The Interurban & Trestle

Location: Saugatuck and Saugatuck Township (see route on map)
Date: 1899-1926

The Interurban electric train, officially the Grand Rapids, Holland and Chicago Rail Road, carried passengers and freight on scheduled runs from Grand Rapids to Holland and Saugatuck (its southern terminus) beginning in 1899 and continuing until 1926. Connection with Chicago was only by way of the steamboat docks at Jenison Park and Holland. The long trestled area was along North Street in the Moore’s Creek area. The early cars were wooden, followed by steel cars with greater comfort. The system was important in bringing day-trip tourists to Saugatuck attractions, including the Big Pavilion after its construction in 1909.