The St. Billowing steam all the way, your authentic steam train ride will last around an hour. The event starts off in Owosso where you get your souvenir tickets and board the train. Although weekend trips and sporadic all-day excursions are available during the year, the 1-hour The Polar Express train ride in Michigan attracts a lot of people in December. PLEASE NOTE: The Steam Locomotive #15 repairs are underway. . Updated: 9:42 AM EDT September 12, 2023. For those who want to watch the Polar Express online without jumping through all the hoops of a free trial, Sling is an excellent option. 22 starting at 5 p. You aren't included in any activities, and the seats are single filed. During Christmastime, you can embark on a magical Polar Express Train ride. Sep 16, 2022 - Explore Andy Elford's board "Polar express train" on Pinterest. It stars Tom Hanks in multiple roles, with Daryl Sabara, Nona Gaye, Jimmy Bennett, and Eddie Deezen in. Join us for an authentic steam train ride through Lancaster County’s famous Amish Country. Book your THE POLAR EXPRESS™ tickets today. The Pere Marquette 1225 (the North Pole Express) is one of the few steam-powered train engines in the country still operating today. Every sight and sound of the magical Christmas train in the 2004 film The Polar Express is based on a real-life steam locomotive. Holiday train rides around Texas. SRI's mission is to preserve the knowledge, skills and technology involved with the maintenance and operation of steam locomotives, and to educate the public about the enormous impact these machines had in the economic development of Owosso, Michigan and the Great Lakes Region. [a] It was praised for its detailed illustrations and calm, relaxing storyline. You can find The Austin Steam Train Association at 401 E Whitestone Blvd in Cedar Park, Texas. Our Diesel Engine #6 will pull the train on excursions until such time as our Steam Engine is repaired. The steam locomotive that pulls the Polar Express is modeled after an actual locomotive at the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso, Michigan. At the stopping point, they let the children line up to pull the whistle cord. Arrival time is very important for 2023 due to our Polar Express Pavilion seating arrangements. Enjoy todays project as we get into informative repairs, money saving, and thrifty ways to help you in your projects Polar Express™ O Gauge Set (Conv. No. The idea of creating an ultimate Christmas train dates back to 2016-th. Keeping Steam Alive! Home to steam locomotives Pere Marquette 1225 and Chicago & North Western 175. Steam powered train ride. Children of all ages huddle together on a cold December Michigan evening, eagerly anticipating the arrival of a train they’d been waiting months to board. Crossroads Village Christmas and Huckleberry Railroad | By Sherry Trautman | Travel-Mi. November 2019. The Pere Marquette 1225 has its own Christmas story to tell. Sept. The Pere Marquette No. Train rides will be happening on the weekend of both November 25,. Drive down to Coldwater and take a ride on The Little River Railroad. Now, you can own the Polar Express train featured in both the best-selling book and the hit movie. 24 December 2019. In the story, a boy takes a train journey to the North Pole to rekindle his belief in Santa and since the book's publication, dozens. As a child, The Polar Express was one of my favorite movies to watch. 4. Steam Railroading Institute, Owosso, Michigan. The package features: Overnight stay for 1-night in. During one weekend in mid-October they host the "Michigan Fall Color Train" between Hillsdale and Angola, Indiana. , based on the 1985 children's book of the same name by Chris Van Allsburg. 1225 is the largest operating steam locomotive of its kind. All aboard the real Polar Express train. The railroad called its class R-1. Whitestone Blvd. . CARLAND, MICHIGAN,USA-DECEMBER 09: Steam engine Pere Marquette 1225 speeds along snowy railroad tracks, on December 9, 2017. and 5 p. The boarding area and vintage train cars are decorated with holiday cheer. Description. The blueprint and sound effects from live recordings of the train in. 20 at 10 am and 5 pm. . Departing from Carson. gift shop. 1225 — the model for the engine used in. The Hill Country Flyer is just one of the many day trips offered by The Austin Steam Train Association. The. Little River Railroad's Holiday Express - Start Your Own Holiday Traditions This Christmas! Where: Address: 29 W Park Ave, Coldwater, MI 49036. Grand Canyon Railway is more than just a mode of transportation: it’s a trip back in time on lovingly restored rail cars with entertaining musicians and the antics of cowboy characters. Length: 40 mile round trip takes 90 minutes. indoor fun kid friendly mid michigan outdoor fun southeast mi upper peninsula west michigan. The Norfolk Polar Express Train Ride takes place in festively-decorated carriages pulled by a classic heritage diesel-electric locomotive rather