In 1985, a few train enthusiasts met at the Masonic Temple in Charlotte, Michigan. It was unanimous that there was enough interest to start a local 7 ½” gauge railroading club named Mid-Michigan Railroad Club. Officers were elected and the word went out that the club was seeking donated property to start building the railroad.
The construction started with a handful of members on the property of Aluminum Extrusions Co., near downtown Charlotte. After operating for one year, the company closed its doors and the club was forced to relocate.
It wasn’t long before club member, Wayne Karn, approached the Cornwell family at Turkeyville, in nearby Marshall, Michigan. The Cornwell family was excited and a contract was signed between the MMRC and Cornwell’s Turkeyville USA to install the railroad.
A master plan was developed and construction began. With donated equipment including a bulldozer from Wayne, tractors from Turkeyville, supplies from Morris Railroad Supplies, and many helping hands, the club was on their way to building a fantastic railroad!
People not interested in membership would come out for weeks and months just to help build and bring families out to watch the trains in service and run on the track that they helped build. The club appreciated all the wonderful people who helped build the story and history of the Mid-Michigan Railroad Club. MMRC was open to operate the passenger service operation.
In 1989, the facility opened to any visitors wishing to operate their own equipment. The club installed passing sidings to facilitate simultaneous freight and passenger service. This added the reality of full-scale railroading and provided an additional layer of operating interest and fun. The railroad contains over a mile of operating rails.
On Memorial Day 2011, straight-line winds caused severe damage to the property. It took months to repair and rebuild the property, tracks, and trestles.
In 2015, a 53’ long train storage container, loading/unloading, and transfer facility was added to the property. An additional container has since been added, allowing members to rent space for their rolling stock.
A Grand Elk class N-11 transfer caboose arrived on the property in 2019. It was remodeled in 2023 and is available for tours.
The large pole barn was retrofitted in 2023 to allow for year round work sessions for track fabrication and the like.
Future growth is expected as the club has access to more property for expansion. One of the club’s goals is to host Card Order Meets.
Full RV and camping facilities are available at the Turkeyville campgrounds (which backs up to the railroad and is a short walk). For cost and availability, call the campground at 269-248-7698. Tell them you’re a member of MMRC and receive a discounted rate.
Self-contained campers may camp at the MMRC. Indoor restrooms and showers available.
MMRC address: 18935 15 ½ Mile Rd Marshall, MI 49068
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MMRCMichigan
MMRC Website: https://www.midmichrr.com/
Cornwell’s Website: https://www.turkeyville.com/
Camp Turkeyville Website: https://www.campturkeyville.com/
The construction started with a handful of members on the property of Aluminum Extrusions Co., near downtown Charlotte. After operating for one year, the company closed its doors and the club was forced to relocate.
It wasn’t long before club member, Wayne Karn, approached the Cornwell family at Turkeyville, in nearby Marshall, Michigan. The Cornwell family was excited and a contract was signed between the MMRC and Cornwell’s Turkeyville USA to install the railroad.
A master plan was developed and construction began. With donated equipment including a bulldozer from Wayne, tractors from Turkeyville, supplies from Morris Railroad Supplies, and many helping hands, the club was on their way to building a fantastic railroad!
People not interested in membership would come out for weeks and months just to help build and bring families out to watch the trains in service and run on the track that they helped build. The club appreciated all the wonderful people who helped build the story and history of the Mid-Michigan Railroad Club. MMRC was open to operate the passenger service operation.
In 1989, the facility opened to any visitors wishing to operate their own equipment. The club installed passing sidings to facilitate simultaneous freight and passenger service. This added the reality of full-scale railroading and provided an additional layer of operating interest and fun. The railroad contains over a mile of operating rails.
On Memorial Day 2011, straight-line winds caused severe damage to the property. It took months to repair and rebuild the property, tracks, and trestles.
In 2015, a 53’ long train storage container, loading/unloading, and transfer facility was added to the property. An additional container has since been added, allowing members to rent space for their rolling stock.
A Grand Elk class N-11 transfer caboose arrived on the property in 2019. It was remodeled in 2023 and is available for tours.
The large pole barn was retrofitted in 2023 to allow for year round work sessions for track fabrication and the like.
Future growth is expected as the club has access to more property for expansion. One of the club’s goals is to host Card Order Meets.
Full RV and camping facilities are available at the Turkeyville campgrounds (which backs up to the railroad and is a short walk). For cost and availability, call the campground at 269-248-7698. Tell them you’re a member of MMRC and receive a discounted rate.
Self-contained campers may camp at the MMRC. Indoor restrooms and showers available.
MMRC address: 18935 15 ½ Mile Rd Marshall, MI 49068
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MMRCMichigan
MMRC Website: https://www.midmichrr.com/
Cornwell’s Website: https://www.turkeyville.com/
Camp Turkeyville Website: https://www.campturkeyville.com/