By Nick Anderson
Coopersville & Marne Railway
The Coopersville & Marne Railway, which suspended all passenger operations following Governor Whitmer’s ‘Stay Home’ order; plans to resume passenger service on Saturday, Oct. 17. The Famous Pumpkin Train will run twice on the Oct. 17 and also on Oct. 24.
In resuming service the railroad will follow all current CDC and Ottawa County Health Department guidelines. Train capacities will be reduced to accommodate social distancing and train crews will be wearing masks aboard the coaches. Passengers more than five years of age are also required to wear masks while on the train. All ticketing will be handled electronically, as our station will remain closed. In addition, coach seats will be wiped down between runs in an effort to assure the health and safety of passengers and crew. Prior to boarding passengers will be subject to temperature checks and monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms.
Additionally, our cast of zany characters; including the Grand Pumpkin, Scarecrow, and Li’l Crow; will be performing for passengers in the pumpkin patch upon arrival back in Coopersville. They will be entertaining with songs, dances, and funny stories. And, as in the past, children will be able to walk through the pumpkin patch and select a pumpkin to take home.
Additional information regarding the upcoming Famous Pumpkin Trains can be accessed on our website: www.mitrain.net. Additional COVID-19 health and safety information can also be found on our website.
Information pertaining to our annual Santa Train will be announced in the weeks ahead as we get closer to the Holiday Season.
The Coopersville & Marne Railway is an ‘all volunteer’ vintage railroad located midway between Grand Rapids and Muskegon, offering 90-minute train rides between our namesake towns. Our train includes coaches dating to the 1920s along with our 1950s era locomotives. And the right of way that we follow dates back to an 1848 charter for the Oakland and Ottawa Railroad. The Coopersville & Marne Railway features EnterTRAINment Excursions, with local musicians; specialty Theme Trains and group charters during our operating season from mid-March to Christmas.