than a steam engine. No. 1, 2022 at 10:15 AM PDT. The Medina Railroad Museum is bringing people the opportunity to experience just that. Owosso, MI 48867. North Pole Express Yard Goat Caboose Rides Notify Me of Upcoming Events & Excursions Learn More Contact Us Disclaimer Due to our rolling stock being in original historical. OWOSSO, Mich. The streamer. See more ideas about train, polar express train, steam locomotive. Two weeks ago, the Steam Railroading Institute announced the train that was used in "The Polar Express" in 2004 and has pulled the Christmas voyage every year, needs a break in 2022. There was plenty of parking around the Steam Railroad Institute. Your journey begins just like the 2004 motion picture when THE POLAR EXPRESS™ will pick you up at South Devon Railway to take you on a magical journey where you will meet the characters from the film, including the conductor, the singing chefs, the hobo and of course the main man himself Father. 2005 brought the locomotive even more notoriety in the form of the movie “The Polar Express”, which used many design elements and sounds from the 1225. THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is coming to Bolton Abbey in 2023 with the magic of the 2004 motion picture THE POLAR EXPRESS™ being theatrically re-created so you and your family can be immersed in the sights, sounds and intrigue of this classic children’s tale. 6 p. Louis Union Station will host official The Polar Express train rides in 2022. My three year old became obsessed with the engine and the movie. . The youngsters — and the young at. Share. The North Pole Express, also known as train number 1225 is a beloved steam engine housed. Due to the historic nature of our equipment, our cars are not wheelchair accessible. Ages 2+ 45 Minutes; The Santa Claus Limited – First Class. easter bunny express 11 am and 2pm. Claus. — The Essex Steam Train's annual North Pole Express rides sold out on day one moments after online ticket sales went live Tuesday morning. . Despite its rural location the Whitewater Valley Rail Road puts on a fine attraction for the public offering several different rides and events throughout the year such as a mock train robbery, holiday specials, murder mysteries, and much more. THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride 2024 French Lick Scenic Railway. The National Railroad Museum will present The Polar Express Train Ride on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from November 17 through December 10, 2023. Where is the Polar Express Train Ride Located. December 21, 2018. The polar express old fairy train, a snowy landscape, little boy see off or meet the train. The Santa’s Paradise Express is the FULL experience! Book Now Learn More From $ 40. The North Pole Express, also known as train number 1225 is a beloved steam engine housed in downtown Owosso. Jess Poxson Published: November 1, 2023. The train's annual Christmas trips, complete with hot chocolate, load passengers from the station in Owosso for a magical Christmas. The narrow-gauge railroad’s collection of cars includes 11. The luminous white dogwoods and pink redbud blooms will light up the East. (sfx train slowing down/stop)When the Polar Express could go no further, it stopped, and the conductor led the children outside. Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad. Before it travels the long journey to the North Pole, you have a chance to. m. 57K likes · 2,369 talking about this · 14,257 were here. Tickets sell out quickly, so NOW is the time to start planning! While tickets typically go on sale in September, the schedule has moved up to July in 2023. Holiday trains & Polar Express rides (2023): It’s never too early to start planning for a magical train ride with family or friends — especially when tickets go on sale during the spring and summer for some venues. According to the organization the trip will "depart from St. Louis Union Station for a 45 minute adventure to the North Pole filled with magic, songs, and cheer. $35 - $95 FULL PERFORMANCE LISTING Find Tickets. (360) 748-9593. On November 20 in Owosso Michigan, I am goin. It weighs in at 442,500 pounds and when combined with the tender. . The address of the experience is West Station, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5QY. This polar express train ride in Virginia is straight out of a Hallmark movie, and it just may become an annual tradition that your family cherishes. ” Steam Railroading Institute. Trains depart at 11:30 am and 2:00 pm. Steam Railroading Institute: Polar Express - See 98 traveler reviews, 48 candid photos, and great deals for Owosso, MI, at Tripadvisor. Each year, the Michigan Steam Railroading Institute takes. The official train that the film was based off, the Pere Marquette 1225 is located at the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso Michigan. The Country Christmas is the destination of the North Pole Express train excursions and is open on the same dates as each train trip, Saturday and Sunday, November 18 - December 17, plus November 24 and December 8 (see our 2023 Schedule button above. November 24-26. Every year a vintage steam locomotive in Michigan takes thousands of festive families to the North Pole. Phone: 989-725-9464. