SPIRIT OF TRAVERSE CITY, otherwise known as Locomotive No. 400, a 4-4-2 Atlantic steam-powered locomotive, can be found at Clinch Park and Marina on West Grand Traverse Bay in Traverse City, Michigan. The train runs through the park and marina looking out over some of the most picturesque scenery in Northern Michigan.
This locomotive was originally owned by Lawrence Witherill who built all but the boiler. After his death in 1966, the train was bought by Seymour Johnson of California who formed a partnership with Gordon MacLean to use the train commercially at Whittier Narrows, California. After operating the train for a year and suffering considerable vandalism, the venture was abandoned.
In 1970, William Bay bought the locomotive with the hope of laying track and running the train through his property on Elk Lake in the Traverse City area. Due to the family's lack of interest in his project, Mr. Bay sold the train to the City of Traverse City in 1979.
The Spirit of Traverse City was put into operation at Clinch Park on July 6, 1982, during Traverse City's annual National Cherry Festival. The miniature train carried over 1,000 passengers that day and averages 20,000 passengers each year.
The train is operated by the City daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Hours are 10 am to 4:30 pm. For anyone residing in or visiting the Traverse City area, a ride on the Spirit of Traverse City is a Must!
Excerpts with permission of Live Steam Magazine -copyright 1982
