As Michigan residentsanticipate fall colors, now's the time to plan for steam trains excursions that provide a leisurely trip to take in the brilliant fall leaves.
According to the Explore Fall map, leaves from Negaunee and Ishpeming, southwest toward Iron Mountain and Iron River — and west to Ironwood — are reaching 40% color now, while most of the U.P. is about 20% color.
Leaves across the southern Lower Peninsula will be the last to turn, including in cities like Lansing, Grand Rapids and metro Detroit.
Michigan is home to numerous steam trains that offer fall excursions to enjoy the colors, including the Little River Railroad, based in Coldwater; the Crossroad Village and Huckleberry Railroad, in Genesee County; and the Southern Michigan Railroad, in Tecumseh
Here's where you can catch fall views via train in Michigan:
Little River Railroad offers pumpkin and fall colors trips
Located in southern Michigan town of Coldwater, 29 W. Park Avenue, Little River Railroad is about halfway between Detroit and Chicago, just 13 miles north of the Indiana border.
In the fall it offers a Pumpkin Train every Sunday from Oct. 4 through the end of the month. In addition to seeing the changing colors, passengers will receive a Halloween pumpkin. Tickets start at $22.
"The leaves are about done changing, but the trains are still steaming along. Ride to Quincy on this round-trip train ride," the railroad said.
Crossroads Villageincludes Halloween fun, train rides
Genesee County Parks, 6140 Bray Road in Flint, offers its own spooky fall experience, Halloween Ghosts & Goodies. Huckleberry Railroad passengers enjoy an evening trip that lasts 40 minutes through the countryside. Rides start at $17. The first day of rides is Oct. 3.
"During the month of October, immerse yourself in the charm of our ghoulishly delightful atmosphere. Encounter friendly ghosts, treats, and savor the delicious cider and donuts with fun for the whole family. With spooky surprises around every corner, enjoy the 20 treat stops, a straw maze, and a magic show in the Colwell Opera House, all included with admission. Join us for a bewitching experience on the historic 1800s Huckleberry Ghost Train Express for a 40-minute ride through the autumn countryside," the park's website says.
Crossroads Village is home to 34 historic structures, offering visitors an authentic last century Great Lakes town experience with live entertainment. Train and village tickets are $27.
Southern Michigan Railroad
Between the towns of Tecumseh and Clinton, the Southern Michigan Railroad offers passengers two-hour train ride on Saturday and Sunday through early November.
Trains depart the Tecumseh Station, 160 E. Chicago Blvd., at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Tickets start at $25 for adults.
"Ride along Lenawee County’s historic rail corridor between the towns of Tecumseh and Clinton, and enjoy the beautiful autumn colors. Take in the views over Red Millpond and catch the wildlife along the tracks," the railroad's website suggests.
Additionally, passengers during their layover at Clinton Station can enjoy fresh apple cider from Kapnick Orchards.
Tickets start at $20. Passengers can rent a caboose for a group at $200.
Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Steam trains offer whimsical color trips. 3 trips to take this fall
