Steam Railroading Institute North Pole Express (2026): Owosso 1225

Last revised: August 24, 2026

Michigan’s signature Christmas train is the North Pole Express from the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso, pulled when she is healthy by Pere Marquette 1225—the Lima 2-8-4 whose drawings and sounds inspired the locomotive in the 2004 film The Polar Express. Inspiration is not a license. This is SRI’s own North Pole Express, a 4.75-hour round trip to the Village of Ashley Country Christmas. Tickets went on sale April 1, 2026, and many coach dates were already gone by May.

Steam Railroading Institute's Pere Marquette 2-8-4 1225 decorated for Christmas

Steam Railroading Institute's Pere Marquette 2-8-4 1225, which sometimes leads its Christmas themed excursions each year. SRI photo.

About the Steam Railroading Institute

SRI occupies the former Ann Arbor Railroad steam shops at 405 S. Washington Street in Owosso. The collection’s star is Pere Marquette 1225, a 1941 Lima Berkshire and one of the largest operating steam locomotives in Michigan. The Institute also has Chicago & North Western 175 under restoration. North Pole Express is the fundraiser that pays for the rest of the year.

1225 was the visual and sound model for the movie locomotive. SRI does not hold a Rail Events / Warner Bros. Polar Express license. The product name is North Pole Express. If you want the licensed Polar story, cocoa ritual, and silver bell, use the Polar Express hub.

2026 North Pole Express — At a Glance

Item	Detail
Product	North Pole Express
Location	Steam Railroading Institute, 405 S. Washington St., Owosso, Michigan 48867
2026 dates	Nov. 20–22, 27–29; Dec. 4–6, 11–13, 18–20
Departures	Fridays 5:00 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Duration	About 4.75 hours door to door, including a two-hour layover in Ashley
Power	Pere Marquette 1225 when available; diesel substitute if steam is down. SRI reserves the right to change power.
Classes	Coach $85; Cocoa Class $250 (two seats at a shared table of four) or $480 (private table of four); Claus Club $550 per table of four; Caboose $3,200 for 12
Official site	michigansteamtrain.com/north-pole-express

Schedules and fares change. Confirm on SRI before booking. Information compiled August 24, 2026. This is a Christmas train—not a licensed THE POLAR EXPRESS™ event.

What the Ride Is Like

Morning trains: gates at 9:00 a.m., boarding 9:30, depart Owosso 10:00, Ashley about 11:15, two hours in town, back in Owosso about 2:45 p.m. Evening trains: gates 4:00 p.m., depart 5:00, Ashley about 6:15, back about 9:45 p.m. If the railroad is late on a freight line, you still get the two-hour layover.

Ashley turns into a small-town Christmas party: photos with the engine, activities, and a visit with Santa. All classes include admission, a souvenir ticket, and a “Believe” bell. Coach includes one cup of cocoa. Cocoa Class and Claus Club include unlimited cocoa and a sweet treat. Claus Club and caboose also include a souvenir mug.

This is a long, cold day on historic cars. Dress in layers and closed-toe shoes. Pajamas are common. The passenger fleet is not ADA accessible—everyone must climb stairs. Caboose restrooms are emergency-only. Strollers must fold to 12×18×36 inches and ride in the overhead rack; double strollers and wagons are not allowed.

Classes of Service & Onboard

Coach: $85 per seat; assigned seats, usually groups of four; one cocoa
Cocoa Class (new 2026 rule): sold only as two seats at a shared table or a private table of four
Claus Club: vintage diner, table of four only, no singles
Caboose: entire car for 12, private conductor
Buy the whole party on one order if you want to sit together. Mixing classes splits you into different cars.

Tickets & Practical Information

Booking: Online only at michigansteamtrain.com. No phone sales. SRI does not use third-party vendors—ignore resale listings.
Refunds: Only with trip protection purchased at checkout (9% of the total). No waitlist when a date shows sold out.
Parking: Free lot north of the museum across the river during North Pole Express. A paid private lot across the street is not SRI’s.
Lodging: Owosso / Corunna; Lansing is about 40 minutes.
Steam: Do not promise children that 1225 will be on the point. Superheater and mechanical issues have forced diesel in recent seasons.

Tips for the Best Experience

If Coach is sold out, check Cocoa Class or a later weekend before you give up.
The 10 a.m. train is easier with young children than the 5 p.m. return near 10 p.m.
Ashley is outdoors. Hats, gloves, and a real winter coat matter more than matching pajamas.
No outside alcohol. Light snacks are allowed; coolers are not. There is no concession car on the train.
This is the movie engine’s home railroad. It is still not Polar Express.