Upper Peninsula of Michigan

[jwfoise]

I'm planning a trip to the UP in towards the end of May. Anyone have suggestions about good railroad museums, fan railroads, or other rail-fan spots? Thanks in advance.

[Anonymous]

Do a Google for "Copper Range Railroad"; that should get you to a great site on the COPR as well as several links for museums [mostly mining, but some RR], and some of the old-time railroads up there.

[eolafan]

Have not been in the UP for quite a while but used to be some really good action in Escababa near the docks where CN (formerly WC/SOO) had a yard and UP (formerly CNW also has had some real action. You will also want to try and stop by the Green Bay area on the way up or back to see the railroad museum (National Railway Museum) some really good exhibits there.

[CShaveRR]

You'll want to go to Marquette and watch them load a ship at the LS&I dock; it can be seen from a public road. A DeLorme atlas of Michigan might help you find some good spots along the LS&I between Marquette and Ishpeming/Negaunee.

Now that I've said all that, I have to admit that I don't know whether the mines that feed the LS&I are producing any more...perhaps someone closer to the area can elaborate.

If you go to Escanaba, stay away from E&LS property. Previous actions of the rotten few have soured them on railfans.

I would echo the sentiment about the museum in Green Bay, and also suggest checking out the WC at Fond du Lac and Appleton.

If you're into engineering accomplishments, the two-level lift bridge between Houghton and Hancock is interesting, even though railroads no longer use it.