, scenic beauty, and holiday magic. From the nostalgic charm of Flint’s Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad to the festive cheer of the North Pole Express in Owosso, rail fans and families alike can step aboard a variety of unforgettable journeys. The Steam Railroading Institute, a hub of locomotive heritage, adds rich context to these experiences, including the beloved Santa Train. Beyond these, Michigan’s railway offerings span the picturesque Coopersville & Marne Railway, the historic Little River Railroad, the scenic Tahquamenon Falls Riverboat Tours paired with the Toonerville Trolley, and the Southern Michigan Railroad. For those seeking a dining experience on rails, the Old Road Dinner Train rounds out a list of unique destinations that promise adventure, nostalgia, and seasonal delights for travelers of all ages.
Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad – Flint
Run by the Genesee Parks System, Crossroads Village is a historical town similar to Huron County’s own Huron City. It contains over thirty historic buildings, the narrow gauge railroad, and a river paddleboat named the Genesee Belle. The town offers visitors holiday shopping, themed educational programs, and holiday events. The big seasons for the village are Halloween and Christmas. The Huckleberry Railroad began in 1857 as part of the Flint Pere Marquette Railroad Company.
The Huckleberry Railroad was so named because of its slow speed. Passengers could hop off the train, grab a handful of wild huckleberries, and then hop back on to continue their trip. The locomotives are from the Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia and were built in 1920. The narrow-gauge track uses eleven original and replica coaches trailed by a caboose painted in classic red.
A Small Adventure by Train on the Huckleberry Railroad
This 40-minute adventure on an authentic steam locomotive through the forest and woods is a perfect way to spend your afternoon or morning. The Huckleberry Railroad gleams with extra color during the Fall. Catch the train from the Crossroads Village in Flint and relish the views of colorful Mott Lake.
Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad Location
The village and park are located near Flint, Michigan. Address: Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad, 6140 Bray Road, Flint, MI, 48505. Phone: 800-648-7275
Steam Railroading Institute – Owosso
“ALL ABOARD!” Trains on the Steam Railroading Institute leave from Owosso. Spectacular during
all seasons, one can come to enjoy the fall leaves or, a few months later during the Christmas season, enjoy the Polar Express train to the holiday festivals in the Village of Ashely. This is a great day trip for families or friends.
North Pole Express (aka The Polar Express)
The Polar Express train in Owosso, Michigan, officially known as the North Pole Express, is a cherished holiday event operated by the Steam Railroading Institute (SRI). This festive excursion is powered by the historic Pere Marquette 1225 steam locomotive, which served as the inspiration for the train in the beloved book and film, “The Polar Express.”
Each holiday season, passengers board the North Pole Express in Owosso for a round-trip journey to the Village of Ashley’s Country Christmas. The experience includes a one-hour and fifteen-minute train ride to Ashley, a two-hour visit to the village’s Christmas festivities, and a return trip to Owosso. Onboard, guests enjoy hot cocoa, live entertainment, and interactions with Santa Claus and his elves.
Quick History of The Steam Institute
Railroad enthusiasts will find exploring the Steam Railroading Institute fascinating. It’s home to the Pere Marquette 1225 and Chicago & North Western 175 steam locomotives. The Chesapeake and Ohio Railway donated Pere Marquette 1225 to Michigan State University in 1957. It stayed at MSU until 1969, when a group of students formed to restore 1225 and use it to pull an excursion train that would bring passengers to MSU for football games.
In 1981, Michigan State University donated 1225 to Michigan State Trust for Railway Preservation Inc. (MSTRP), and the locomotive was moved to Owosso the following year. Restoration resumed until 1985, when the massive steam locomotive returned to service after being idle for 34 years. The Pere Marquette 1225 locomotive has been operating since 1988.
