7 Incredible Michigan Christmas Trains!
7 Incredible Michigan Christmas Trains 2022: Ride the Polar Express (North Pole Express) to the Christmas Village of Ashley | Best Holiday Winter Train Rides to See Santa!| By: Sherry Trautman | Travel-Mi.com| Updated: September 6, 2022
Happy winter, my friends! Let's embrace this Michigan winter by embarking on incredible adventures and making new memories!
What do I suggest? Well...
How about embarking on nostalgic Michigan Christmas train rides?
It's impossible to be a Christmas Grinch when you have a hot chocolate in hand while chugging along the tracks in a vintage stream train!
Have you heard of the Ashley Michigan Christmas train? No? Keep reading!
Oh, and this song by the Quad City DJ's has been in my head ALL DAY..."Come on, ride the train, hey, ride it!"
I mean, how can you not want to get up and dance!?
So We've Been Asked, "Is there a Christmas Train in Michigan?"
You bet cha!
Michigan fully embraces historic trains and loves to share the adventures with you! You can go on holiday Christmas train rides in Owosso, Flint, Tecumseh, Coldwater, Midland, Laingsburg, and Coopersville Michigan.
Keep reading for the best winter train rides in Michigan!
1. Visit Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad: One Of Our Favorite Michigan Christmas Trains!
Visit Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad!
Address: 6140 N Bray Rd, Flint, MI
You will think you have stepped into a Norman Rockwell painting when you visit this lovely Michigan Christmas village!
VisitingCrossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad, located in Flint, Michigan, is a fantastic way to kick off this holiday season!
All Aboard the Huckleberry Railroad train!
Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad: All Aboard the Huckleberry Railroad train!
- I can't think of a better way to celebrate a lovely nostalgic Christmas season than to visit Crossroads Village and climb aboard the coal-fired locomotive pulled by either engine #12 or engine #152 built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works.
You'll pass twinkling light displays, sleepy towns and through dark forests while singing Christmas carols.
The Huckleberry Railroad is an incredible holiday winter train ride experience that is perfect for the whole family!
- Read more and see our video ofCrossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad!
Do You Know When Did Michigan's Railroad System Begin?
| Per Michigan.gov, Michigan’s railroad system began in the 1830s. By the 1900s, there were more than 9,000 route miles! But due to the use of vehicles, Michigan’s railroad system now only has about 3,600 route miles of track. |
2. Choo Choo! All Aboard the Southern Michigan Railroad Santa Train!
Address: 112 N Evans St,Tecumseh (Downtown Tecumseh)
Do you want to ride a train AND see Santa? This lovely 30 minute train ride gives you chance to see what it's like to ride in a historic rail car! These historic cars are between 70 to 90 years old!
After your one way train ride, the Southern Michgian Railroad will stop in Clinton so you can see Santa and tell him everything on your Christmas list! Then it's ALL ABOARD for the 30-minute train ride back to Tecumseh.
Oh, and dress warmly! You may be standing outside for a while and these historic rail cars are not heated.
Heck, I'd pack a thin blanket to wrap around my legs!
Check their website for dates, times and tickets!
3. The Polar Express (North Pole Express) Train Ride Michigan + Visit a Lovely Michigan Christmas Village!
Ride the Michigan Polar Express Train This Christmas Season!
Where is The Polar Express in Michigan? Owosso, Michigan is home to the iconic North Pole Express that is powered bythe world-famous Pere Marquette 1225.
Ride the Michigan Polar Express Train to the Christmas village of Ashley
Address: 405 South Washington Street, Owosso, MI 48867
Chris and I absolutely love embarking the incredible winter adventure of riding the Polar Express train ride in Michigan!
- Located in Owasso, Michigan, the iconic North Pole Express is powered by the world-famous Pere Marquette 1225, a 1941 Berkshire type steam locomotive. It's truly an impressive sight!
You will depart from the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso for an incredible four and a half hour, round trip excursion to the Village of Ashley’s Country Christmas.
By the way, the North Pole Express is sometimes called the Ashley Michigan Christmas train.
- Be sure to peer outside as the Pere Marquette 1225 chugs along the tracks for one hour and fifteen minute winter train ride toward the Michigan Christmas village of Ashley.
Upon arriving at theVillage of Ashley’s Country Christmas, you will disembark and enjoy two hours to wander the village. It's fun to wander around the nostalgic village while enjoying treats, stopping intoeateries, shopping, seeing live entertainment and getting into the holiday mood!
