Michigan Fall Train Rides: 11 Amazing Scenic Tours for Autumn Color

Fall in Michigan is pure magic. From cider mills and pumpkin patches to scenic drives and cozy small towns, autumn is hands down my favorite season to explore the state. One of the most unique ways to soak it all in? A fall color train ride through Michigan’s brilliant forests and countryside.

Why Train Rides Are Essential Michigan Fall Fun

There’s something special about hearing the whistle of a vintage steam engine while you glide past rolling hills and blazing red, orange, and gold leaves. For me, hopping on a steam train in October has become a fall tradition — and it’s one of the most memorable things to do in Michigan in the fall.

Whether you’re planning a Michigan fall road trip, looking for family-friendly weekend fun, or just want a new way to see the foliage, these train rides combine history, scenery, and seasonal charm.

Here are 11 incredible Michigan fall train rides to add to your autumn travel list.

Coopersville & Marne Railway – The Famous Pumpkin Train

Address: 306 Main St, Coopersville, MI 49404
Just north of Grand Rapids, the Coopersville & Marne Railway offers the Famous Pumpkin Train, a West Michigan favorite. The 90-minute ride features 1920s passenger cars, scenic farmland views, and on-board entertainment from costumed characters like the Grand Pumpkin and Scarecrow. Kids even get to pick a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch at the end.

Why it’s perfect for fall travel: This combines two fall must-dos — train rides and pumpkin patches — into one family-friendly outing.

“Wonderful experience on the pumpkin train with my daughter. She loved it! Everyone was very friendly, the train was fun, and the snacks were tasty!“

Trip Advisor Review

Coopersville & Marne Oktoberfest Express Train – West Michigan

Address: 306 Main St, Coopersville, MI 49404
Break out your Bavarian hat and lederhosen — this is one fall color train ride with a twist! The Oktoberfest Express Train combines scenic autumn views with a festive onboard celebration.

Climb aboard a vintage train in West Michigan and enjoy Oktoberfest music, snacks, and your choice of two beverages (including authentic Oktoberfest beer, wine, or non-alcoholic options). As the leaves blaze red and gold outside your window, you’ll be toasting to one of the most unique things to do in Michigan in the fall.

Why it’s special: Most fall train rides focus on family fun, but this one adds a grown-up, Bavarian flair. Perfect for couples or groups of friends looking for a memorable seasonal outing.

Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad

Address: 6140 Bray Road, Flint, MI
Fall is extra festive at Crossroads Village, where the historic Huckleberry Railroad takes passengers on a 40-minute ride past Mott Lake. In October, the ride transforms into the Ghost Train Express, part of the larger Halloween celebration with trick-or-treating, cider, donuts, magic shows, and a straw maze. This is Michigan fall foliage train ride is not to be missed.

Fun Michigan fall activity: Pair your train ride with a day in Crossroads Village for a full festival atmosphere.

“Very nice place. Old historical buildings with demonstrations and displays of the past (turn of the century) printing press, doctors house, church, single family homes, ice house, ect. Done very nice. Great family experience.”

Trip Advisor Review

Southern Michigan Railroad

Address: Clinton Station — 301 Bartlett St, Clinton, MI
This historic railroad offers Fall Color Tours through Lenawee County — complete with cider, a gift shop stop, and open-air gondola cars for the best leaf views. Shorter festival rides are also available during the Clinton Fall Festival.

Travel tip: Plan your visit in late September to catch both the train and the Appleumpkin Festival in nearby Tecumseh.

PRO-TIP: Plan your train trip for late September and stop by the Appleumpkin Festival in Tecumseh, just south of Clinton!

Little River Railroad in Coldwater

Address: 29 W. Park Ave., Coldwater, MI 49036
Step aboard an antique steam engine for a 90-minute Pumpkin Train ride between Coldwater and Quincy. Watching the locomotive switch ends in Quincy is part of the fun, especially for kids and train enthusiasts.

Why I love it for fall: It’s a laid-back way to see the countryside while sipping apple cider and enjoying Michigan’s crisp October air.

