Coopersville & Marne Railway

The Coopersville & Marne Railway is a delightful volunteer-operated heritage excursion railroad in western Michigan, running vintage 1920s-era locomotives and passenger cars on a scenic 14-mile round trip from Coopersville to the small farming community of Marne through the rolling agricultural landscape of Ottawa County. The journey crosses an open deck girder bridge, four creeks, and one road bridge through countryside typical of west Michigan’s fruit and vegetable farming belt, with narrated commentary provided on select departures. The railroad is particularly celebrated for its spirited and creative event programming — the Great Train Robbery, Murder Mystery Train, Pumpkin Train, and Santa Train have each built devoted followings among West Michigan families. The summer EnterTRAINment Excursions are a signature offering, featuring acoustic musicians and the Singing Trainman performing railroad-themed songs as the train rolls through the countryside. The railway operates from spring through winter on Saturdays and select additional days, with the holiday Santa Train drawing some of the largest crowds of the year. The Coopersville & Marne is an excellent example of a community-run volunteer heritage railroad that punches far above its weight in programming creativity and visitor experience.