North Pole Express — Midwest Central Railroad

The Midwest Central Railroad runs the North Pole Express on the Midwest Old Threshers grounds in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Its mission is to preserve Iowa's and the nation's narrow-gauge railway heritage, and it operates historic engines and rolling stock.

The operator describes a magical ride aboard Santa's North Pole Express: families board at the railroad's Hillsboro Station at the north end of the grounds and are carried to the North Pole, where Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Magical Snow Princess and the rest of Santa's elves greet them. At the North Pole there are activities such as the Christmas Craft Room, Santa's toy trains and Mrs. Claus's Cookie Coco Factory.

The railroad says the event lasts approximately two hours once the train leaves Hillsboro Depot. Reservations are required, and the trains run whatever the weather.

About two hours once the train leaves Hillsboro Depot: a ride to the "North Pole" where Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Magical Snow Princess and elves greet families, with a Christmas Craft Room, Santa's toy trains and Mrs. Claus's Cookie Coco Factory. The coaches are not heated; the North Pole has both heated and unheated areas, so dress for the weather.

Boarding is at Hillsboro Station (Hillsboro Depot), at the north end of the Midwest Old Threshers grounds in McMillan Park, off South Walnut Street, Mount Pleasant, Iowa; the operator's Directions page gives driving directions from each side. Parking is free, at the north end of the grounds south of the depot, with entry and exit on South Walnut Street. Reservations are required and tickets are held at will call: all parties must check in before boarding. The operator asks guests to arrive about 20 minutes before their train and strongly encourages 30; it cannot hold the train for late families. All sales are final, and trains operate no matter the weather. Tickets may be offered on the day only if a train is not sold out, with no guarantee. Questions: npe@mcrr.org.