Station: Indian River, MI

Indian River in Cheboygan County, was settled in 1876. It was a station stop on the Michigan Central railroad on its line between Bay City and Mackinaw City.

Indian River was known for its attractive station facility including well kept grounds and a fountain on the property. The depot has been saved and is used by local businesses.

Photo info: Top, a 1918 view of the Indian River depot, in a railroad valuation photo. [CMUL]. 2nd, an old photo of the depot which was built in 1892. It is a combination style depot, with both passenger and freight sections. [Alan Loftis Collection]  3rd photo, the same depot, taken in 2001. [Kevin Toombs]. 4th photo, a New York Central wreck at Indian River in the early 1960's caused by road construction. [Mark Andersen]

Notes

MC Depot - 45.411301, -84.611861

Time Line

1881. Trains are at work ballasting on each side of Indian River. The frame of the round house is about completed and they expect to raise it today. The turn-table is on the ground and the excavation for the foundation is almost completed. The water tank is being painted. The pipe for conveying water from the pump house on the river to the tank was received Sunday and has been scattered along the river along Nelson street to the railroad. A force is at work laying the pipe from the tank down to the river. Box drains and tile are being laid to drain the depot grounds and a force is at work laying the side tracks and putting in the switches. A considerable portion of the timber loaded Saturday and Sunday is for the round house and warehouse at Mackinaw City. [NTR-1881-1108]

1917. The MC had a agent/operator here during the day shift. [TRT]

Industry

• Gaylord Lumber and Fuel Company. Had a siding here in 1923. [SMA]
• Stockyards. Located south of the depot in 1923. [SMA]