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An Iowa Christmas Train Ride On The North Pole Express!

Published: October 25, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Each winter, as dusk settles over the rolling grounds of the Midwest Old Threshers campus in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, the scent of coal smoke mingles with crisp night air and the glow of thousands of lights reflects off polished steel. A whistle echoes across the fairgrounds, children clutch mittens and tickets, and families step into a living postcard: the Midwest Central Railroad’s North Pole Express.

This beloved holiday tradition blends the authenticity of a working heritage railroad with the warmth of a small-town Christmas celebration. It’s a ride into nostalgia—powered by dedicated volunteers and historic equipment—and a reminder that the magic of the season is best experienced at an unhurried, human scale.

About the Midwest Central Railroad

The Midwest Central Railroad (MCRR) is a volunteer-run, nonprofit heritage railroad located on the Midwest Old Threshers grounds in Mount Pleasant. Established to preserve and operate historic narrow-gauge rail equipment, the MCRR typically runs a loop around the campus, offering visitors a close-up encounter with the sights, sounds, and rhythm of early railroading.

Throughout the year, the railroad is a centerpiece of major events on the grounds, including the famed Midwest Old Threshers Reunion, when the air hums with steam traction engines, vintage machinery, and classic Americana. Seasonal events like the autumn Ghost Train and the winter North Pole Express extend that sense of living history, drawing families from across Iowa and the Midwest.

The North Pole Express Experience

The North Pole Express is as much about atmosphere as it is about travel. Here’s what makes it special:

Arrival and anticipation: From the moment you arrive at the Old Threshers campus, it’s clear you’re not at a typical attraction. The platform and surrounding buildings are festooned with holiday decor, and you’ll often hear carols, laughter, and that unmistakable steam whistle. Volunteers in period or festive attire guide guests, answer questions, and set the tone with genuine hospitality.

A real train, a real ride: Unlike theme-park imitators, the MCRR runs authentic narrow-gauge equipment. When conditions allow, steam locomotives lead the way, their exhaust pluming into the cold night sky. Coaches are decked out for the season, and soft lighting gives the entire ride a cozy, storybook glow. The route traces a leisurely loop around the grounds, long enough to savor the experience without pushing little attention spans.

A holiday story well-told: The “North Pole” isn’t a GPS coordinate here; it’s a carefully crafted feeling. On board and at the stations, you’ll find touches that bring the story of Santa’s world to life—twinkling scenes, friendly elves, and a sense of old-fashioned wonder that avoids the flashy in favor of the heartfelt. It’s immersive but never overwhelming, allowing families to focus on each other.

Santa, photos, and keepsakes: Meeting Santa is a highlight for most children. The setting is warm and cheerful, with opportunities for photos and brief conversations. Many families make this their official holiday photo stop. Simple treats like hot cocoa and cookies often add to the experience, and you’ll find keepsakes for sale that support the railroad’s preservation mission.

Steam-season magic: If you’ve never ridden behind a steam locomotive in winter, you’re in for a sensory treat. The glow of the firebox, the steady chuff, the frosty breath of the engine drifting above the coaches—it all sets a tone you can’t replicate on a screen. Even on nights when diesel power fills in, the crew maintains the same level of care and presentation that makes the outing feel special.

Powered by Volunteers and Community

The North Pole Express is built, quite literally, by the hands of volunteers. In the months leading up to the season, crews decorate, maintain equipment, and rehearse roles. On event nights, they switch seamlessly between host, educator, car attendant, brakeman, and storyteller. The result is a production that feels personal and sincere, because it is.

Your ticket doesn’t just buy a ride; it supports preservation. Funds help maintain locomotives and rolling stock, fuel education initiatives, and ensure the railroad remains a living, working museum. In an era when many historical experiences are delivered through QR codes and glass, the MCRR keeps history hot, noisy, fragrant, and real.

Practical Tips for Visiting

Book early: The North Pole Express is popular and many dates fill quickly. Check the Midwest Central Railroad or Midwest Old Threshers official websites and social media for dates, tickets, and updates.

Dress for Iowa weather: Even with heated spaces nearby, boarding platforms and cars can be chilly on winter nights. Layers, hats, and gloves make everything more comfortable. Warm blankets for little ones are a good idea.

Arrive with time to spare: Allow time for parking, ticket pickup if applicable, and enjoying the decorations. Early arrival reduces stress and lets you fully absorb the atmosphere.

Making It Part of a Holiday Tradition

Mount Pleasant’s small-town charm pairs beautifully with the North Pole Express. Many families make a day of it, exploring other on-site attractions if they’re open, browsing local shops, or grabbing dinner at a nearby restaurant. The Old Threshers campus itself is a destination for history lovers—home to restored buildings, museums, and the Midwest Electric Railway trolley—so keep an eye on what’s scheduled during your visit.

For those traveling, Mount Pleasant is accessible by major highways and offers lodging options in town or within a short drive. If you’re within day-trip distance, consider inviting grandparents or family friends; the train appeals across generations and makes for easy, low-pressure together time.

Why It Resonates

There are countless holiday events in the Midwest, but few have the texture and authenticity of the North Pole Express. It’s not about high-tech spectacle; it’s about the hiss of steam, the glow of lantern light on varnished wood, the wave of a friendly conductor, the way a child’s eyes widen as the train pulls into a station that feels like it’s always been there.

In a busy season, the MCRR offers an experience that slows time just enough to make a memory. You’ll leave with cold noses, warm hands, and a feeling that you stepped into a storybook that somehow belongs to your family now. Year after year, guests return not because they expect a brand-new show, but because they know they’ll find the same enduring magic—and the same community spirit—waiting on the platform.

Planning Your Visit

Find dates, tickets, and updates via the Midwest Central Railroad and Midwest Old Threshers official channels.

Consider a weekday or earlier season date for lighter crowds, if available.

Build extra time into your plan for photos, cocoa, and exploring the decorated grounds.

Support the mission by visiting the gift shop or making a donation—your contribution keeps the trains running for future generations.

In the end, the Midwest Central Railroad’s North Pole Express is more than a ride. It’s a carefully crafted invitation to experience history, holiday, and community in one timeless loop. Whether it’s your first time or your family’s annual tradition, you’ll find that the journey—like the season itself—is best when savored slowly, together.