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WELCOME,
TIME TRAVELERS!
Here at Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad, the
past is ever present. We invite you to step back to the
late1800s and experience life as it was enjoyed by Genesee
County families more than 100 years ago.
Explore our charming historic town of 35 buildings –
including operating mills and authentic shops, a smithy,
general store, post office, carriage barn and one-room
schoolhouse.
Throughout the village, each quaint structure comes alive
with artisans, working craftsmen, and hands-on
demonstrations. While nearby, Huckleberry Railroad with its
lovingly restored steam locomotive calls "All Aboard!" for a
rousing ride along the Mott Lake shore, and vintage
amusement rides and a genuine paddlewheel riverboat beckon.
This year, as in years past, we've created a whole
calendar's worth of special events, celebrations, and good
old-fashioned fun. Be sure to check out the pages that
follow for details on festivals, fairs, special theme
weekends, and the Village's lively holiday festivities.
Since opening in 1976, Crossroads Village and Huckleberry
Railroad have become a must-do for local residents and
far-flung visitors alike. We're pleased to welcome you to
our "Always Family Friendly" slice of history. Whatever the
season, be sure to come back and make us part of your family
tradition, too.
Enjoy Your Visit,
President, Genesee County Parks
and Recreation Commission
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ALL
ABOARD!
Your adventure awaits … No visit to Crossroads Village is complete
without a35-minute ride on the Huckleberry Railroad. Powered by
one of two beautifully restored steam locomotives dating from the
early 1900's, the Huckleberry Railroad’s eleven original and
replica wooden coaches, usually followed by an original wooden
caboose, will carry you on a rollicking adventure along the shore
of Mott Lake and through the surrounding scenic conservation and
recreation areas. From the whistle's first toot, to the last chug
of the little red caboose, you're in for an authentic, exciting
ride on the rails!
FUN FACTS
• The Huckleberry Railroad gained its name because of the
abundance of huckleberries that grew along the tracks.
• Both the #464 and #2 Huckleberry locomotives were built by the
Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia.
• Engine #464 was nicknamed the "Mud Hen." One of 15 2-8-2
locomotives, it originally carried explorers to the gold and
silver mining areas of Colorado.
ENJOY THE
RIDE OF YOUR LIFE
Charles W. Parker Carousel and “Superior
Wheel”
Experience the thrill of a ride on two authentic Charles W. Parker
amusement rides: a 1912 carousel and a 1910 Superior Wheel. Don’t
miss out on this opportunity because Crossroads Village is the
only place on this planet where you can ride the only together
existing Charles W. Parker amusement rides.
 Wheelchair
Swing
Physically challenged visitors and those who use wheelchairs will
find lots to enjoy at the Village too. Most areas are barrier
free.
Venetian Swings, Mott Lake Flyer and Pony
Carts
There’s something for everyone at historic Crossroads Village.
Don’t miss the delightful vintage amusement rides for the youngest
family members!
The Genesee Belle
Return to the era of Mark Twain aboard the Genesee Belle where
you’ll enjoy a 45-minute scenic excursion that carries you to
another time.
LET'S GO
SHOPPING!
Bring home a piece of history The shops of Crossroads Village From
old-fashioned goodies to train treasures, folk art to yesteryear's
fashion accessories, our shops are chock full of interesting,
unusual and affordable items.
 The
Attica Hotel & Gift Shop
Seasonal merchandise, assorted tins, John Deere &
Coca-Cola memorabilia, and yummy Huckleberry candies can be found
at this 1870-era shop.
Thimbleberry, Ltd. at Mason Inn
Stop in and learn how to crochet, quilt, embroider, weave a basket
and more! Purchase craft kits to take home.
The General Store & Village Post Office
A genuine general store, complete with almost everything you need
– stamps, postcards, film, rain ponchos, wheat, corn, and
buckwheat flour milled at our own Atlas Mill, preserves and
syrups, toys, and more!
Train Station Gift Shop
Everything for train lovers and railroad buffs! Train whistles,
books, models, Huckleberry Railroad engineer caps, and other
memorabilia.
SOMETHING'S ALWAYS COOKIN'
Crossroads Café
Located on Main Street, near the entrance to Crossroad Village,
this casual, quick-serve eatery offers
breakfast muffins, sandwiches, ice cream and light snacks to savor
on the outdoor patio, or in the café.
Mill Street
Warehouse
Look for this cafeteria-style eatery off Main Street, behind the
Fowler Barber Shop. Offering an assortment of salads, sandwiches,
soups, and snacks, the facility is air-conditioned for comfort
while you dine.
Lakeside Grill & Ice
Cream
Next to the carousel area and near the dock of the Genesee Belle,
this casual, lakeside grill is the perfect place to relax on a hot
day. Order a burger, grilled sandwich, hot dog, corn dog or your
favorite beverage while you enjoy a beautiful view of Mott Lake.
Genesee Belle Paddlewheel Riverboat
The Genesee Belle, docked at the south end of the Village, offers
hot dogs and beverages – including beer and wine.
The Blacksmith Shop
Watch a working smithy craft decorative iron hooks, miniature
horseshoes, triangle dinner bells, and fireplace tools. Purchase
these wares at the smithy shop.
Atlas Mill
Our resident miller produces stone-ground corn, wheat
and buckwheat flour sold at the mill and General Store.
The Crossroads Village Lumber Company &
Sawmill
See the sawyer turn logs into planks that are used at the Village
Toy Shop.
Manwaring Building-Print Shop
Here you’ll watch antique printing presses from the 1860s print
original designs – all available for purchase at the shop.
Fowler Barber Shop
Stop by to play checkers and listen to Village news and gossip.
Durant Toy Shop
Miniature animals, trains and puzzles – all made right here by our
toy craftsmen – are available for sale.
Fenton Carriage Barn-Broom Shop
The broom maker will produce a hearth, colonial or
whiskbroom just for you. Brooms and brushes are available for
purchase at the Fenton Carriage Barn.
MAKE YOUR
PLANS. MARK YOUR CALENDAR.
Daily Programs
Step back in time and participate in a vibrant and active Village
where you can help with chores, learn traditional crafting skills
and trades, and play the old fashioned way!
Little Salter Pioneer Program
Let little imaginations run wild when kids experience pioneer life
through an interactive play area complete with a puppet theater,
pioneer costumes, and play food.
Grand Tours
Explore the Village with a knowledgeable guide to learn all about
our wonderful buildings and artifacts.
Children’s Costume Contests
Come dressed the part and win a prize! Daily at 1:30 pm.
Daily Chores
Lend a hand with the following chores: butter churning,
sewing, gardening, clothes washing and more!
Hand Crafting
Stop by our village homes and add to our 2007 Crossroads Quilt,
learn to knit or sew, help make rag rugs and candles for village
use, and much more!
Traditional Trades
Try your hand as a trades person! As a sawyer you will help saw
wood and barter with Mrs. Eldridge or Mrs. Buzzell for a home
baked cookie! A printer’s apprentice will learn to set type and
print on our hand press! The leather maker’s assistant will create
a personalized leather tag to take home! A little woodworker will
help sand the toys! The blacksmith apprentice will bend soft wire
into a unique creation. |
Flint, Michigan 48506