The Steam Railroading Institute Location
The institute is located in mid-Michigan in the beautiful little town of Owasso. During the season, you can hear the locomotives whistle all through the town. The address is The Steam Railroading Institute, 405 S Washington Street, Owosso, MI, 48867. Phone: 989-725-9464
Coopersville & Marne Railway – Coopersville, Michigan
This historic railroad often offers new family-friendly sites and events throughout the year, whether it is the Santa Train during the winter, the Bunny Train at Eastertime, or the Famous Pumpkin Train during the fall months. This is one Michigan train trip to be a must-see on your visits to the state.
Santa Train
The Santa Train tours start the weekend after Thanksgiving and run each weekend through December. The coach cars have a special seat for personal visits with Santa. Santa’s elves assist with escorting the children for their visit, and each child gets a present.
Each of the decorated coach cars features Christmas storytelling. Each passenger car is comfortably heated and has a restroom on board.
Coopersville & Marne Railway Location
The train station is located about 20 miles northwest of Grand Rapids, Michigan. On the train’s seven-mile journey connecting the towns of Coopersville and Marne, you’ll glimpse many bridges and creeks. The 90-minute train tours are perfect for the family. The address is Coopersville and Marne Railway, 311 Danforth Street, Coopersville, MI, 49404. Phone: 616-997-7000
Little River Railroad – Coldwater
The Little River Railroad operates two restored steam locomotives. These have a fascinating history and are a must-see for railroad buffs. The #1 locomotive is a 0-4-0T tank engine estimated to have been built in 1908.
This day trip is great for families looking for various seasonal events throughout the year. The train ride’s duration is about 45 minutes, which is a perfect way to fill an afternoon or keep a young one’s attention. Enjoy the leaves in fall or wait until springtime for the Easter Bunny Express, where egg hunts are laid out for the children.
Little River Railroad Location
The Little Railroad is located in southern Michigan, south of historic Marshall off of I-69. Address: Little River Railroad, 29 W. Park Avenue, Coldwater, MI, 49036. Phone: 517-227-5488
Tahquamenon Falls Riverboat Tours & the Famous Toonerville Trolley – Soo Junction
This attraction is temporarily closed – This exciting Michigan train day trip offers everything from the Toonerville Trolley to wondrous journeys through nature in the area of Tahquamenon Falls. During the rides, you are likely to spot many wild animals in nature, including the possibility of bears! When the ride is over, jump aboard a riverboat leading to the incredible views of Tahquamenon Falls. To make cherished memories, bring your camera and some friends!
Tahquamenon Falls Riverboat Tours & the Famous Toonerville Trolley Location
Address: Tahquamenon Falls Riverboat Tours & the Famous Toonerville Trolley, 7195 C. R. 381, Soo Junction, MI, 49000. Phone: 888-778-7246
Southern Michigan Railroad – Tecumseh
The Southern Michigan Railroad fall train trips in the Michigan fall are a color tour and a two-hour viewing of some of the most beautiful autumnal displays in the state. Then, come during mid-October for the Appleumpkin Festival, where you can munch on seasonal and local treats.
On the train, you’ll ride from downtown Tecumseh to the Raisin River Valley through Clinton, where you can enjoy the Southern Michigan Railroad Museum and the Red Mill Pond.
Southern Michigan Railroad Location
Address: Southern Michigan Railroad, 112 N. Evans, Tecumseh, MI 49286. Phone: 517-423-7230
The Old Road Dinner Train – Blissfield
The Old Road Dinner Train is the longest continuously operating dinner train in North America. They have an extensive collection of vintage railcars from the 1930s-1950s. This railway system is the oldest railroad west of the Allegheny Mountains beginning in 1836.
The train features the Murder Mystery Dinner Train, which runs every Saturday evening in Blissfield and one Saturday evening per month in Charlotte. The excursion includes a five-course meal, Murder Mystery, and a three-hour train ride.
The Old Road Dinner Train Location
The Old Road Dinner Train, 310 E Adrian St, Blissfield, MI 49228. Phone: 888-467-2451
Related Michigan Train Trips and Railway Reading
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