Little River Railroad — Local services in Coldwater

Booked the Santa train for December 2024, expecting a fun, entertaining experience while meeting Santa. Instead, I experienced a lame ride through town after driving 2.5 hours to enjoy a fun holiday event. The Coopersville, MI holiday train was a thousand times better. That, too, is run by volunteers who dress up for each holiday train they host. The first few moments of Christmas music were so loud I contemplated even staying on the train. Thankfully, they turned it to a more enjoyable sound level. None of the staff was dressed in themed attire, except for the Santa and his grumpy elf. The only beverages or snacks offered were overpriced. Website not telling any of this. Other Christmas trains we have gone on GIVE you a cup of hot cocoa, water, and a packaged cookie. 12oz cup of hot cocoa for $5 and $2 for a homemade cookie that is presented on an open table, not blocking people's spit from talking or germy hands from touching. Oh, and it's cash only. So if you want their overpriced hot cocoa or germ ridden cookie, bring cash. FYI, parents bringing your little ones come prepared with your own beverages and treats to make this a fun experience. It was a disappointing experience for us. Hopefully, they will improve the entertainment level of this...

The train ride was pleasant. All the volunteers were friendly and informative, and even entertaining. I thought I had seen somewhere that the pumpkin train was to take us to a pumpkin patch where we could purchase pumpkins, if desired. Perhaps I was mistaken because I can't find that now. The train took us to a park in Quincy, where we could have purchased pumpkins, apple cider, and maybe a few other things from a farm stand/cart set up at the park. It wasn't bad, just not what I expected. I would say this would probably be pretty fun for families with young children, though my husband and I did enjoy it.

They say you can buy tickets upon arrival, but I think they usually sell out, so unless you're a risk-taker, you probably want to buy in advance (though they aren't...

All volunteer crew does a great job. None of the coaches/train cars had air conditioning, but we knew that up front so we went to the livestock car for the increased ventilation(hot day). I wished we had taken a small cooler, the cantina didn't have much of a selection. We were there 45 minutes early and it was just about right. The experience was perfect for my 6 year old grandson. We enjoyed a train robbery that is an annual event and I would highly recommend it . The restroom facilities are a little crude so take hand sanitizer. The volunteers are great. Worth every penny...