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Iowa Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Last revised: September 7, 2026
By: Adam Burns
Iowa’s locked 2026 Christmas train is the Midwest Central North Pole Express on the 3-foot loop at McMillan Park in Mount Pleasant. Boone & Scenic Valley has run a Santa Express in prior Decembers—confirm 2026 before you count on it. There is no licensed Polar Express host in Iowa. See the Polar Express hub if that is the ticket you want.
The Midwest Central Railroad's North Pole Express. Midwest Central Railroad photo.
On this page: At a glance · Christmas hosts · Planning tips
Iowa Christmas trains at a glance
| Host | City | 2026 product | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midwest Central Railroad | Mount Pleasant | North Pole Express Dec. 5–6, 12–13, 19–20. Saturdays 10, 12, 2, 4, 6; Sundays 10, 12, 2, 4. ~2 hours. $35; under 18 months free. Tickets Nov. 1 at 9:00 a.m. | Museum Christmas page |
| Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad | Boone | Santa Express in prior late Novembers/Decembers (~75–90 min, high bridge). Confirm 2026 | Boone Christmas page |
Schedules and fares change. Confirm on each railroad before you book. Information compiled September 6, 2026. These are Christmas trains—not licensed THE POLAR EXPRESS™ events.
Christmas hosts
Midwest Central Railroad
(Mount Pleasant): McMillan Park, South Walnut Street, on the Midwest Old Threshers grounds. Volunteer 3-foot railroad dating to 1959. The North Pole Express is a loop ride to a North Pole setup: Santa, crafts, and grounds time. The whole event is about two hours after the train leaves Hillsboro Depot. Coaches are not heated—dress for Iowa December. Steam when the locomotive is healthy. Parking is free on the north end of the grounds.
2026: Saturdays and Sundays December 5–6, 12–13, and 19–20. Saturdays 10:00 a.m., noon, 2:00, 4:00, and 6:00 p.m.; Sundays through 4:00. $35; children under 18 months free. Reservations required. Tickets go on sale November 1 at 9:00 a.m. Arrive about 20–30 minutes early at North Depot for coach assignment. All sales final; trains run in weather. mcrr.org.
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad
(Boone): Iowa Railroad Historical Society on the old Fort Dodge, Des Moines & Southern, including the 156-foot Bass Point Creek High Bridge. Prior holidays sold a Santa Express—story, games, carols, cookie and chocolate milk, Santa, museum admission included, about 75–90 minutes depending on how long Santa takes to work the cars. Regular 2026 scenic service is posted through October 31. Treat the Christmas calendar as unconfirmed until bsvrr.com posts Santa Express.
2026: Confirm dates, classes, and fares on the railroad site. Overview of the prior product: Boone Santa Express.
Planning tips
- Iowa has no licensed Polar Express. Do not treat Mount Pleasant or Boone as Polar substitutes.
- Mount Pleasant coaches are unheated. That is the difference from a climate-controlled short-line excursion.
- Midwest Central tickets open November 1. Do not wait for walk-up.
Related Reading on American-Rails.com
- Midwest Central North Pole Express
- Boone & Scenic Valley Santa Express
- Iowa scenic train rides
- Christmas Train Ride Locations 2026
- THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Locations 2026
Always verify 2026 schedules, fares, and event names on each railroad’s official website before you travel. American-Rails.com does not sell tickets.
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