Table of Contents
Quick Facts
| Railroad Name | Huckleberry Railroad |
| Website | https://geneseecountyparks.org/huckleberry-railroad/ |
| Train ride | Narrow gauge steam or diesel powered train pulling vintage railroad cars. Part of Crossroads Village |
| Location | 6140 N. Bray Dr. Flint, MI 48505 Google Map |
| Length of trip | 19 mile, 40 minute round trip |
| Cost of single ticket | $21.00 (Village and train) |
| Special Trains | Day out with Thomas Railfan weekend Halloween Ghosts & Goodies Christmas Holiday Magic |
History and Information
The Huckleberry Railroad is a historic narrow-gauge railroad located in Genesee County, Michigan, USA. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to travel back in time and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of a bygone era. This beloved attraction has been delighting passengers for over a century, and its fascinating history and charming atmosphere continue to draw visitors from all over the world.
History of the Huckleberry Railroad
The Huckleberry Railroad has a rich history that dates back to the late 1800s. It was originally built as a logging railroad to transport timber from the forests to the sawmills. As the timber industry declined, the railroad was repurposed as a passenger line, offering scenic tours of the beautiful Genesee County countryside.
Over the years, the Huckleberry Railroad has faced many challenges, including economic downturns, floods, and fires. However, the community rallied behind the beloved attraction, and it has continued to operate to this day. Today, the Huckleberry Railroad is owned and operated by the Genesee County Parks and Recreation Commission and is a popular destination for families, history buffs, and train enthusiasts alike.
The Ride
The Huckleberry Railroad offers a 40-minute round trip through picturesque countryside, crossing rivers and creeks, and passing through dense forests. The train is pulled by an authentic steam locomotive that was built in 1929, which adds to the charm and nostalgia of the experience.
Along the way, passengers can enjoy views of the beautiful Flint River, as well as a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and birds.
The Equipment
The Huckleberry Railroad operates a variety of vintage equipment, including a Baldwin steam locomotive, several passenger cars, and a caboose. The locomotive and cars have been carefully restored to their original condition and are maintained by a team of dedicated volunteers.
Other Local Attractions
In addition to the Huckleberry Railroad, there are many other local attractions to explore in Genesee County. Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad Station is a living history village that offers visitors a glimpse into life in the 19th century. The village includes a blacksmith shop, a general store, a schoolhouse, and many other historic buildings.
Another popular attraction is the Flint Farmers’ Market, which features over 50 vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal foods, and handmade crafts. The market also hosts live music and other events throughout the year.
In conclusion, the Huckleberry Railroad is a must-visit attraction for anyone who loves history, trains, or simply enjoys a leisurely ride through beautiful scenery. With its rich history, vintage equipment, and charming atmosphere, the Huckleberry Railroad is truly a journey through time that is not to be missed.
Locomotive Roster
| Locomotive | Type | Builder | Notes |
| 11 | Switcher | Plymouth | Ex- Badger Army Ammunition |
| 12 | 45 Ton Diesel | General Electric | Ex-Bethlehem Steel |
| 571 | Switcher | Plymouth | Ex- Badger Army Ammunition |
| 152 | 4-6-0 | Baldwin Locomotive Works 1920 | Ex-Alaska Railroad |
| 464 | 2-8-2 | Baldwin Locomotive Works 1903 | Ex-D&RGW K-27 Mudhen |
| 3 | 2-6-0 | Brooks 1894 | Ex-Quincy & Torch lake |
| 4 | 2-8-0 | Baldwin Locomotive Works 1904 | Ex- Potosi & Rio Verde |
Getting there
The closest Amtrak station to the Huckleberry Railroad is the Flint station, located in downtown Flint, Michigan. The station is served by the Amtrak Blue Water line, which provides daily service between Port Huron, Michigan and Chicago, Illinois. The distance from the Flint station to the Huckleberry Railroad is approximately 8 miles, which can be covered by car or public transportation. Visitors can take the MTA Flint bus route 10 to the intersection of Dort Highway and Stanley Road, which is just a short walk from the Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad Station. Alternatively, visitors can take a taxi or ride-sharing service from the Flint station to the Huckleberry Railroad.
Fly
The closest commercial airport to the Huckleberry Railroad is Bishop International Airport, located in Flint, Michigan. The airport is served by several major airlines, including Delta, United, and American, with non-stop flights to destinations across the United States. The distance from Bishop International Airport to the Huckleberry Railroad is approximately 13 miles, which can be covered by car or public transportation. Visitors can rent a car at the airport, take a taxi or ride-sharing service, or use public transportation to reach the Huckleberry Railroad. The MTA Flint bus route 11 provides service from the airport to downtown Flint, where visitors can transfer to the Flint bus route 10 to reach the Huckleberry Railroad
Drive
The Huckleberry Railroad is located in Flint, Michigan, which is easily accessible by car or public transportation. From downtown Flint, take I-475 North to Exit 13, then follow the signs to Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad Station. There is ample parking available at the station, and the train departs several times a day during the operating season.
