North Pole Express — Steam Railroading Institute

The Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso, Michigan, runs the North Pole Express as a round trip from its Owosso campus to the Village of Ashley Country Christmas. The operator describes a 4.75-hour excursion: passengers ride north behind the Pere Marquette 1225, spend a two-hour layover at a Christmas party in the village, meet Santa Claus, and ride back to Owosso.

Every class receives complimentary admission to Ashley’s Country Christmas, a souvenir ticket and a “Believe” bell. The institute sells four classes: Coach Class, with assigned seating in a coach car and a cup of hot cocoa; Cocoa Class, in a vintage 1950s coach car, sold as two seats at a shared table or as a private table of four; Claus Club, a vintage 1950s dining car sold by the table of four; and Caboose Class, a historic caboose reserved for a party of 12.

The operator invites guests to wear pajamas or festive attire, and notes that many families choose matching pajamas. It also states that the Pere Marquette 1225 was built in 1941 by the Lima Locomotive Works and that its blueprints were used as the prototype for the locomotive in the animated film The Polar Express. The institute reserves the right to substitute diesel power for steam, and says its passenger cars are in original historic condition and are not ADA accessible.

A 4.75-hour round trip from Owosso to the Village of Ashley Country Christmas, with a two-hour layover for a Christmas party “reminiscent of yesteryear”, photos in front of the train and a visit with Santa. Every class receives a souvenir ticket and a “Believe” bell. Dress warmly; the operator says many families wear matching pajamas.

Departs from the Steam Railroading Institute, 405 S. Washington Street, Owosso, Michigan. Gates open and tickets can be claimed an hour before departure; boarding begins about 30 minutes before departure. Free parking is available at the institute and, during large events, in the public lot north of the grounds across the river. All seats are assigned. Tickets are sold only on the institute’s own website (not by phone), and it does not partner with third-party ticket vendors. Children 24 months or younger who sit on a parent’s lap for the whole trip do not need a ticket. The cars are not ADA accessible and guests must be able to climb stairs. Restrooms are in the coaches but not in the diners, and the cabooses have no traditional restrooms (only an emergency-use one); there is no concession car, and outside alcohol is not allowed. Refunds are available only with the trip protection offered at checkout.