42. The Interurban and Trestle

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 in Holland. The early cars were wooden, but were soon replaced by steel cars for greater passenger comfort. The system was vital for bringing tourists to Saugatuck attractions, especially the Big Pavilion after its construction in 1909.

The trestle ran along North Street/134th Avenue to avoid the wet lowlands around Moore’s Creek.