Michigan Families Can Hop Aboard Thomas This Summer

Trains are a huge part of Michigan's industrial history and remain a major component of modern transportation. It might be a freight train loaded with automotive parts heading to factories or leaving with fully assembled vehicles, or passenger trains like Amtrak.

While all Americans still rely on trains—whether they realize it or not—many people are outright obsessed with the railroad industry.

Michigan’s Love for Trains

People of all ages love trains. For some, it’s a casual fascination; for others, it becomes a lifelong hobby or even a full-blown obsession. Model train building is a favorite pastime for many enthusiasts, while others enjoy visiting depots and Michigan’s historic railroad museums, such as the iconic Durand Union Station. But in January of 1989, a certain little tank engine captured the imagination of an entirely new generation.

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The story of Thomas the Tank Engine actually begins decades earlier with a British book series called The Railway Series, first published in May of 1945. Created by Wilbert Awdry, the stories take place on the fictional Island of Sodor, home to the North Western Railway. Awdry wrote the first 26 books before his son took over in 1983, penning an additional 16 stories before the series concluded in 2011. Across 46 books, one little blue engine became a worldwide fan favorite.

From Books to TV Fame

While the books were already beloved in the UK, it wasn’t until 1989 when the TV series Thomas & Friends debuted in the United States that American kids truly fell in love with Thomas the Tank Engine.

READ MORE: Durand Train-Jam Causes Massive Delays

Now, more than 80 years after Thomas first appeared, Genesee County Parks is welcoming him back to Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad. Tickets for A Day Out with Thomas are available now for the weekends of August 15–17 and August 22–24, 2025.

This $2.6 M Genesee County Estate Comes Complete with its Own Poolside Train Caboose

Because every pool should have a train car right next to it right? This custom estate in AtlasTownship is unique, to say the least. With over 4,000 square feet that holds 4 1/2 baths and 6 bedrooms, the home comes with a separate 3115 sq. ft. independent full service, at-home office with conference room and 4 offices. Exciting additions include tennis courts, an in-ground pool with a train car just to add character, large private ponds, your own bridge, a floor-size chess set, and a pedestal bed in the master suite. All of this can be yours for just $2.6M. Take a look inside!

Gallery Credit: Zillow

1871 Restored Train Depot is Now Unique Michigan Airbnb: Look

Located in the village of Colon, Michigan, this train depot found new life when it was moved to its current location in 1993. The owners spent painstaking time renovating and refurbishing the historic depot piece by piece making sure to salvage the original doors and nearly all of the interior beaded wainscoting as well as all of the unique antique "window weight" windows. The 2 bedroom 1.5 bath "home" sleeps 5 guests comfortably amongst charming decor in every room. Keeping with the historical theme, visitors will find antiques, a stunning restored sleigh, and beautiful custom-made cabinets inside. Take a look!

Gallery Credit: Airbnb