- Pro Tip:Buy your tickets early (keep a watch for ticket sales opening up very early October).
Sherry and Chris Enjoying the Parlor Car (adults only) in the Michigan Polar Express Train!
I love that you can choose from a variety of classes of service on the North Pole Express Christmas train. Chris and I chose theadults only parlorand absolutely loved the hot chocolate, drinks and posh environment.
You can also choose vintage coaches to historic cabooses, each with a different accommodation but they all have a cheerful Christmas ambiance.
- READ MORE and see lots of our photos of 1225 Pere Marquette Train!
4. Little River Railroad's Holiday Express
Address: 29 W Park Ave, Coldwater, MI 49036
This December, ride the rails with an authentic 100 year steam engine train at the Little River Railroad! Enjoycountryside views while chugging along in a historic train powered by real steam locomotives!
- The round trip train rides leaves from the station in Coldwater, Michigan. Plus, during a short stop in Quincy, you can see how the locomotive is switched to the other end of the train for your trip back to Coldwater!
Oh, and you can visit with Santa aboard this Michigan Christmas train!
See their website for available dates and times in December. Book early on their website.
5. Ride the Quaint Northern Star Railroad in Midland Michigan
All Aboard the Northern Star Railroad in Midland Michigan this Christmas Season!
In downtown Midland Michigan, you can ride the quaint Northern Star Railroad for a short ride around the downtown area. Lovely free Christmas train ride!
Chris and I ride this train every Christmas as we love to get dinner in downtown Midland at either Gratzi or Pizza Baker. Then we window shop and enjoy the festivities of the Santa House.
- Learn more about the Midland Santa House and see a Video of the Northern Star Railroad!
All Aboard the Northern Star Railroad in Midland Michigan this Christmas Season!
6. Coopersville and Marne Railway’s Santa Train
306 Main St, Coopersville, MI 49404
Allllllll aboard the Santa Train in Coopersville, Michigan! The lovely Coopersvilleand Marne Railway only runs on the weekends in December, so book your tickets early!
These vintage train rides are 90 minutes.All of their coaches are heated and each has a restroom.
7. Peacock Road Family Farm Trainride to See Santa!
Address: 11854 Peacock Road, Laingsburg, MI 48848
This Christmas season, grab your friends and family to ride the Peacock Express to see Santa and Mrs. Claus! The train leaves the station every half hour and you can buy your tickets on their website.
Along the way, you will travel past the Animal Park, cross over a river and meander through the woods to reach Santa's cosy cabin. Be sure to keep an eye out as Santa will be waiting for you!
After speaking with Santa, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and roast some marshmallows over the warm crackling fire as you wait for the train to return.
- Chris and I hope you are inspired to embark on one of these Michigan Christmas Trains as the adventure, memories and fun will keep you warm for a lifetime (or until next winter's train adventure!)
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FAQs
Is there a Polar Express train in Michigan? ›
Chris and I absolutely love embarking the incredible winter adventure of riding the Polar Express train ride in Michigan! Located in Owasso, Michigan, the iconic North Pole Express is powered by the world-famous Pere Marquette 1225, a 1941 Berkshire type steam locomotive. It's truly an impressive sight!
Where is the Christmas train in Michigan? ›Is there a Polar Express in Michigan? The Michigan Polar Express, which includes the majestic Pere Marquette 1225 locomotive, is located in Owosso and the ride takes you through the Christmas village of Ashley and many other cities along the Great Lakes Central Railroad.
How long is The Polar Express train journey? ›The journey on board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ 2022 Train Ride lasts around 1 hour. We recommend you allow 1.5 hours for the whole experience. The North Pole in its prime in the stunning NOVEMBER snow.
Do you have to wear pajamas on The Polar Express? ›What should my family wear? Families are encouraged to wear warm pajamas just like passengers from THE POLAR EXPRESS™ book and film. Passengers will spend time on an unheated platform as they board and disembark from the train, so appropriate winter attire is also recommended.
Where does The Polar Express go in Michigan? ›The Michigan Polar Express is located in Owosso, Michigan. Oh my word, yes, we had a fantastic time! Just seeing the majestic Pere Marquette 1225 is worth it! You will also get to visit the Christmas village of Ashley which is fun too.
Where is Pere Marquette 1225 now? ›Driving Wheel Dia. Pere Marquette No. 1225 is an N-1 class 2-8-4 "Berkshire" type steam locomotive that currently runs and services at the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso, Michigan.