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad • 479 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301. Under 2 tickets – child on knee. The train, known as the Pere Marquette 1225 Locomotive, is now. (FOX 2) - The 2022 North Pole Express will run as this fall and winter but it won't be with the nostalgic steam-powered Pere Marquette 1225. Photo provided/Steam Railroading Institute . The Institute is home to the majestic Pere Marquette 1225. All aboard the magical North Pole Express with the New Hope Railroad, for an unforgettable adventure with Santa and Mrs. A favorite Michigan holiday tradition is back this year after canceling last year due to COVID-19 for. The Little River Railroad offers scenic train rides powered by antique steam locomotives. Santa Express Schedule. On October 5th, 2019, the Steam Railroading Institute made a run from Mt. Tickets for the 2023 shows are sold out. Please call or email June Hall ONLY for those two school day events. O. Departure Times. ride the train and hunt for easter eggs in quincy with the easter bunny!. OWOSSO, Mich. It’s even inscribed with the ‘1225’ signage to identify it as Santa’s own train. The Steam Railroading Institute is stationed at 405 S. I would not go again, the town of Ashbury are just some shops selling nic nacs that you don't want to buy. Engine #152 our coal-fired locomotive built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works, will pull the train on Saturdays and Sundays. Jeff Peek. November 24-December 24. Ask samladouceur about Steam Railroading Institute. Austin Steam Train/Facebook. 737 likes, 23 comments. Standing in the middle of downtown Ashley, Michigan, a town that looks like an Upper Peninsula transplant, and with nothing but wooden reindeer between the gathering masses and the tracks, the 1225 emerged from behind a bank of high trees. m. 99 a month, or Crave Total plan for $9. Come and join us for this fantastic event and immerse. The employees and volunteers were. At your Genesee County Parks. Infants 18 months or younger that can sit on a parent’s lap for the entire trip do not need to have a ticket. Louis Union Station will host official The Polar Express train rides in 2022. The Pere Marquette 1225 has its own Christmas story to tell — and it involves a. The most iconic feature of The Polar Express is its sleek black steam engine. . One year, he traveled back to Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1957 to take his younger self to the North Pole. During your trip, you’ll be stunned by views of beautiful Mott Lake, which adds an element of natural beauty to your experience on the Huckleberry. Enjoy a 1 hour 15-minute train ride each way to and from Ashley, choosing one of our six different classes of service. 5. Storytellers begin the journey reading the book as the train heads towards the North Pole. Author Chris Van Allsburg was inspired by the engine. For more than a decade, a festive “holiday train” has plied a Norfolk Southern railroad line across parts of southeast Michigan and northwest. We are proud to say we have the best team in the world! Except for few staff members, everyone else that you will see operating equipment and working at SRI are volunteers. Austin Steam Train’s holiday-themed rides start Nov. Things to Do in Coldwater. The PM was owned by the Van Sweringen interests of Cleveland, which also owned the Nickel Plate Road, Erie Railroad, and Chesapeake & Ohio, among others. The prize pieces in our library are hours of historic documents and artifacts that traces back to the early days. (WILX) - Tickets for the North Pole Express sold house mere hours after going on sale. Known as the "N. Chaga chaga choo choo! It's a train unlike any other. 99. November 17-19. scene after scene on board the steam train and around the train tracks. A few months later, we found out that the Polar Express existed and was operational in Owosso, Michigan. It’s truly an unforgettable experience and a great holiday tradition. com. Dress for weather! Approximately 1 hour and 15 minute train ride. The Polar Express trips typically take place during the holiday season, starting in late November or early December and running through Christmas Eve. Contribute. By: Adam Burns. Painstakingly designed to be true to the original, this. While scenic road trips and hiking trails are great ways to experience the season, a relaxing ride on a train through the trees is the perfect way to view Michigan's autumnal colors. — Pere Marquette steam locomotive No. Steam Train Rides - The Little River Railroad is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the restoration and operation of historic railroad equipment. The Institute is the home of the largest steam locomotive ever used in Michigan, Pere Marquette 1225. With Tom Hanks, Leslie Zemeckis, Eddie Deezen, Nona Gaye. Steam Railroading Institute: If you want to see a large famous steam locomotive operating, come here! - See 101 traveler reviews, 50 candid photos, and great deals for Owosso, MI, at Tripadvisor. 