By DONTÉ SMITH
Capital News Service
LANSING – As the crisp autumn air settles over Michigan, the gentle chug of steam engines echoes through Coldwater.
The Little River Railroad, a historic steam railway, invites passengers to step back in time for a ride filled with charm and nostalgia.
It’s one of 55 steam locomotives in the state, 15 of them still operational, according to steamlocomotive.info. Among their other locations are Owosso, Benton Harbor, Buckley and Monroe, Dearborn, Lake Linden and Skandia.
Heather Kaiser, a stoker for the Little River Railroad, shared the story of the locomotives that power these rides. As a stoker, she is responsible for feeding coal into the firebox, ensuring the engine has a consistent fuel supply.
“Little River Railroad No. 110 is a Pacific-type steam locomotive built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1911,” she explains. “It’s actually the smallest standard gauge Pacific-type steam engine ever built, designed to navigate the tight curves of the Great Smoky Mountains.”
The #110 has been restored to working condition. Alongside it is another engine, the No. 1–a 0-4-0 tank engine with parts made before 1908.
“It’s a bit of a mystery when exactly No. 1 was built,” Kaiser says, “but both locomotives are a testament to the rich history of steam railroading in Michigan.”
For over 50 years, the Little River Railroad has operated out of Coldwater, a small city with a big heart for its steam trains.
“The railroad brings in thousands of passengers each year,” Kaiser notes, “and they don’t just ride the train – they visit local businesses and restaurants, contributing to the town’s economy.”
While the Little River Railroad remains a beloved community fixture, it faces challenges, she says.
“We’ve been run as a family operation for decades, and while we have dedicated volunteers, we’re always looking for more hands to help keep things running smoothly,” says Kaiser.
The railroad was started by her father, Terry Bloom, but in recent years she and her brothers have stepped up to lead both the business operations of the railroad and maintenance of the trains.
One rider, Brian Nelson, recalls being a passenger as a kid and now as an adult.
“I have so many fond memories of going for a ride here as a little kid, and everyone is nothing short of amazing,” Nelson says.
Kaiser says, “During the trips, the passengers enjoy the sounds of the steam locomotive and the smell of the coal smoke. I can’t tell you the number of times a passenger has come up to me when I’m working in the engine and tells me the stories of when their family member worked on the railroad.”
“You can just see the memories rushing back, and it is so rewarding to be a part of that for someone,” she says.
As for future plans, she says, “Next season, we’re looking at leveling out the brick platform at the depot to make it more accessible for passengers with mobility issues.”
The railroad has already added a wheelchair lift to improve accessibility.
Kaiser says the railroad is dedicated to ensuring future generations will have the chance to experience steam-powered travel.
“I am hopeful that we are able to continue the Little River Railroad as it is for many years and continue with our mission of keeping steam alive,” says Kaiser.