Everyone’s getting in line for the newest attraction in the region, and it’s no surprise. Railbikes are a rare sight – and the latest railbike business, dubbed “Wheels on Rails” in nearby Grawn, is the only one of its kind between Pennsylvania and Colorado in the United States!
Located about 40 minutes from the Sleeping Bear Dunes, the business offers quad (4-person) or tandem (2-person) bikes. Perhaps you’ll want to add it as a side excursion to your SBD visit!
Owner Macie Hefron says the response to her new business has been phenomenal and many of the summer dates are already sold out.
“People are booking them as a family outing on their annual trips up north,” she said. “It’s been amazing and our dates are getting limited!”
She is already considering adding another Michigan location – but it’s no easy task to get permits and paperwork in place for this type of business. This one was years in the making, something she started working on as a college student. For now, she will settle into her first location for her first fun-filled summer to get things “rolling” (pun intended).
The beauty of the railbike is that it’s unlike any other bike – you don’t need to have balance, be strong or keep pace! Instead, you can go along for the ride. Youngsters too short to reach the pedals or those unable to pedal, can get buckled in and let others do the pedaling! Each tour has a guide at the front and back of the pack to ensure pace and safety. (FYI – Pets are not allowed.)
Hefron says because it’s on a federal rail line, there is no alcohol allowed, a rule that will be strictly enforced. But something tells us the fun is built-in, with no special beverages needed! The route is 6 miles roundtrip – 3 miles one way, down through a valley, along spring-fed creeks and through forests along the outskirts of Traverse City, before doubling back to Grawn.
Wheels on Rails operates 5 days a week (Thursday to Monday), May 25-Sept 10 (including the week of July 4). Choose from four different 1-hour guided tours a day: 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The Tandem Bike (2 guests) books for $89 and the Quad Bike (4 guests) books for $159. They also welcome pre-paid group reservations.
Visit their website for info and to book a rail ride to remember!
