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A Michigan Christmas Train Ride In Coldwater!

Published: November 15, 2025

By: Adam Burns

The Little River Railroad, based in Coldwater, Michigan, is a beloved heritage railway dedicated to preserving and operating historic steam locomotives. With its picturesque setting, vintage equipment, and family-friendly atmosphere, the railroad has become one of Michigan’s most charming tourist attractions. Throughout the year it hosts a variety of excursions, but none are more eagerly anticipated than its seasonal Christmas Express, a holiday tradition that draws families from across the region.

Blending century-old machinery with small-town Midwestern hospitality, the Little River Railroad offers a rare opportunity to experience railroading as it felt in the early 20th century. To understand its appeal today, it helps to look back at the line’s origins, the unique locomotives that define it, and the present-day excursions that continue to preserve living railroad history.

Historical Background

The Little River Railroad began as a preservation endeavor in the early 1970s, when a group of steam enthusiasts sought to restore and operate historic locomotives in a setting where they could remain active, rather than static museum pieces. Coldwater, Michigan—a community with a rich but largely overlooked railroading heritage—offered the perfect setting.

This steam-powered railroad departs from Coldwater's beautifully preserved Lake Shore & Michigan Southern (New York Central) depot that was originally completed circa 1890.

Michigan contains an incredible amount of rail history from logging and mining (iron ore) to main lines and fast streamliners.  The Little River Railroad hosts excursions over short line Michigan Southern between Coldwater and Quincy, a distance of 7 miles.

Though the current operation is a heritage line, its name pays homage to a much earlier railroad: the Little River Railroad of Tennessee. That original Little River Railroad—the namesake—was famous for its tiny but powerful steam locomotives, custom-built to navigate sharp curves and steep grades in the Great Smoky Mountains during the early 1900s. The railroad’s preserved locomotive, Little River Railroad No. 110, is one of only a handful of surviving narrow-gauge-style geared and rod locomotives designed for logging service but built to operate with the feel of a traditional mainline engine.

The Michigan organization adopted the name because its flagship locomotive originally worked on that Tennessee line. This connection gives the modern Little River Railroad both an identity and a mission: to interpret the era of logging railroads and early industrial growth while providing an authentic steam experience.

Locomotives and Equipment

The star of the railroad is unquestionably Little River 4-6-2 #110, built in 1911 by Baldwin Locomotive Works. This particular engine is historically important, not only because of its age but also because it is the smallest standard-gauge Pacifics ever built.

The railroad also operates Little River 0-4-0T #1, a little tank engine built by the Vulcan Iron Works in 1908 Prairie-type (also Baldwin-built), which provides additional steam capacity during busy operating periods. Together, these engines offer visitors something genuinely rare: regular, mainline-length excursions pulled exclusively by vintage steam, rather than diesel locomotives dressed in disguise.

The passenger cars include historic coaches, open-air cars ideal for fall foliage runs, and an assortment of restored wooden rolling stock. The combination of open cars and vintage enclosed coaches allows the railroad to tailor excursions to seasonal needs, from breezy summer sightseeing to cozy winter holiday outings.

Regular Excursions and Seasonal Events

Throughout the year, the Little River Railroad hosts a variety of themed excursions that appeal to history enthusiasts, families, photographers, and railfans alike.

Fall Color Tours

Autumn is one of the most popular times to ride, with vibrant Michigan foliage forming a dramatic backdrop. Open-air cars allow passengers to take in the colors without obstructions, making these trains a favorite among photographers.

Railfan Weekends

These special events cater to steam enthusiasts, offering opportunities for cab visits, photographic run-bys, and extended route coverage. With both locomotives often in operation, railfans can witness double-headed steam or observe the engines performing switching moves and maintenance routines rarely seen in regular service.

Summer and Weekend Excursions

During warmer months, the railroad offers family-friendly rides that introduce passengers to steam railroading in a relaxed, accessible way. These rides often incorporate narration about the history of the locomotives and the region.

But the most magical time of year, particularly for families, arrives in November and December.

The Christmas Express

The Christmas Express is the Little River Railroad’s signature holiday event, transforming the Coldwater Depot and its historic trains into a charming winter wonderland. This seasonal excursion is one of the most anticipated on the railroad’s calendar, drawing families from across Michigan, Indiana, and northern Ohio.

Atmosphere and Experience

Upon arriving at the depot, guests are greeted by festive decorations, garlands, holiday lights, and the unmistakable aroma of steam in the cold winter air. Children and parents board a warm, decorated coach for a trip through the countryside aboard a century-old steam locomotive.

During the journey, passengers enjoy:

• A visit from Santa Claus, who moves from car to car greeting children.
• A small gift or treat for young riders.
• Christmas music throughout the train, contributing to a nostalgic and cheerful atmosphere.
• Storytelling and holiday narration, depending on the year’s program.
• Festive photo opportunities on the platform and inside the cars.

The experience is designed to capture the spirit of classic American Christmas traditions—simple, warm, and wholesome, centered on family and community.

Route of the Christmas Express

The holiday excursion typically follows a shorter segment of the railroad, maintaining a relaxed pace that prioritizes onboard experiences rather than distance traveled. This allows Santa ample time to visit with every child and gives families the chance to enjoy the decorated coaches.

The sight of No. 110 or No. 1 puffing gracefully through the winter landscape—with smoke drifting into the crisp air—is a highlight in itself. Many families return year after year to make the Christmas Express part of their holiday traditions.

Who the Christmas Express Appeals To

The event is particularly popular with:

• Families with young children
• Grandparents creating holiday memories
• Visitors seeking an old-fashioned holiday outing
• Railfans who appreciate the rare sight of steam in winter
• Anyone who loves small-town holiday charm

The Christmas Express provides both a sense of nostalgia and an accessible, joyful introduction to heritage railroading.

A Living Legacy of Steam

What makes the Little River Railroad special is not simply its locomotives or events—it is the railway’s dedication to preserving steam in a way that remains engaging to families and visitors who might not otherwise experience living railroad history.

Through its excursions, seasonal events, and especially its magical Christmas Express, the railroad continues to celebrate America’s rich rail heritage while offering accessible fun for all ages. Riding behind a real coal-fired steam locomotive, hearing the whistle echo across Michigan farmland, and watching children light up at Santa’s arrival create moments that endure long after the journey ends.

For visitors looking to step into the past—or simply enjoy a festive holiday outing—the Little River Railroad remains one of Michigan’s most delightful and memorable destinations.  To learn more about this event and purchasing your tickets please click here to visit the railroad's website.