Little River Railroad (Michigan)

Little River Railroad
The Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Depot, July 19, 2019
Overview
HeadquartersColdwater, Michigan
Reporting markLRR
Dates of operation1975–present
Technical
Track gauge4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Length27 mi (43 km)
Other
Websitewww.littleriverrailroad.com

The Little River Railroad (reporting mark LRR) is a heritage railroad located in Coldwater, Michigan.[1] The train runs to Quincy, Michigan and occasionally Hillsdale, Michigan.[1]

History

The Little River Railroad was organized in 1975 and got its name from the original Little River Railroad and Lumber Company that used to be based out of Townsend, Tennessee.[2]

Most excursions run between Coldwater and the village of Quincy, Michigan. Over the years, the track conditions between Coldwater and Quincy have drastically improved, leading to a smoother ride for passengers. Notable landmarks along the route are the I-69 overpass, two separate bridges crossing over the Sauk Creek, and a grade crossing with U.S. Highway 12. At their destination in the village of Quincy, passengers are able to step off and enjoy the park as the locomotive runs around the train and prepares for the return trip to Coldwater.[3]

On March 11, 2023, the railroad opened a restaurant across from the depot called the Trainwreck Grill & Ale House, were riders can get off after an excursion ride and have lunch or dinner.[4]

On April 24, 2024, the railroad celebrated its 50th anniversary and ran Nos. 110 and 1 on a special doubleheader excursion with a consist of all the railroad's passenger cars.[5][6]

In July 2025, the railroad celebrated its 20th anniversary of operations in Coldwater and ran No. 110 on a 11-mile round-trip between Coldwater and Quincy, Michigan and return.[7][8][9]

Locomotives

Locomotive details[10]
Number Image Type Model Built Builder Status
1 Steam 0-4-0T c. 1908 Vulcan Iron Works Operational
110 Steam 4-6-2 1911 Baldwin Locomotive Works Operational

Appearances in media

In 2018, the depot were filmed for the western drama film Wild Faith, were locomotive No. 110 is featured pulling a circus train through several different scenes.[11][12]

See also

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References

  1. 1 2 Lucas Iverson (June 27, 2023). "Little River Railroad profile". Trains.com. Retrieved October 18, 2025.
  2. ↑ Trains Staff (August 1, 2025). "Little River Railroad to commemorate 20th year in Coldwater". Trains.com. Retrieved October 18, 2025.
  3. ↑ Don Reid (July 24, 2025). "Little River Railroad celebrates 20 years in Coldwater". The Daily Reporter. Retrieved October 18, 2025.
  4. ↑ Nour Rahal (March 23, 2023). "Little River Railroad now has a matching restaurant: Trainwreck Grill & Ale House". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved April 18, 2026.
  5. ↑ Elyse Apel (March 26, 2024). "Little River Railroad to celebrate 50th anniversary". Hillside Daily News. Retrieved April 18, 2026.
  6. ↑ Don Reid (April 16, 2024). "Little River Railroad celebrates 50 years of steam engine train rides Sunday". The Daily Reporter. Retrieved April 18, 2026.
  7. ↑ Don Reid (July 24, 2025). "Little River Railroad celebrates 20 years in Coldwater". The Daily Reporter. Retrieved April 13, 2026.
  8. ↑ Trains Staff (July 10, 2025). "Little River Railroad to commemorate 20th year in Coldwater". Trains.com. Retrieved April 13, 2026.
  9. ↑ Jim Measel (June 23, 2025). "Little River Railroad plans celebration for 20 years in Coldwater". WTVB.com. Retrieved April 13, 2026.
  10. ↑ "Little River Railroad".
  11. ↑ Christy Hart-Harris (March 16, 2018). "Little River Railroad to commemorate 20th year in Coldwater". The Daily Reporter. Retrieved April 14, 2026.
  12. ↑ Rosalie Currier (July 31, 2019). "'Wild Faith' featuring Little River Railroad available for purchase". The Daily Reporter. Retrieved April 14, 2026.

41°56′06″N 85°00′13″W / 41.93509°N 85.00358°W / 41.93509; -85.00358


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