Southern Michigan Railroad

The Southern Michigan Railroad Society operates one of the most authentic volunteer-run heritage excursion railroads in the Midwest, running entirely volunteer-maintained vintage diesel locomotives and passenger cars between the historic small towns of Clinton and Tecumseh in the rolling farmland of Lenawee County, Michigan. What makes the SMR unique among heritage railroads is that the railroad is entirely owned by the preservation society itself — used exclusively for historical preservation and visitor education rather than any commercial freight purpose — making it a genuine railroad operated purely for its heritage mission. Excursions cover a scenic 10-mile round-trip through the Irish Hills region countryside, past farms, woodlots, and small-town railroad depots that speak to Michigan’s agricultural and industrial heritage. The railroad hosts a full calendar of themed excursions throughout its spring-to-fall operating season, including the popular Fall Color tours in October when the Lenawee County countryside blazes with autumn foliage, Easter Bunny Express rides, summer diesel excursions, and holiday trains. School and charter trips are available on request. The Southern Michigan Railroad Society maintains its equipment entirely through volunteer labor, representing an extraordinary community commitment to railroad preservation in rural Michigan.