Did you know that Michigan has an interurban rail system? No? Because it doesn’t. But it used to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I’ve long considered myself a bit of a buff when it comes to public transportation, but this weekend, at a holiday party in Grass Lake, MI (outside of Jackson), I learned that there was a whole section of local transport history that I was completely ignorant of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We took a break (!!!) from the holiday party to go and visit the Lost Railway Museum (!!!) and the kids had a great time (!!!)! It’s a donation museum, and has two interurban rail cars that are in the process of being restored. It’s got a video presentation all about the history of interurban rail, why it was popular, and what put it on the chopping block.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can you ring the bells on the cars? YES, YOU CAN! And holy cow, did my kids ring that bell. I may have also done a small amount of ringing. I cannot be blamed, the switch is in the floor, shut up it was awesome! Also, wicker seats!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To know that a system like BART existed before the advent of the inexpensive automobile, and that it was both frequently-used and popular enough to involve two competing companies, here in Michigan, has given me hope. Not only can it be done, but we’ve done it in the past!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Check out the museum’s page here<\/a>, and drop by if you’re in the area. I highly recommend it. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Did you know that Michigan has an interurban rail system? No? Because it doesn’t. But it used to. I’ve long considered myself a bit of a buff when it comes to public transportation, but this weekend, at a holiday party … Continue reading