For the past 50 years, The Little River Railroad, 29 W. Park Ave., Coldwater, Mich., has provided a glimpse into history as passengers aboard a steam train enjoy leisurely rides through the countryside.
“The Little River Railroad is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the restoration and operation of historic railroad equipment and is supported by ticket sales, concession sales, memberships and donations,” explains Heather Kaiser, secretary/treasurer. “It has been a great achievement to be able to provide steam train rides to thousands of people and see the joy on the faces of those who have never ridden behind a steam train, along with those who have ridden with us many times.”
The railroad travels through Michigan from Coldwater to Quincy and is maintained solely by volunteers, Kaiser says. These volunteers devote many hours to maintain the historical equipment, provide essential functions during trips, and handle all the behind-the-scenes activities of the nonprofit.
Many of the volunteers, including Kaiser herself, are relatives of the Little River Railroad’s founder, Terry Bloom. He created the nonprofit in 1974, and at this point, the Little River Railroad has been in operation longer than the original Little River Railroad & Lumber Company that operated in the Great Smoky Mountains from 1901 to 1939.
“My brothers and I have grown up around the railroad, and over the years, have taken on leading roles in its operation,” Kaiser says. “I would be remiss if I did not talk about our other wonderful volunteers who help keep the railroad running. They provide essential roles within the organization. In this age of lagging volunteerism, we are very grateful for our volunteers and the support of those who donate to the railroad. Without this support, we would not be in operation today.”
Rides for the rest of the year occur at the following times:
• Sept. 22: Lazy Days Trips at 12:30 p.m. & 2 p.m.
• Sept. 29: Pumpkin Train at 1 p.m.
• Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27: Pumpkin Trains at 1 p.m.
• Nov. 2: Fall Color Train at 1 p.m.
• Dec. 7, 14: Christmas Express at 1 p.m. & 4 p.m.
• Dec. 8, 15: Christmas Express at 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
Tickets cost $22 for riders ages 12 and up and $15 for ages 3 to 11. Children ages 2 and under ride for free.
Private caboose rentals for up to 15 people cost $225, while a private caboose for up to 20 people costs $325. Entire train rentals are available for up to 300 people and cost $1,500 for a minimum of two hours, with every additional hour costing $700. Tickets are available at littleriverrailroad.com.
“Passengers are encouraged to arrive early to be able to pick up their tickets, tour the museum in the depot, and visit the souvenir store,” Kaiser says. “Passengers may board the train 30 minutes prior to the departure time. Once passengers board their assigned car, they can choose their seats in that car. The cars have windows that open to allow for a nice breeze and to be able to experience the sounds of the steam engine.”
The cars have heaters for colder weather, but Kaiser encourages passengers to dress warmly. Once the train arrives in Quincy, passengers have the option to get off the train while volunteers service the engine.
“There is a wonderful park and playground for the kids to enjoy,” Kaiser says. “When it is closing in on the time for departure, the engineer will blow the whistle four times, indicating that it is time to board the train for the return trip to Coldwater. The entire trip takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.”