Fall Color Tour by Train

The Steam Railroading Institute (SRI) of Owosso is offering a unique and relaxing way to see the fall colors of the Lower Peninsula: an all-day train tour. The SRI will be hosting a series of trips: October 4, round-trip from Cadillac to Boyne Fall; October 11, round-trip from Petoskey to Fife Lake; and October 18, round-trip from Mount Pleasant to Cadillac. The series’ migration south over October ensures great colors on each tour.

Tickets cost $79 (round-trip) per person and trains leave from their starting points at 10 am. The train then heads out into the fall Michigan scenery for two-and-a-half hours. At each train’s destination, visitors can alight to enjoy lunch, shopping, and general sightseeing. Visitors can also opt to pay $20 extra (round-trip) to take an additional one-hour train jaunt, starting at 2 pm.  At about 4:30, everyone gets back on board and the train returns to its original destination.

The train is pulled by a diesel engine and cocktails are available on board for purchase. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own picnics to enjoy on board or at their destination. According to SRI’s event coordinator, Terry Bush, this fall color tour is especially popular among couples and groups of friends, including senior citizens. (The long day makes it less ideal for young children.)

There is no assigned seating on board, but some trains do sell out, so Bush encourages people to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets may be purchased by visiting the SRI website or by calling 989-399-7589.

Photo courtesy of the Steam Railroading Institute.

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