Vignettes of the Ann Arbor Railroad, Part 1, Railroads and Car Ferrys

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The Ann Arbor Railroad, once a vital transportation link between Michigan and the Midwest, has left behind a legacy of fascinating stories and memories. In this series of posts, we will explore some vignettes of the Ann Arbor Railroad’s history, starting with its role in transporting both freight and passengers across the Great Lakes.

One of the most unique aspects of the Ann Arbor Railroad was its use of car ferries to transport goods and people across Lake Michigan. In the early 20th century, before the construction of the Mackinac Bridge, the car ferries provided a crucial connection between Michigan’s Lower and Upper Peninsulas.

Passengers would board the ferries in Frankfort or Kewaunee, Wisconsin, and enjoy a leisurely journey across the lake, taking in the stunning views of the water and surrounding landscape. The car ferries also carried freight, including cars, trucks, and even entire train cars, making them an essential part of the Ann Arbor Railroad’s operations.

The car ferries were not without their challenges, however. Lake Michigan’s unpredictable weather could make for rough crossings, and the ferries had to navigate through ice floes in the winter months. Despite these obstacles, the car ferries remained a reliable and efficient mode of transportation for many years.

Sadly, the era of the car ferries came to an end in the 1980s, as improvements in highways and bridges made them obsolete. Today, the car ferries are a distant memory, but their legacy lives on in the stories of those who traveled on them and the communities they served.

Stay tuned for more vignettes of the Ann Arbor Railroad, as we continue to explore its rich history and impact on Michigan and the Midwest.
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