1101 SW Sylvenus St, Chehalis, WA 98532. A true Polar Express adventure including tickets to the North Pole, accommodations at the Railway Hotel, and meals for everyone! There’s no better way to bundle and save. Pictured is the flyer for the North Pole Express. The PM 1225 is based out of Owosso MI, my home town, and typically does steam excursions to the North Pole (Ashley MI) every Christmas season. Location: Wealden Railway Co. 5-hour round-trip journey to the Village of. Pleasant to Cadillac and return in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Michi. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, and 17. No date has yet been set to return the locomotive to service. This year, from November 16th to December 21st, visitors can take a ride on the North Pole Express. OWOSSO, Mich. You don't have to wait until Christmas to get into the holiday spirit in Michigan. You are also welcome to stop into the Depot’s front office Tuesday through Friday 10-5, Saturday 11-4 and Sunday 11-3. Train Equipment. This is the same engine that was used as a model for the movie The Polar Express. Box 452 Essex, CT 06426 Phone: (860) 767-0103 | (800) 377-3987 FAX: (860) 767-0104 Email: [email protected] POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is a 1¼ hour round-trip passenger excursion that comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Situated on the site of the former Ann Arbor Railroad’s steam shops. , usually wouldn't. Tickets start at $50 and up. Thursdays and Fridays at 6:00 and 8:00 p. Read along with the story as the train makes its round-trip journey to the North Pole. Visit Us Situated on the site of the former Ann Arbor Railroad’s steam shops and roundhouse in Owosso, SRI’s mission is to educate the public about steam era. On Christmas Eve, a young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express, while learning about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas. Go three quarters around the rotary and follow the signs to Main Street Buzzards Bay. m. Holiday trains & Polar Express rides (2023) Holiday trains & Polar Express rides (2023): It's never too early to start planning for a magical train ride with family or friends — especially when tickets go. , 7 p. He recalls climbing on the giant engine and seeing the numbers 1225 emblazoned on the front. The Polar Express is a 2004 American animated adventure fantasy film [1] [2] directed by Robert Zemeckis, who co-wrote the screenplay with William Broyles Jr. OWOSSO, Mich. " They. United States ; Michigan (MI) Owosso ;. 19. Each booking will also receive a POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride bag in which to carry your Limited Edition mug. All aboard! The much-anticipated annual Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Santa Train is back in action, scheduled for another year of holiday memory making. You aren't included in any activities, and the seats are single filed. indoor fun kid friendly mid michigan outdoor fun southeast mi upper peninsula west michigan. We went on the Polar Express train on Sunday, November 30 at 2:00. I wouldn't get the upper deck. Some have driven several hours just to reach the station, and then they stand in line for another 45 minutes. Wear your warmest pajamas for the 60-minute ride aboard this magical Christmas train in Pennsylvania. as you step outside to witness the dramatic arrival of THE POLAR EXPRESS™. Built in 1941 by the Lima Locomotive works, this N-1 class Berkshire type steam locomotive weighs in at nearly three quarters of a million pounds. Choose your. " The Polar Express Dates: November 17-22. Christmas Train Ride Locations (2023) Last revised: October 14, 2023. The Allegheny Trail is a 311-mile north-south trail with its northern terminus on the Mason-Dixon Line at the Pennsylvania-West. North Pole Express tickets go on sale on July 25, 2023, at 12:00 PM. Sacramento - Wednesday - Sunday, November 24 - December 20, 2023. THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is coming to the Caledonian Railway this Christmas with the magic of the 2004 motion picture THE POLAR EXPRESS™ being theatrically re-created so you and your family can be immersed in the sights, sounds and intrigue of this classic children’s tale. S. Hero Boy's house (referred to as The Boy's House on the film's official website) is a residence house in Grand Rapids, Michigan where Hero Boy lives with his sister Sarah, his mother, and his father. O. Please refer to the SRI website for details on upcoming Michigan train ride offerings. Pere Marquette 1225. Pere Marquette 1225 blowing off steam in Ashley Michigan