Scenic places to railfan?

[fr8fiend]

Hi all,

I have a couple questions for you Michigan railfans:

1. I’m wondering if anyone has recommendations for scenic places to go watch & photograph trains? I’m in Lansing, but anywhere within a reasonable driving distance is welcome.

For example, the CSX bridge in Grand Ledge. With the bridge, woods, and river, I imagine one could get some really cool shots here. Are there any other picturesque spots like this?

2. On the topic of the bridge in Grand Ledge, is it still in use by CSX? If so, does anyone have any insight on the best time of day to head out there and see a train or two? I’m okay with waiting a few hours, but would rather not wait around all day for nothing.

Thanks in advance!
Fr8fiend

[SD80MAC]

Grand Ledge only has 3 regular trains on CSX but they are fairly predictable. You will reliably see L303 in the 13:00-15:00 time slot and L302 in the 19:00-22:00 time slot. It also regular sees L304, but they are almost always going through Grand Ledge well after dark.

[Talk]

In Lansing, My favorite spot is Nancy Moore Park in East Lansing (Or Okemos). If you find a gap in the trees, you can get some nice photos.

14 of 30 by Charlie Ohlendorf, on Flickr

[J T]

The New Richmond area is probably the most scenic area on the west side of the state if you want to shoot a CSX train, Amtrak, or a coal train.

[Andy24]

On the Plymouth Sub, there’s the Thornapple Bridge where L303 and L302 crosses daily. Little bit of a drive from Lansing

[fr8fiend]

Thanks for the recommendations everyone!