The Little River Railroad offers steam- and diesel-powered excursions through the Michigan countryside. Trains depart from Coldwater, Mich., and run to nearby Quincy and Hillsdale, Mich on the Indiana Northeastern Railroad.
Choices
Passengers may choose to ride in a heavyweight combine car, streamlined coaches from the Milwaukee Road, open-air cars (converted from cattle cars), a former World War II troop sleeper used a concessions car, a caboose, or the heavyweight observation car Solomon. Cabrides in the steam locomotives are also offered in advance reservations with the railroad.
When to go
The Little River Railroad operates select weekends during the summer and fall as well as the Christmas season. Train rides range from short out and back from Coldwater, to the occasional all-day excursions to Hillsdale. Guests are encouraged to check the railroad’s website for the latest schedule updates.
Good to know
Locomotive No. 110 is the smallest standard gauge 4-6-2 Pacific-type locomotive ever constructed, weighing in at just under 58 tons. The locomotive recently underwent an extensive overhaul and returned to service in late 2020. When No. 110 isn’t running, No. 1, an 0-4-0T tank engine, leads the excursions.
Worth doing
On select dates, the Little River Railroad offers “Engineer For An Hour” sessions where participants get to operate either locomotives Nos. 1 and 110. Check the railroad’s website for the latest schedule updates.
Don’t miss
Be sure to see the exhibits located in the railroad’s Coldwater Depot, built in 1883 for the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad.
Getting there
Coldwater is in south-central Michigan. Take Interstate 69 (Exit 13) for Coldwater. Follow Highway 12 West, turn left onto Division Street, and then right onto Park Avenue to the depot.
Location: 29 West Park Avenue, Coldwater, MI
Phone: 260-316-0529
Website: littleriverrailroad.com
E-mail: customerservice@littleriverrailroad.com
