Pumpkin Train — Coopersville & Marne Railway

The Coopersville & Marne Railway, run by the Friends of Coopersville and Marne Railway in West Michigan, describes its Pumpkin Train as a West Michigan family fall tradition that always goes down well with children and adults. The operator says it sells out quickly.

The train travels from Coopersville to Marne and back in a continuous 90-minute ride. The operator says that the Famous Pumpkin and a goofy cast of sidekicks entertain on board, that children and parents are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes, and that at the end of the ride children receive a fun gift and candy. It stresses that there is no pumpkin patch: the train does not stop in Marne and passengers do not get off.

Coach Class uses renovated vintage passenger cars, over 100 years old and decorated for fall, which are climate controlled and have a restroom. Premium Class offers table seating for four with locally sourced cider and a pumpkin-themed donut included; parties of fewer than four may be paired with others. A wheelchair seat with tie-down rails is also sold.

A continuous 90-minute round trip between Coopersville and Marne with a pumpkin character and sidekicks entertaining on board, costumes encouraged for children and parents, and a gift and candy for the children at the end. No pumpkin patch and no stop at Marne.

Boards at the boarding platform, 311 Danforth Street, Coopersville, Michigan; the ticket office and station agent are at 306 Main Street. Arrive 30 minutes before departure for the boarding process; with a car and seat assignment, go straight to the boarding platform, otherwise see the station agent. Restrooms are in the station and aboard the Coach and Premium Class trains. Train events vary which cars are included. Phone: (616) 997-7000.