Iron River station (Michigan) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Iron River
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| Former Milwaukee Road passenger rail station | |||||||||||
The Iron River depot in 2010, when a restaurant was located in it
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| Location | 50 North Fourth Avenue (M-189), Iron River, Michigan 49935 | ||||||||||
| History | |||||||||||
| Opened | 1913 | ||||||||||
| Closed | 1945 | ||||||||||
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Chicago, Milwaukee and Saint Paul Railway Iron River Depot
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 Location in Michigan
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| Location | 50 N. 4th Avenue Iron River, Michigan |
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| Built | 1914 | ||||||||||
| Architectural style | Neoclassical | ||||||||||
| MPS | Iron County MRA | ||||||||||
| NRHP reference No. | 07000479 | ||||||||||
| Added to NRHP | May 30, 2007 | ||||||||||
The Iron River depot was once a busy train station in Iron River, Michigan. It was built by the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad, also known as the Milwaukee Road, in 1913. This brick building has a classic design and a rectangular shape.
The Iron River Train Station
The Iron River depot was an important part of the community. It had a covered porch leading to the waiting room where passengers waited for their trains. In the middle of the building was the station agent's office. This is where tickets were sold and train movements were managed. On the other end of the building was a freight room, used for storing goods and packages being shipped by train.
Trains and Travel
The Milwaukee Road railroad came to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to help with the local iron mining and timber industries. They built a special train line that ended in Iron River in 1913. This line connected Iron River to the main railroad system at Channing, Michigan. People could travel by train from Iron River to other towns.
Passenger train service at the depot continued until 1945. After that, the railroad offered bus service between Sagola, Michigan and Iron River. This bus service lasted until 1956.
A Building's New Life
After the train and bus services stopped, the Iron River depot found new purposes. It was sold to a local company that used it as a warehouse for produce. Later, an equipment company bought the building.
In 1993, the depot was sold again. The new owners worked hard to fix up the old building. They turned it into a restaurant and bakery, making it a popular spot in Iron River. To add to the railroad theme, they even bought two old passenger train cars and placed them next to the depot. The restaurant eventually closed, but the building remains a landmark.
A Historic Landmark
The Iron River depot is very special because of its unique architecture. It also played a big part in the growth and development of Iron River. Because of its importance, the depot was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 30, 2007. This list recognizes buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history. The Iron River depot is also important because it is the last remaining railway station in Iron River.