by Tom Clark. Limit 6 hours. Washington Street in Owosso. The show runs at 5 PM, 6:30 PM, and 8 PM on Fridays and Saturdays and 5 PM and 6:30 PM on Sundays. The PM was owned by the Van Sweringen interests of Cleveland, which also owned the Nickel Plate Road, Erie Railroad, and Chesapeake & Ohio, among others. Elkins, WV 26241. It’s the 1225 North Pole Express, and every year around the holidays, it hauls thousands of cheerful kids and their families on an magical journey to the North Pole. In the heart of Michigan, a piece of real-word (and Hollywood) history is being meticulously restored to its former glory. The Polar Express Train. Dec 7, 2015 - Explore Joe Blackburn's board "Polar Express (Pere Marquette 1225)" on Pinterest. The locomotive pulls five passenger cars, including an abandoned toy car at the front and an observation car at the back. 8 easter bunny express 11am and 2pm. To recap, The Polar Express, as its name suggests, involves a journey to the North Pole on a train ride of excitement and wonder. Trains depart at 5PM, 6:30PM and 8PM. The. A look at the 1225 Perre Marquette, better known as The Polar Express this time of year, loading for a Christmas excursion. Round trip rides leave from Coldwater and travels to Quincy every Saturday and Sunday. For approximately four hours, passengers will be immersed in the joy of Christmas. Travel-Mi HomeNovember MichiganMichigan Polar Express Ride the Michigan Polar Express This Christmas Season!Ride the Michigan Polar Express | Christmas North Pole Express in Owosso | Pere Marquette1225Locomotive | By: Sherry Trautman | Travel-Mi. ESSEX, Conn. 19. The train that the polar express was based on, the Pere Marquette 1225, is actually in Michigan as well. Nestled in the heart of picturesque Bucks County, Pennsylvania, our historic railroad invites you to step back in time and embark on a captivating journey through the past. Hop on Board for the Dino Train and STEAM Festival at Southern California Railway Museum, featuring “Buddy” from the PBS Show “Dinosaur Train. (Yes!Western Maryland Scenic Railroad 2-6-6-2 1309 powers a series of Polar Express excursions. All aboard the real Polar Express train. Conductor: Please make two lines! Stay with a buddy at all times. Steam Railroading Institute, Owosso, Michigan. The rear of the November 27 th train. This is the steam train that was in the movie Polar Express. Michigan (MI) Branch County. RF M1MEH7 – The Pere Marquette 1225 “North Pole Express” steams along snowy track on a winter day. Tickets to the North Pole Express are on sale as of Tuedsay morning, selling tickets for full, half and. Tuesday July 25 2023 For holiday enthusiasts who can’t wait for December, tickets are now on sale for a beloved holiday tradition in Michigan. Pere Marquette 1225, the largest and most impressive piece in the Steam Railroading Institute’s collection, is one of the largest operating steam locomotives in Michigan. Division, Clinton, and 112 Bidwell, Tecumseh. The Steam Railroading Institute has announced that things were a go for the North Pole Express to run once again this November and December. Coach seating starts at $50 per person. The No. Every sight and sound of the magical Christmas train in the 2004 film The Polar Express is based on a real-life steam locomotive. Link To Tickets: it wasn't for this train, there would be no Polar Express. The Steam Railroading Institute reserves the right to change out motive power or rolling stock at any time, including substituting diesel power for steam. . 16 & 17;. The railroad requires visitors to reach 45 minutes before your trip to pick up the actual tickets. Tickets go on sale at noon Tuesday, July 25. . The tickets get you a round-trip ticket on the Pere Marquette, which is the train from "The Polar Express," and are four-hour trips from the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso to the Village of. Author Chris Van Allsburg was inspired by the engine. The 1225 was built in October of 1941 by the Lima Locomotive Works in Lima, Ohio for the Pere Marquette Railway. 2-8-4 Berkshire #1225) $ 419. â–¶. Steam Railroading Institute: Polar Express - See 101 traveler reviews, 50 candid photos, and great deals for Owosso, MI, at Tripadvisor. Where : 24201 Henry B Joy Blvd, Clinton Twp, MI 48036. call 855-632-7729. The train station was clean as well as the train cars. We purchased tickets immediately for the North Pole Express. Departure times are subject to delays due to freight traffic or mechanical issues. Visit with Santa Claus aboard the train. RM D827K5 – The Polar Express train at Okehampton station. Fairfax Family Fun. OWOSSO, Mich. At the Steam Railroading Institute. Get In Touch. In Soo Junction, Tahquamenon Falls Riverboat Tours & the Famous Toonerville Trolley offers 5. 