Please note that location entries may feature older photos or post card views that may not represent the current appearance, features, addresses, phone numbers, or contact names of the attraction. This site is intended to be a historical as well as current record of various attractions but it is not always possible to have up-to-date information due to the vast number of locations featured here. We ask you consult the propietor for current information.
The address on this place is a bit messed up, at least if you want to find it on Google or Bing Maps. Depending on the source, it is listed as 230 Abbe, 230 S Abbe, and even 230 N Abbe. Confusingly, all will mention Schrader Enterprises which were the former owners. The actual location is 44°40'35.7"N 84°03'02.1"W.
From Train Facebook Page April 2021
Update: We are not going to reopen. My father the owner has been diagnosed with a medical condition that has impacted both his physical and mental health. We purchased the railroad with the impression that it would be operable for years to come and with the revelation of the trestles and my fathers diagnosis we have decided it isn’t reasonably possible to reopen. Currently we are in the talks with people interested in purchasing the trains and when we have an update we will inform everyone.
From Wikipedia
This Minimum-gauge railway — truly a big backyard railroad —was created by Joanne and Howard Schrader. They began construction of the Michigan AuSable Valley Railroad station and the 72-foot (22 m) engine house in 1994. In 1995, seven passenger cars from the Pinconning and Blind River Railroad were restored for use on the line. The cars are named after area counties and other points of interest in the Huron National Forest. From 15 April to 2 December 1996, the Michigan AuSable Valley Railroad constructed two wooden trestles and a 115-foot (35 m) wooden tunnel. The longest trestle spans over UNTIL IT COLLAPSED 220 feet (67 m). The railroad meanders through jack pine country near the valleys of the Au Sable River.
The Schraders are publishers, distributors and operators of a railroad catalog.
Trainorders.com reported in 2017 that the Schraders were retiring from operating the railroad and the catalog. The facility, owners' residence and acreage was listed for sale in 2017, together with the affiliated railroad catalog store.