Grayling Visitors Bureau

Rail aficionados will throng to Grayling on October 2 & 3, in anticipation of viewing or riding in restored, historic passenger coaches. The vintage 1930-1954 passenger cars, pulled by a diesel locomotive, will make one side trip excursion each day of approximately a 20 mile round trip. This short excursion will allow many railroad fans the opportunity to live a bit of history and experience a form of travel that was the backbone of America for many years.

The Bluewater Michigan Chapter, Inc. of the National Railway Historical Society, the Crawford County Historical Society and the Lakes States Railway Company are sponsoring the excursion. The Bluewater Michigan Chapter NRHS is a group with a special interest in railroad history and preservation. Prices for the side trip excursion will vary by railcar; Ultra Class will be $60 adults only, First Class $35 each, and Coach Class $20 adults and $15 child accompanied by an adult. There is limited seating. Advance ticket purchase is required. Tickets sales begin August 4, 2010 and can be purchased at the Historical Museum, 97 Michigan Ave, Grayling, MI or by calling 989-348-4461.

Ticket sales for a full day excursion from Standish to Grayling are available online at www.bluewaternrhs.com or by contacting The Standish Historical Depot, 107 N. Main St, Standish MI 48658 989-718-3021.

Full Day Excursion Passengers will disembark in Grayling where they will be given the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely lunch, browse through the historical museum which is located in a restored train depot, or visit one of Uptown Grayling’s unique shops. A Farmer’s Market and Tractor Show will offer passengers additional entertainment in a section of Michigan Avenue blocked off just for this original event. A Model Train Show and Swap, with featured displays from Glancy Trains by the Detroit Historical Society, and a LEGO Train display with children’s area to assemble Legos will be held at the Grayling Middle School 10:00am to 4:00pm Saturday and Sunday. An arts and crafts show will be held on Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm at the Grayling Elementary School.

The boarding site and activities associated with this excursion may require walking over uneven ground and step climbing. The historic equipment used was built before the advent of handicapped-accessible transportation and in most cases cannot be modified. Crewmembers are not permitted to handle occupied wheelchairs. If you are mobility-impaired, please call and discuss available accommodations before ordering a ticket.

This nostalgic trip is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Numerous photo opportunities will be available.

Contact: Kay Cosgray
July 31, 2010
Phone 989-390-5944