This year’s Labor Day weekend will feature a rare and nostalgic opportunity for Michiganians:  a train trip from south central Michigan to Petoskey and two full days in the popular Little Traverse Bay region.  The Michigan Northern Arrow will blend the leisurely ambiance of rail travel with the enjoyment of Petoskey, Harbor Springs, the Straits and the Soo.  Bluewater Michigan Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society is presenting this new ‘take” on a bygone tradition of rail excursions “Up North” with the cooperation of the Great Lakes Central railroad and the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The Michigan Northern Arrow departs Owosso Friday morning, Sept. 3, with complimentary bus connections from metropolitan Detroit and west Michigan points.  The diesel-powered train of coaches, a sleeper, diners and lounges will take a day-long ramble through Mt. Pleasant, Clare, Cadillac, Manton, Kalkaska and Boyne Falls to the former GR&I (Pennsylvania Railroad) station in downtown Petoskey.  Refreshments, snacks, lunch and dinner will be served enroute.  At the end of the line, passengers will board buses to the Holiday Inn Express, Best Western Inn or Days Inn, depending on package selections.

Saturday will be spent relaxing, shopping Petoskey’s Gaslight District, strolling the shoreline paths or quaint Victorian-era Bay View, or visiting the new Odawa Casino. Side trips to Boyne City or Harbor Springs, including a bay cruise on the Pointer, may be reserved in advance.  Sunday affords more relaxation and shopping or a prepaid trip to Mackinac Island, Keewadin Casino in Sault Ste. Marie, or through the Soo locks by boat, with lunch on board. 

On Labor Day, passengers who make advance reservations to do so may take part in the annual Mackinac Bridge Walk, and will board the homebound train down line.  The Michigan Northern Arrow departs Petoskey at 8:00 a.m. and is scheduled to arrive in Owosso in the early evening. 

The excursion will feature Coach, First Class and Ultra Class packages, priced according to on-board and overnight accommodations and services.  Side trips away from Petoskey are priced separately, but in-town shuttles will be available at no additional charge.

Full information, including a detailed flier, is available from Bluewater Michigan Chapter, NRHS at 800-594-5162, or on-line at www.bluewaternrhs.com.

Bluewater Michigan Chapter of the National Railway Historical Chapter is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of rail traditions, equipment and artifacts, and is headquartered in Royal Oak.  Great Lakes Central railroad operates freight service between metropolitan Ann Arbor, Traverse City and Petoskey, and is headquartered in Owosso.

MEDIA CONTACT:  BILL HARMAN, 989-860-3900