Lapeer, MI (LPE)

Ticket Revenue

FY 2009

$216,725

Station Ridership

FY 2009

7,023

Note: Fiscal year is from
October through September.

The Amtrak stop in Lapeer was built in 1906 for the Grand Trunk Western Railroad (GTW, succeeded by Canadian National). The wood-framed clapboard-sided structure was built to one of the railroad’s standard depot plans, with a central tower facing the platform and a wing on either side. Wide eaves from the hipped roof provide shelter from the elements for passengers.

In 1990, the city completed renovations to depot including roof and window repair, making changes for Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility, restroom renovations, adding waiting room benches, and putting in a new wood floor and a new platform. This project was funded by a $110,000 Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Urban and Public Transportation (UPTRAN) grant and $20,000 from Amtrak. The station’s landscaping was improved the next year and pavement in the parking lot repaired with $35,000 of the city’s funds.

The city invested in a historic restoration in 2004 in which they replaced the tower and roof, painted and stained the interior and exterior in period colors, and replaced gutters, lights, signage and trim. This $222,000 project was funded by $144,000 from an MDOT Transportation Enhancement (historic) grant and $78,000 from the city.

Currently, the unstaffed depot waiting room is open for train arrivals and departures. The Lapeer Community Center oversees the use of the station and uses it for community events as well as renting the space for private functions.

As part of the 2009 American Reinvestment and Recovery Act’s Mobility First initiative, it is planned that the Lapeer station receive a new wheelchair lift and enclosure, a new pad for the lift and sidewalk to the platform, and paint markings for accessible parking stalls on existing paving. This project is funded at $30,704.

American settlers arrived at this area along a south branch of the Flint River from New York State as early as 1828. Lapeer was first platted by Alvin N. Hart of Connecticut on November 8, 1833. The second settlement, close to the first but divided by a tamarack swamp, was that of Enoch White of Massachusetts, who arrived in 1833 as well to found Whiteville, now the western portion of the city. The family lends its name to a neighborhood in Lapeer, as well as the former courthouse (and later opera house). Lapeer was incorporated as a village in 1858 and as a city in 1869.

Lapeer’s early industry consisted principally of lumbering, which attracted the business of the Grand Trunk Railroad and the Michigan Central Railroad. The Grand Trunk came to Lapeer first, in December, 1871, followed by the Detroit and Bay City (succeeded by the Michigan Central) in 1872. A small (1.34 mile) switching line, the Lapeer Industrial Railroad, also operates in the city—providing out-of-town rail buffs an unexpected LIRR sign or two. The Michigan Central passenger station still stands in Lapeer, but now houses business offices.

Today, the city and county of Lapeer are home to automotive components and plastics manufacturing, as well as dairy farming.

Every August the city hosts the Lapeer Days Festival, which spans five days with a parade, carnival attractions, agricultural and craft displays, a classic car show, and more.

The Amtrak Blue Water trains are financed primarily through funds made available by the Michigan State Department of Transportation. Amtrak does not provide ticketing or baggage services at the Lapeer station, which is served by two daily trains.