Railfanning the LS&I: From Mine to Shore in Michigan's Upper Peninsula

From the interior iron mines of Michigan's Upper Peninsula to the shores of Lake Superior, is the drama of the Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad. We railfan some popular spots along the way as the raw ore makes it's trip from mine to shore on the ancient, "living museum," an original railroad that has survived to this day transporting the raw materials that shape our lives. Produced by Sam's Railventures in collaboration with Railtrek Media.

[@m.e.g.a.n.l.e.i.g.h]

My dad lived up in the UP of Michigan. Watched the LS&I all the time. Great video and informative.
Thanks. Dad said it sure brings back the memories when he lived there. Thanks for your video, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐👍

[@samsrailventures1961]

Ahhh, the U.P. God's country, as I like to say. Thanks for your kind compliment. I'm glad it brought your Dad some nice memories.

[@RailTrekMedia]

Sam I’ve said it time and time again... you’re a master of light, being in the places during the fringes of the day, and capturing the action. I really enjoyed the character of this one... and who doesn’t love those U-boats! Fantastic job

[@samsrailventures1961]

Thanks Chris! Nothing like the light off Lake Superior in the morning or evening. I can't wait to get up there in the fall when lower sun angles yield some great colors.

[@NoahTrainFanandMore]

New sub!

[@MikeG42]

Good video 👍

[@samsrailventures1961]

Thanks Mike for your comment. Most of Michigan is flat, except for the western U.P. It's still on my bucket list to get up there in the fall, a very beautiful time to see this RR in particular.

[@MikeG42]

I have always liked short lines in Michigan.

[@maxwellsteam5810]

i had no idea LS&I still existed

[@samsrailventures1961]

Yes, still going strong. A small, yet key operation.

[@southwestohiorails4645]

What time is the best to see trains in this area? And what time does the LS&I go to the ore dock?

[@southwestohiorails4645]

Also, where exactly is Palmer Line Junction

[@samsrailventures1961]

@@southwestohiorails4645 Sorry it took me so long to get to this... Palmer Line Jct is the north end of the wye, located about 1.3 miles SE of Negaunee, .3 miles south of New Buffalo Road crossing.

[@southwestohiorails4645]

@@samsrailventures1961 Alright thank you. I'm heading up there next week. Hoping to see some good action

[@samsrailventures1961]

Generally, the fall months are best for seeing train activity, as the mines are working full time to get the boats loaded with ore before winter. Also, this area in the fall has some spectacular foliage colors. So, if you're wanting to do any photography, the next few months could be very nice. I've used the Minnesota DNR color finder for this general area. There are other websites that predict as well. www.dnr.state.mn.us/fall_colors/
The usual schedule is for a run at 7am, mid-afternoon 3pm, and late in the evening, after dark. This is subject to change. For example, during busy times, there may be a couple loaded trains leaving the mine during the 7am morning slot. Also, there are empties coming back to the mine at other times. I had pretty good success in mid summer during both the morning and afternoon times, with more action in the am. I'm open for other experts to chime in on this.

[@southwestohiorails4645]

@@samsrailventures1961 Thank you so much