The Festival of Trains has been an annual, holiday tradition in Traverse since 1991. Dave Walker and Rick Antosh, who are
considered to be the "Founding Fathers", began the festival in the Traverse City Opera House. The Festival was a major
fundraiser for the renovations at the Opera House and it quickly became a significant attraction for the Traverse City area.
When the renovations began in 2002, much to the dismay of hundreds of children (and adults) throughout Northern Michigan, the Festival
of Trains shut down due to not having a suitable venue. In 2003, thanks to the help of The Northern Michigan RailRoad
Club, the Festival was reborn at its current location, the Grand Traverse History Center (previously known as The Heritage Center).
The Northern Michigan RailRoad Club has been the primary exhibitor at the Festival since the club's inception in 2003.
Many or our members were involved with the Festival prior to the existence of the Club.
With nearly 10,000 visitors each year,
the Festival is now one of the largest fundraisers for the History Center. Funds generated during the Festival help the History
Center carry on its mission of educating the public on the history of Traverse City and the surrounding areas.
