Coopersville & Marne Railway

Photo by Joe Ross from Lansing, Michigan, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Upcoming Events

No ticketed events are currently listed for Coopersville & Marne Railway. Many heritage operators publish schedules seasonally or run on regular open hours instead of dated events.

Check the operator’s website for current hours and special runs, or subscribe to event alerts and we’ll email you when something is scheduled.

About Coopersville & Marne Railway

The Coopersville & Marne Railway runs a non‑profit tourist train through West Michigan’s Kent and Ottawa counties, covering approximately 14 miles between Coopersville and Marne. The line, owned by the railway, links with the Grand Rapids Eastern Railroad at Grand Rapids and also serves a single freight customer with lumber shipments near the eastern end. Excursion trains include themed and standard rides, and a recently restored handicap‑accessible car now operates on the route.

History

The line that the Coopersville & Marne Railway now operates began in the 1850s as the Oakland and Ottawa Railway, later becoming part of the Detroit and Milwaukee Railroad and then the Grand Trunk Railroad. After the Grand Trunk shifted its lake‑ferry operations to Muskegon, the former main line was reduced to a branch and was cut back to Coopersville before being sold to the Central Michigan Railway in 1983. When the Central Michigan Railway abandoned the segment, a General Motors facility in Coopersville secured the right‑of‑way for possible wartime use, prompting the tracks to be reinstated. The line was placed on the market and, in 1993, a nonprofit organization incorporated as the Coopersville & Marne Railway and purchased the track, establishing a non‑profit tourist railroad and common carrier that continues to operate today.

The Trains

The line runs on about 14 miles of standard‑gauge track between Walker, Michigan, and Coopersville, Michigan, where it connects with the Grand Rapids Eastern Railroad. Its rolling stock includes a passenger car that was restored as a handicap‑accessible vehicle and entered service in 2023. Passenger excursions travel from Coopersville to Marne and back along this segment of the former Grand Trunk branch.

Nearby

Where to Stay

Bookings made through this map support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.

Rent a Car

Most heritage railroads sit well off the interstate. Picking up a rental at the nearest airport is usually the easiest way in.

Compare rentals on Discover Cars →

Bookings made through this link support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.

Book tours & activities nearby

Pre-book guided tours and things to do around the area.

Bookings made through these links support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.

Reviews

0
✍ Write a Review

0/50 characters

Own this railroad?

Claim your free listing to keep its details up to date.

Claim your listing →

Get Event Alerts

Never miss an event at Coopersville & Marne Railway.