Seasonal Train Rides & Private Caboose Experiences in Clinton, MI

Southern Michigan Railroad: Scenic Santa Express and Fall Color Tours

Southern Michigan Railroad operates seasonal Santa Express rides and Fall Color Tours from Clinton, Michigan, along Lenawee County’s historic rail corridor. Visitors choose from multiple vintage cars and private cabooses, board at local points including Clinton United Methodist Church or Tecumseh, and enjoy themed experiences like Santa visits, gift shops, and scenic layovers.

Popular Trips and Highlights

• Santa Express: Multiple caboose and commuter car options (Private DWP Caboose, Private NH Caboose, South Shore Commuter Car, NYC Memorial Caboose). Children meet Santa, receive gifts, and enjoy complimentary hot cocoa.
• Fall Color Tours: Options include Private DWP, Private NH, South Shore Commuter Car, NYC Memorial Caboose, and an Open Air Gondola running from Tecumseh to Clinton. Tours showcase autumn foliage, wildlife viewing, and scenic views over Red Mill Pond.
• Private Caboose Experiences: Select private cabooses accommodate small groups and family adventures, offering dedicated space for up to eight passengers on specific cars.
• Clinton Station Layovers: Fall trips include a 30-minute layover at Clinton Station with complimentary apple cider, souvenir shopping, and opportunities to view vintage railroad equipment, including a 1926 diesel locomotive on select excursions.

What to Expect

Passengers should expect nostalgic rail equipment and family-friendly events aboard historic cars. Santa Express departures feature a visit to Santa’s Caboose, gifts for children, hot cocoa served by staff or elves, and access to a gift shop. Fall Color Tours emphasize scenic travel through Lenawee County woodlands with scheduled layovers in Clinton.

Practical Details

• Boarding locations vary by trip; some Santa Express trains board at Clinton United Methodist Church.
• The Open Air Gondola departs between Tecumseh and Clinton on designated fall runs.
• Complimentary refreshments include hot cocoa on Santa Express and apple cider during fall layovers.
• Vintage equipment and a 1926 diesel locomotive appear on select Fall Color Tours.

Why Choose Southern Michigan Railroad

• Historic corridor travel that highlights local scenery in southeastern Michigan.
• Multiple car types and private caboose options for families and small groups.
• Seasonal programming focused on holiday experiences and autumn foliage.

Booking and Planning Tips

• Check official Southern Michigan Railroad listings for schedules, ticket availability, and boarding points.
• Select private caboose options early for limited-capacity trips.
• Arrive at the listed boarding location ahead of departure for timely boarding and event access.

Detailed Trip Summaries

• Private DWP Caboose - Santa Express: Experience the magic of the holiday season aboard the Santa Express. Enjoy a scenic train ride to Santa's Caboose, where children can share their wishes with Santa and receive a special gift. Savor complimentary hot cocoa and explore the gift shop for a festive family outing.

• Private NH Caboose - Santa Express: Board at Clinton United Methodist Church for a delightful train ride to Santa’s Caboose, meet Santa, receive gifts, and enjoy complimentary hot cocoa while exploring the historic caboose.

• South Shore Commuter Car - Santa Express: Board the historic train for a journey to Santa’s Caboose with hot cocoa from Santa’s elves and a visit to the gift shop for holiday keepsakes.

• NYC Memorial Caboose - Santa Express: Embark on a whimsical trip from Clinton United Methodist Church to Santa’s Caboose to meet Santa, receive a special gift, and enjoy complimentary hot cocoa.

• Fall Color Tours: Scenic autumn rides through Lenawee County's historic rail corridor with layovers at Clinton Station included.