Though not as vibrant as it used to be, Michigan is still synonymous with its historic automotive industry. However, the lore of railroading across the Great Lakes State is no slouch. There are many preservation movements in the form of tourist railroads, museums, and displays. From someone who called Michigan home for seven years, here are the must-visit destinations!
Michigan Tourist Railroads and Museums
Southeast Michigan
The Henry Ford – 20900 Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn
While automobiles are the name of the game, railroads are represented at the Henry Ford. The Museum of American Innovation houses a collection of historic steam locomotives and vintage rolling stock. The forefront of that collection is Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-6, Allegheny-type No. 1601, one of the largest steam locomotives ever built. Outside the museum is Greenfield Village, encircled by the steam-powered Weiser Railroad that takes visitors around the 90-acre site. The village’s Railroad Junction is home to Detroit, Toledo & Milwaukee roundhouse, an active centerpiece. Please keep in mind that you’ll need multiple days for a full experience of visiting both the museum and village!
Mid-Michigan
Huckleberry Railroad – 6140 Bray Road, Flint
How did the Huckleberry Railroad receive its name? The old tales say the train ran so slow a passenger could hop off, pick a few huckleberries, and jump back on with minimum effort. While that’s not allowed today, the narrow-gauged railroad is a bucket-list ride with either steam- or diesel-powered trains traveling along the shores of C S Mott Lake through Genesee County. Don’t forget to visit the historical site of Crossroads Village, including a short trip up the lake aboard the Genesee Belle, a paddle-wheel riverboat that operates on select days.
Steam Railroading Institute – 405 South Washington Street, Owosso
The sound and look of the train in The Polar Express animated film were modeled after Pere Marquette 2-8-4 No. 1225. So, it stands to reason this is the most sought-after train to see and ride during the holiday season! While the North Pole Express excursions are immensely popular, the Steam Railroading Institute offers a variety of events and excursions year-round. The 7-acre institute includes a maintenance shop, turntable, a variety of displayed equipment, and a renovated freight warehouse-turned-welcome center that houses exhibits, artifacts, and a winter-themed model railroad layout for visitors to explore.
Southwest Michigan
Little River Railroad – 29 West Park Avenue, Coldwater
Operating on the Indiana Northeastern Railroad, the Little River Railroad offers a variety of excursions from Coldwater to Quincy and occasionally Hillsdale. These trips range from themed events to short excursions to all-day adventures. Be sure to check the schedule to see when the trains are steam-powered; we highly recommend, especially when 4-6-2 No. 110 is the motive power. While being the smallest, standard-gauge Pacific-type ever constructed, it has an impressive bark when heading up the grade to Quincy!
Other Michigan railroad sites to consider
During your visit to Michigan, consider also visiting these railroad sites:
- Friends of the Coopersville & Marne Railway – Coopersville
- Durand Union Station – Durand
- Flushing Area Museum – Flushing
- Houghton County Historical Museum – Lake Linden
- Michigan Transit Museum – Mt. Clemens
- New Buffalo Railroad Museum – New Buffalo
- Saginaw Railway Museum – Saginaw
- Southern Michigan Railroad – Clinton
- SS City of Milwaukee – Manistee
- Wheels of History – Brimley
