COLDWATER, MI. – Three historic steam locomotives will be fired up to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Little River Railroad in Coldwater, Michigan.
Set for Saturday and Sunday, July 26th and 27th, the event features a variety of round-trip train rides to Quincy powered by multiple historic steam locomotives, including the celebrated Nickel Plate Road no. 765, which will visit from Indiana on July 27th. Visitors can also enjoy a full slate of family-friendly activities, including bounce houses, crank train rides, and local food vendors. Tickets and more information are available at www.littleriverrailroad.com.
The weekend’s lineup includes multiple train departures each day, with different locomotives leading each trip. Sunday’s feature attraction includes a triple-headed steam-powered excursion with Little River Railroad’s early 20th Century locomotives No. 1 and No. 110 joining forces with the 1940s-era 765, making for a rare sight for railroad fans and families alike, complete with a planned photo runby.
Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Coldwater, the Little River Railroad is a heritage railroad that preserves and operates vintage steam locomotives and early 20th-century passenger cars. The railroad takes its name from the original Little River Railroad in Tennessee, a logging line known for pioneering smaller locomotives capable of handling tight mountain curves, including the unique 4-6-2 Pacific-type engine No. 110, which was built in 1911 for the original Little River Lumber Co. and is still operating today.
The 765 is owned and maintained by the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, which will also provide two deluxe coaches and two open-window cars for the event. The Fort Wayne Railroad manages the Indiana Rail Experience, which connects the Michigan railroad line to Indiana and Ohio in a partnership with the Indiana Northeastern Railroad.
Both organizations are supported by volunteers, donations, memberships, and ticket sales.
Event Schedule Overview
Saturday
First departures at 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM
Afternoon runs at 2:00 PM and 2:30 PM
Locomotives include Little River Railroad No. 1 and No. 110
Sunday
Two departures: 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM
Triple-headed steam trip featuring No. 1, No. 110, and Nickel Plate Road No. 765
Includes photo runby
Activities and attractions run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM both days.
The Indiana Rail Experience is a celebration of our region’s remarkable railroad history and made possible through a special partnership with the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society and the Indiana Northeastern Railroad.