“I’ll never be too old to find the magic in riding the rails with the Little River Railroad. It was a beautiful day to see the fall colors from Coldwater, MI to Quincy, MI. We had a quick stop to stretch our legs and drink hot cider. This trip would be very comfortable to bring all the kids as a snack car and bathroom facilities are available. I believe I even saw Santa riding in our car…Don’t miss the opportunity to make a memory with your loved ones!”

Trip Advisor Review

Old Road Railroad Dinner Trains

Address: Blissfields Old Road Dinner Train, 301 US-223, Blissfield MI 49228
Want a quirky fall date night idea? The Old Road Dinner Train combines a scenic rail ride with a murder mystery dinner theater experience. It’s adults-only and guaranteed to be a night you’ll never forget. Located just south of Ann Arbor, near Detroit, this is a really fun activity.

Michigan Transit Museum in Mount Clemens

Address: 24201 Henry B Joy Blvd, Charter Twp of Clinton, MI 48036
This small but historic railroad offers fall rides that often include trick-or-treat trains for kids. Pair your excursion with a visit to the museum, where you can learn about Michigan’s rail history.

Greenfield Village – Weiser Railroad

Address: 20900 Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn, MI 48124-5029
Spend the day at Greenfield Village and take a loop on the Weiser Railroad, pulled by one of the oldest operating steam engines. Between the fall leaves and historic atmosphere, it’s a full Michigan fall travel experience in one stop.

Lake Linden and Torch Lake Railroad

Address: Houghton County Historical Society, 53102 Hwy M-26 PO Box 127, Lake Linden, MI 49945
This half-mile loop, operated by the Houghton County Historical Society, may be short, but it’s packed with Copper Country charm. The Keweenaw Peninsula is one of the most breathtaking places to see fall colors in Michigan, so this ride in the Upper Peninsula is worth the stop.

Steam Railroading Institute – Owosso

Address: 405 S Washington St, Owosso, MI 48867
Fall scenic train rides on the Polar Express? That’s right: you can take a Michigan fall color train tour on this very train. The Steam Railroad Institute, home of the Christmas train (aka “the Polar Express”), also offers fall scenic train rides.

Home of the legendary Pere Marquette 1225, the Steam Railroading Institute offers all-day fall excursions to Cadillac. Nothing beats hearing that whistle while fiery leaves fly past your window.

Travel tip: Come back in winter for their famous North Pole Express ride.

Fort Wayne Railroad – Hillsdale to Angola

Address: Downtown Hillsdale, MI
The Indiana Rail Experience operates fall excursions between Hillsdale, MI and Angola, IN. Vintage passenger cars and a historic steam locomotive create an all-day adventure, complete with a three-hour stop in Angola for lunch and shopping.

(Historic) Tahquamenon Falls Wilderness Train Ride – Newberry

Update: Permanently Closed
This once-famous combo of trolley, riverboat, and hiking near Tahquamenon Falls is no longer running, but it remains a legendary part of Michigan’s fall travel history.

More Fun Things to Do in Michigan in the Fall

Taking a fall color train ride is just one way to celebrate the season. If you’re planning a Michigan fall getaway, here are more can’t-miss experiences:

• 🍏 Visit cider mills like Yates or Uncle John’s for cider & donuts
• 🎃 Explore pumpkin patches and corn mazes across the state
• 🍂 Take a scenic fall drive like the Tunnel of Trees or M-22
• 🍷 Go wine tasting in Northern Michigan while the vineyards glow with color
• 🏘 Stay in a cozy lake town like Petoskey, Holland, or Marquette

Whether you’re chasing fall foliage in the U.P. or enjoying a weekend road trip downstate, Michigan offers endless ways to celebrate autumn.

More Michigan Fall Adventures

Every year, I try to add a new fall adventure to my list — and Michigan’s scenic train rides always make the cut. They’re the perfect mix of nostalgia, stunning landscapes, and family fun. If you’re planning a Michigan fall trip, make sure at least one of these train rides is on your itinerary. Trust me: it’s one of the best things to do in Michigan in the fall.