All aboard! 11 Fall train rides families can take near Detroit

Train travel, especially in the fall, can be one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy the views.

And families in Detroit have several routes to choose from, whether it’s a manageable day trip or a longer adventure into some of the country’s most colorful regions.

Here are some of the best options for Metro Detroit families:

Wolverine Train: Detroit to Chicago

The Wolverine connects Detroit to Chicago with stops in Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo and other Michigan towns. Amtrak highlights this route for its stretches of wooded landscape, rolling farmland and tree-lined towns.

In mid- to late October, riders can expect vibrant reds, oranges and yellows across southern Michigan. The trip is about five hours.

Blue Water Train: Detroit to Port Huron

The Blue Water line runs from Detroit through East Lansing and Flint before reaching Port Huron. You will find views of farmland, rivers and colorful tree canopies.

Families looking for a shorter day trip can ride as far as East Lansing or Flint and return the same day.

Pere Marquette: Chicago to Grand Rapids (via Detroit connection)

While the Pere Marquette officially runs between Chicago and Grand Rapids, Detroit travelers can reach it by taking the Wolverine west and then connecting.

Amtrak mentions that the Michigan portion of the trip is especially scenic in autumn, offering wooded stretches and glimpses of Lake Michigan near Holland and Grand Rapids.

Lake Shore Limited: Detroit to New York / Boston (via Toledo)

For families seeking a longer adventure, Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited is accessible with a short connection in Toledo. The route travels through the Hudson River Valley, one of the nation’s most famous fall foliage regions.

Cardinal: Chicago to Washington, DC (via Indiana connection)

By connecting through Indiana, families can board the Cardinal, which runs from Chicago to Washington, DC. Amtrak promotes this route for its stunning scenery through the Appalachian Mountains, Shenandoah Valley and New River Gorge.

Extra family-friendly rail experiences near Detroit

For those who prefer a shorter, themed ride designed specifically with families in mind, several heritage railroads in the region offer fall excursions:

• Coopersville & Marne Railway (Coopersville, MI) — This volunteer-run line near Grand Rapids offers vintage excursions and the seasonal Pumpkin Train in October, where every child receives a small pumpkin.

• Little River Railroad (Coldwater, MI) — Families can ride behind a 100-year-old steam engine on the Fall Color Train through southern Michigan.

• Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad (Flint, MI) — Guests can take a 40-minute ride on the Huckleberry Railroad during the Ghosts & Goblins Halloween season, paired with access to Crossroads Village.

• Indiana Rail Experience (Angola, IN) — The Fall Color Steam Special showcases northeast Indiana’s autumn scenery with vintage locomotives.

• Nickel Plate Express (Noblesville, IN) — Families can enjoy themed fall rides like the Fall Wild West Express complete with cowboy-themed fun.

• Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad (LM&M Railroad) (Lebanon, OH) — Located in southwest Ohio, the LM&M Railroad offers family-friendly excursions throughout the year, including special fall trains.

from Metro Parent https://ift.tt/ZtWQgix