2008 Train Trips

"Ride Behind the #1225!"

May 17th - 18th, 2008
Owosso - Clare

                May 17 & 18, 2008  Round Trip Excursion to Clare

Join us on a round-trip excursion between Owosso and Clare behind the Pere Marquette 1225. The excursion will depart Owosso at 9:00 a.m. each day and will arrive in Mt. Pleasant around 12:00 noon. After a short layover, the train will proceed on to Clare. The train is scheduled to arrive back in Owosso by 8:00 p.m. We offer a few different options for this trip; you may purchase tickets for the Owosso - Mt. Pleasant portion where you will disembark at Mt. Pleasant and enjoy lunch on your own, or you may also board the train in Mt. Pleasant at 1:00 p.m. for a short trip to Clare and back. Those interested in riding for the entire trip from Owosso to Clare and back may purchase tickets that include a boxed lunch.

*Tickets for 2008 Owosso - Clare trip on sale NOW!*.

Purchase Tickets for the Owosso - Clare Trip at our 

2008 NPE DATES & TIMES

November 28th, 29th & 30th  (10 AM, 4 PM)

December 6th & 7th  (10 AM, 4 PM)     

December 13th & 14th  (10 AM, 4 PM)

December 20th & 21st  (10 AM, 4 PM)

Purchase Tickets for NPE at our 

In addition, SRI is always in need of additional volunteers to work as locomotive crews, maintenance crews, car hosts, merchandise sales persons, and as greeters in the visitor center. If interested in participating in this event, please contact the SRI at (989) 725-9464 or by e-mail at tjgaffney@mstrp.com.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Do I receive tickets in the mail?                                                                                    

A: No. The email confirmation you receive at the time you purchase your tickets serves as your reservation until the day of your trip. Upon your arrival at SRI (we ask that you arrive an hour before your trip)  you will pick up your tickets at our will call desk, located in our Visitor's Center. These tickets are designed to be souvenirs, a momento of your trip.

Q: What is the "Caboose" option?
A: The "Caboose" option allows up to 10 people to ride the North Pole Express in their own private caboose. The Steam Railroading Institute's restored Pere Marquette and Ann Arbor cabooses are available for the flat rate of $1,000 per party. The caboose will have its own Conductor and is heated by the original coal stove and light from the period oil lamps. Guests may sit in the cupola (the upper section of the caboose) for a unique view of the train and passing scenery. Caboose guests will have hot chocolate (heated on the coal stove).

Q: What does the "North Pole Express" include?
A: The "North Pole Express" is an immersive experience for the entire family. Passengers enter the story of the magical "North Pole Express" at the Steam Railroading Institute's Visitor Center in Owosso. Once aboard the train the story continues to "Santa's Village" in Chesaning's "North Pole USA" with hot chocolate served by the Porters. At "Santa's Village" passengers will visit with Santa while exploring on their own for more than an hour. When the locomotive blows a long whistle passenger will board the train for the return trip to the Steam Railroading Institute's Visitor Center.

Q: What is the "Santa's Village?"
A: The Saginaw County Fair Grounds holds their winter fair called "Santa's Village at North Pole USA." "North Pole Express" passengers are brought to the Fair Grounds and unload at the Fair Grounds Boarding Platform. "Santa's Village" is housed in a large commercial building on the Fair Grounds site. The building is heated for a very comfortable temperature when wearing a coat or sweater. A variety of attractions will be available in the Village such as a puppet show, Santa Claus, and holiday rides including a Carousel. Visitors can have their pictures taken next to the Authentic "North Pole USA" or with Santa. The scene created will attempt to replicate the imaginary and magical village at the North Pole.  Admission to "Santa's Village" is included in your North Pole Express package.

Q: When should I arrive at the Steam Railroading Institute?
A: The Steam Railroading Institute is open to visitors until one hour before departure. North Pole Express riders are welcome to visit the Steam Railroading Institute before that time but be advised that the site is closed for each of the 9 days. North Pole Express passengers are welcome to start arriving at the Steam Railroading Institute one hour before their departure time. Riders will be required to present their boarding passes as they enter the site. The train arrives at the Steam Railroading Institute about 15 minutes prior to departure so we recommend being at the Visitor Center no less than 30 minutes prior to departure.

Q: Is there lodging available in the area?
A: Please see the Shiawassee County Lodging and Camping page by the Shiawassee County Convention and Visitor Bureau. The closest lodging is the Comstock Inn and Conference Center located immediately across the river from the Steam Railroading Institute. Ticket and hotel packages are available for 2 adults and 2 children as an option for those wishing to do, but are available on a first come, first serve basis.

Q: Will the Steam Railroading Institute be adding any more dates as these trips sell out?
A: No, but we would be happy to add your name to our mailing list for next season.

Q: Can I add my name to the mailing list for Steam Railroading Institute events?                       
A: It would be our pleasure. Simply call or e-mail us at npe@mstrp.com with your name, mailing address, phone number, and e-mail address. Guests on this year's North Pole Express trains will automatically be added to that mailing list.

Purchase Tickets for NPE at our