Wayside Sign – Gateway to Nature at the Orchard Lake Beach Trolley Stop

Many Detroiters escaped to nature on the trolleys of the Detroit United Railway (DUR) in the early 1900s. The Orchard Lake Beach stop was located here where the parallel Grand Trunk Railroad and DUR trolley tracks crossed Orchard Lake Road. It was a very popular stop for people enjoying day trips to Orchard Lake for swimming and picnicking. The DUR highlighted local attractions by building trolley stops at lakes, resorts and amusement parks. Over time, the trolley cars became more luxurious, featuring ornate interiors and dining cars. Fares averaged a penny a mile and the electric trolleys could reach fifty miles per hour.