The Abandoned Train Depot in Big Rapids, Michigan Just Went Up for Sale

For some it may be a dream to own an old train depot. Perhaps make it a home, an office or retail. Or maybe, for someone who loves the romance of the rails, just the prestige of owning one of these vestiges of the past.

The opportunity is there for someone in Big Rapids as the historic, now abandoned, depot in town has been put up for auction by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The property has been listed as part of the state's semi-annual surplus property auctions and land sales.

The starting price point for the property seems quite reasonable, just $20,000

The sale was announced by the state recently. The railroad is long gone with the tracks torn up and converted to the White Pines Trail.

The Depot, located on Maple Street, was once a stop on the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad, a passenger line that was in service from 1854 to 1918 and once stretched from Cincinnati to Mackinaw City.

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Here's how the property was described by the state:

The property consists of the abandoned Big
Rapids Railroad Depot. The property has
frontage on Maple Street and has a gravel
entry/parking lot. The eastern part of the
property abuts the Fred Meijer White Pine
Trail. There is an easement going through the
gravel drive providing access to the City of Big
Rapids parking area adjacent to the south.

The bidding for that property, located in Mecosta County, is August 25.

Sadly few people travel by rail these days, but roadtrips remain as popular as ever. Check out these great drives across America.

Keep going and check out these popular chains that have gone the way of the passenger railroad through Big Rapids: