Soo Line Railway bed: ST17 / ORV Route B

Trail Overview

ORV Route B is an open segment that measures approximately 3.24 miles in length. The route has a width greater than 12 feet and features a surface composed of dirt, sand, gravel, and native material. This route follows a former railroad bed that has been converted into an ORV trail. It connects Electric Park to Osceola and crosses both Dover Creek and Hammell Creek along its course. The trail is maintained by the Keweenaw ATV Club for ORV use and by Keweenaw Trails Services, Inc. for snow operations.

Photos of Soo Line Railway bed: ST17 / ORV Route B

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Difficulty

Dirt, gravel, sand trail with gentle grades. Safe for most 4WD and high-clearance 2WD vehicles. The trail is one vehicle in width. A tight "Two Track".

History

The Soo Line's history in Michigan began in the 1880s with the Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie Railway, which reached Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, in 1887, and extended through the Upper Peninsula. In 1961, the line merged with other railways to form the modern Soo Line Railroad and later came under Canadian Pacific (CP) control, with former lines now primarily operated by Canadian National Railway (CN). A significant impact was in Gladstone, Michigan, which became a vital port and commercial hub because of the railway's operations. The Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie Railway was chartered by Minneapolis millers to create a shorter route to eastern markets, reaching Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, in 1887. Upper Peninsula: The line's route included a significant portion through Michigan's Upper Peninsula, providing connections to cities like Gladstone, a key port city on Lake Michigan. Duluth, South Shore and Atlantic Railway: Another key Soo Line precursor, the DSS&A, also had lines in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, which were eventually integrated into the Soo system. 1961 Consolidation: The present Soo Line Railroad was officially formed in 1961 when the Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) merged several subsidiaries, including the Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie Railway, the Wisconsin Central, and the Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic Railway. CP Control: Canadian Pacific gained full control of the Soo Line Corporation in 1990. Post-Soo Era: Since the late 1980s and 1990s, much of the former Soo Line's trackage has been operated by Canadian National Railway (CN).Gladstone: The Soo Line's presence was transformative for Gladstone, turning it into a thriving port city and an important node for commerce. Industry and Commerce: The railroad played a vital role in the region's early industries, such as logging and the transport of iron ore. Legacy: The Soo Line Steam Engine #730 in Gladstone serves as a lasting symbol of the railway's significant historical impact on the area's development.

Technical Rating

Soo Line Railway bed: ST17 / ORV Route B can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV
• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike