Holly Union Depot

05/09/2026

Built in 1886, the Village of Holly’s historic Union Depot played an important role in the community’s early history, when the economy was based on lumber and milling. It’s a unique piece of Michigan rail history, too. “It was the first in Michigan that could service both sides of the track,...

05/06/2026

Not Holly related but interesting train related story.

04/16/2026

On April 15, 1865, the nation learned of the death of President Abraham Lincoln. In the days that followed, the railroads carried him home.

The Lincoln Funeral Train retraced part of his inaugural journey, traveling from Washington, D.C. to Springfield, Illinois. Along the route, millions gathered at depots and crossings, watching in silence as the train passed.

Though the train did not pass through Michigan, its impact was still felt. Railroads across the state lowered flags, draped equipment in mourning, and communities gathered at local depots to honor Lincoln.

A moving tribute - made possible by the rails that linked a nation together.

03/07/2026

How cool is this?

In Kentucky, you can ride a railbike through stunning countryside and pastures of the “horse capital of the world” in Lexington! The trip is run by Rail Explorers Bluegrass Division, which leaves from nearby Versailles and follows a historic railroad line through some of the most famous horse country anywhere in America.

The ride covers about 10 miles through rolling farmland where you pass several thoroughbred horse farms. Along the way you can often see mares and young foals grazing in wide green fields beside the tracks. The route also leads into deep rock cuts carved through the region’s limestone hills, giving you a very different view of the land as the train line winds through the countryside.

You pedal special railbikes that sit right on the tracks, and each one has electric assist so the ride is easy for families, kids, and adults of all ages. The line is operated with the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad & Museum and includes a stop near the tall cliffs above the Kentucky River. From here you can spot Young’s High Bridge and even see the famous Wild Turkey Distillery in the distance.

The Bluegrass Division closes during the winter months but plans to reopen in spring, when riders can once again roll through Kentucky’s beautiful horse country. Tickets for the next season are expected soon.

02/28/2026

Today’s featured depot is the Ypsilanti Depot 🚂

Ypsilanti, located in eastern Washtenaw County along the Huron River, was settled about 1824 as a trading post.

The depot sat along the Michigan Central Railroad main line running between Detroit and Chicago, about eight miles east of Ann Arbor. Its location on this major corridor positioned Ypsilanti as an important stop between two of the Midwest’s largest cities.

In addition to the Michigan Central, Ypsilanti was also served by the Detroit, Hillsdale & Southwestern Railroad, which operated between Ypsilanti and Bankers (near Hillsdale), as well as an interurban railroad line that further connected the city to surrounding communities.

The Ypsilanti depot served as a passenger and freight station, supporting both local travel and commercial shipping during the height of Michigan’s railroad era.

02/21/2026

This is a great example of what our depot could be..

The historic Durand Union Station isn’t just beautiful — it’s one of the most photographed depots in the country. Today, it’s home to the Michigan Railroad History Museum, featuring one of the largest collections of railroad artifacts in the state.

Inside, you’ll find exhibits on African-Americans in railroading, Presidential Whistle Stops, car ferries that carried trains across the Great Lakes, and even hobo culture.

Bonus: The Durand Union Station Model Railroad Engineers run a massive HO-scale layout in the old baggage room on select weekends. 👀

Open year-round (with limited winter hours), this is a must-stop for train lovers, history buffs, and anyone who appreciates a seriously good photo op.

02/21/2026

Today’s featured depot is the Michigan Central station in Sherwood 🚂

Sherwood, located in Branch County, was settled about 1832. Originally known as Hazenville, the settlement was renamed to its present name in 1839.

The depot sat along the Michigan Central (MC) Railroad’s Air Line. The line ran along the far northwest corner of Branch County and was originally planned by local and Canadian interests as a cross-state route from Ontario to Chicago, but it never truly came to fruition.

A pickle processing plant once operated in Sherwood, likely using the MC depot as its primary shipping point for distributing products.

The MC depot in Sherwood served as a passenger, freight, and express station. Unfortunately, the depot no longer exists.

01/12/2026

Congratulations to Village of Holly, MI and Downtown Holly on the successful relocation of the Historic Holly Union Station—one of the oldest surviving union railroad depots in Michigan (circa 1886). Restoration and site work phases for project and related fundraising begin in 2026. Follow Holly Depot activities at www.tinyurl.com/zpmtwmej Footage of move at https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1GMyqkYhUc/

01/10/2026

12/15/2025

Now that the depot has moved, work is ongoing with the masons. And doesn’t it look amazing in its new position?

12/09/2025