6-49632. Google Maps. grandkids. The Polar Express Dates: November 10-12. (WJRT) - Tickets are now on sale for the North Pole Express train ride from the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso to Ashley and back. -- Bad news for "Polar Express" fans eager to climb aboard the real deal -- plans for the steam engine's visit to Grand Rapids have been derailed, according to this report by Tricia Woolfenden published by the Grand Rapids Press. 00 and $200 a hour after. The Pere Marquette 1225 is the real Polar Express. [2] It became the Michigan State Trust for Railway Preservation, and. The Polar Express Train Ride. By the time this holiday season ends, more than 90,000 Bryson City visitors will have ridden The Polar Express, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad ‘s seasonal attraction that brings the classic children’s story to life. $ 49. Take Exit 3 (formerly Exit 2) (Bourne/Sagamore) off Route 25. The Valley Railroad Company One Railroad Avenue P. Find A Dealer. Apologies for the shaky hand held. Is THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride hauled by a steam locomotive? We aim to provide a steam locomotive for all our services. Pere Marquette 1225 is a class "N-1" 2-8-4 "Berkshire" type steam locomotive built in October 1941 for the Pere Marquette Railway (PM) by Lima Locomotive Works (LLW) in Lima, Ohio. The North Pole Express, carries holiday travelers between Owosso and Ashley. m. com or call us at 517-456-7677 for more information. The following day, Sunday,. Please contact us at customerservice@southernmichiganrr. Little River Railroad. The Steam Railroading Institute is dedicated to educating the public about steam-era railroading. love trains. The Pere Marquette 1225 has its own Christmas story to tell. Website: michigansteamtrain. A tramp sitting on the roof of train. On top of all the Christmas spirit, prepare to be awe-struck by the Steam Engine itself. (WILX) - A famous Christmas train people know and love is making a return to the big screen. Little River Railroad Holiday Express Steam-Powered Train Ride. It’s. The Pere Marquette 1225, the historic steam locomotive modelled by Warner Bros. Whether it’s a ride on our impressive steam engine train or our famous Polar Express ride, you’re sure to experience something incredible with V&T Railway. m. Inspired by the run-away hit movie, this holiday favorite comes to life when you and your family take a ride on The Polar Express™. Approaching Storm by Charles Bonham. Explore Michigan’s Winter Wonderland on These Polar Express Train Rides. m. Today the Steam Railroading Institute is the image of the Michigan State Trust for Railway Preservation Inc. November 17, 2023 - January 1, 2024. track. Instead, this year's version will be. A regular train ride, even one pulled by a 2-8-4 Berkshire steam locomotive, probably the largest steam locomotive operating Santa Trains in the U. Pere Marquette 1225, when built in the early 1940s was one of more than three dozen 2-8-4 "Berkshire"-type steam locomotives the railroad purchased during that time. You’ll ride through tunnels, canyons, and mining towns aboard a Baldwin 2-8-0 steam locomotive with engaging guides providing historical facts and anecdotes. m. The train follows the longest 24-inch-gauge railroad in the. It includes a 1 hour 15-minute train ride from the Michigan Steam Railroading Institute to the Village of Ashley, similar to The Polar Express ride. m. Today the Steam Railroading Institute is the image of the Michigan State Trust for Railway Preservation Inc. Illinois is home to many organizations preserving railroad history and a few also host official The Polar Express events. Was a great family adventure - fun for old and young alike. Because of Michigan's unique topography, with the state split by Lake Michigan, its railroad network was quite fascinating. and 5 p. The Steam Railroading Institute, in Owosso, Michigan, is home to the Pere Marquette 1225 steam locomotive, and some other locomotives and historic rail cars. There was plenty of parking around the Steam Railroad Institute. 91,778 1 h 39 min 2004 The famed Pere Marquette 1225 locomotive, which served as the prototype for the train in the 2004 Warner Brothers movie “The Polar Express,” will make 21 trips from the Steam Railroading. Little River Railroad. This year, SRI is using diesel engines while the iconic steam engine Pere Marquette 1225 is under repair. If you live in Michigan, you know that in making the groundbreaking digital-capture film The Polar Express, they used blueprints from the real-life Pere Marquette 1225, a steam-powered locomotive still in use today. Ashley, Michigan Brings Christmas Magic to Life with Real 1225 Polar Express. When you arrive at the North Pole, Santa will come on board for a special visit with all the passengers. The Polar Express™ O Gauge Set with LionChief Remote and RailSounds RC. the polar express. There are currently three locations to ride the train this holiday season including at Chicago Union Station, the Fox River Trolley Museum, and Monticello Railway Museum. Tickets for the North Pole Express will go on sale on Thursday, Sept.