Seasons don’t change much in Hawaii or Florida; it’s usually sun or rain. But in the Midwest state of Michigan, where my husband is from, the seasons do change and that’s one of the things that people miss the most when they relocate to a state that usually skips the fall season.
One of the most scenic and relaxing ways to enjoy the colors of fall is by railroad. Train travel is used daily by commuters all across the country. However, here are three train travel tours that were created specifically for those who wish to experience the colors of fall in Michigan. Due to weather conditions most train tours run September-October.
Coopersville & Marne Railway
311 Danforth Street, Coopersville, MI 49404
Ph: (616) 997-7000 x4
Ticket OfficeTicket prices: $14.50 Adults, $13.50 Seniors (60+), $11.50 Kids (2-12), Free for kids less than 2 yrs.
The Coopersville and Marne Railway has several themed train travel tours throughout the year. One of the most scenic train journeys is 14 miles, The Famous Pumpkin Train which runs about an hour and 15 minutes. Fill your visual senses with the vibrant color changes of oranges, reds, and yellows against the backdrop of the Michigan blue sky.
Children and adults will enjoy their train ride with entertainment by The Great Pumpkin, Scarecrow and Little Crow. Each child will receive a free, locally grown pumpkin that they can pick from the railway’s own pumpkin patch at the end of their train tour.
The best times to travel on this special themed Famous Pumpkin Train ride are: Saturdays and Sundays from the last weekend of September, through the month of October; check their website for exact dates and times.
Area Attractions
Coopersville, Michigan is a small city located between Grand Rapids and Muskegon off the I-96. Most visitors stay in nearby Grand Rapids; however the Rodeway Inn at 1040 O’Malley Drive in Coopersville, is conveniently located nearby to the Coopersville Farm Museum, Berlin Raceway, Grand Haven State Park and Michigan’s Adventures the state’s largest amusement and water park.
Steam Railroading Institute
405 S. Washington St., Owosso, MI 48867
Ph: (989) 725-9464
Best time to visit: October
The special Cadillac Fall Color Train tours run roundtrip on the same day on Oct 1, 2011 from Ithaca, Michigan to Cadillac ($125 Coach, $299 First Class tickets); and Oct 15, 2011 from Owosso to Alma, Michigan ($99 Coach, $249 First Class).
Area Attractions in Owosso
Train travelers enjoy the surrounding Owosso attractions including: Curwood Castle, Curwood Festival, Durand Union Station, Corunna Historical Village and the Marindale Corn Maze.
There are three Inns’ to choose from in the small town of Owosso
Comstock Inn
300 East Main Street, Owosso, MI
Ph: (989) 725-0999
Welcome Inn
1513 East Main 21, Owosso, MI
Ph: (989) 723-5141
Pines Country Inn
1730 East Main 21, Owosso, MI
Ph: (989) 723-9000
Toonerville Trolley Train and Riverboat Tour
Tahquamenon Falls Wilderness Excursion
Soo Junction, MI – call for directions, located off Hwy M-28, 15 miles East of Newberry
Ph: 1-888-77-TRAIN
Scheduled departures, check their website
Best time to travel: Sept – October, however some tours only run June-Oct 8, 2011.
Fees vary, check the internet for specials
The Wilderness Train Ride is an hour and 45 minutes, which allows visitors to admire the beautiful fall color landscape. The combination train ride and riverboat tour allow travelers a 6.5 hour fall colors tour by train, boat and on foot – up to the awe inspiring Tahquamenon Falls. This color combination tour is not able to fully accommodate those who use motorized wheelchairs or scooters as there are steps to maneuver during the hike up to the falls.
Area Attractions near Soo Junction, MI
Lake Superior, Tahquamenon River, Tahquamenon Logging Museum, Knollwood Flea Market and The Old Bank Collection of Shops, a historic building built in 1890; including an art gallery, antique store, books, healthy-organic foods, snacks and a second-hand store on the second floor.
Tahquamenon Hotel
10429 South Maple Street, Hulbert, MI49748
Ph: (906)876-2388
Americas Best Value Inn – Tahquamenon County
12956 State Route M-28, Newberry, MI 49868
Comfort Inn Newberry
13956 State Hwy M28, Newberry, MI 49868