What kind of train is The Polar Express? ›Know-It-All states that the train is a Baldwin 2-8-4 locomotive built in 1931. The Polar Express was modeled from plans of Pere Marquette 1225 which is a 2-8-4 type built by Lima Locomotive Works in 1941.
What age is best for the Polar Express train ride? ›What ages do you recommend for this experience? THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride is great for the whole family. I would say that a it is especially fun for kids 11 and under...and for their parents and caregivers who will get to see the joy they will express during the trip.
What do you do on the Polar Express? ›During THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, passengers are served hot cocoa and a cookie, delight in lively songs and dance, and enjoy a reading of the holiday classic, The Polar Express. Upon arrival at the North Pole, passengers deboard to watch Santa present the first gift of Christmas.
Where does the Polar Express stop? ›Plot. On Christmas Eve in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a steam locomotive passenger train known as the Polar Express stops at the house of a boy who is growing skeptical about the existence of Santa Claus.
Will there be a Polar Express train ride in 2022? ›
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is returning to Southern California Railway Museum for the 2022 holiday season!
How should I dress for the Polar Express train ride? ›All of the trains encourage kids to wear their pajamas, just like the boy in the story, and they won't be chilly as the trains are heated. Many trains offer a variety of seating classes with more expensive options including additional perks. (Check to see exactly what is included at each fare level.)
Does the Polar Express have bathrooms? ›For riding the Polar Express at Mr. Rainier, you definitely need warm layers. There is a very small gift shop at the station, and a couple of restrooms, but the waiting area is all outdoors.
Is Polar Express train ride better at night? ›DEFINITELY at night. The lights are amazing and it is so much more of a Polar Express experience! Go on another excursion sometime during the day!
Where does The Polar Express take place? ›The book is set partially in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the author's home town, and was inspired in part by Van Allsburg's memories of visiting the Herpolsheimer's and Wurzburg's department stores as a child.
What is Owosso Michigan known for? ›Owosso is the headquarters of the Great Lakes Central Railroad, which provides freight service to Northern and Southern Michigan. It also provides chartered passenger rail service and tours through its association with Lake Central Rail Tours.
What whistle does 1225 have? ›Pere Marquette #1225's Whistle
The locomotive utilizes a 5-chime Nathan whistle, as delivered from the Lima Locomotive Works. The whistle features a higher-pitched note and overall carries a classic steam locomotive sound, slightly trailing off towards the end.
The Pere Marquette 1225 was built at the Lima Locomotive Works in Lima, Ohio in 1941 for the Pere Marquette Railway along with eleven other N-1 class locomotives. During its first decade in service, it mostly pulled steel and wartime freight.
What is the top speed of The Polar Express? ›At Pere Marquette's a top speed of 70 mph (113 km/h), it would take about 93 hours to complete the journey non-stop, which is nearly four days. Each of the tickets in the film all have a seven-digit number on them.
Is there a real train that goes to the North Pole? ›In 1985, Chris Van Allsburg published The Polar Express, a children's book about a young boy who catches a train outside his bedroom window bound for the North Pole where he, along with other kids on board, meets Santa Claus.
How many carriages does The Polar Express have? ›
The train appears with five cars throughout most of the film. However, on occasion, it is seen with as little as three or as many as eleven and twenty.
How long is the North Pole experience? ›The entire North Pole Experience takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Tickets start at just $38, and tours are available November 21 through December 27. Drive time to Flagstaff from Phoenix is about two hours. Visit northpoleexperience.com or call 480-779-9679 to purchase tickets.
Where is the Pere Marquette train located? ›| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Cleveland, Ohio |
| Reporting mark | PM |
| Locale | Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Ontario, New York (state), and Wisconsin |
| Dates of operation | 1900–1947 |
The Pere Marquette 1225 was built at the Lima Locomotive Works in Lima, Ohio in 1941 for the Pere Marquette Railway along with eleven other N-1 class locomotives. During its first decade in service, it mostly pulled steel and wartime freight.
What kind of train is The Polar Express? ›Know-It-All states that the train is a Baldwin 2-8-4 locomotive built in 1931. The Polar Express was modeled from plans of Pere Marquette 1225 which is a 2-8-4 type built by Lima Locomotive Works in 1941.
When was The Polar Express built? ›In the film, Know-It-All refers to the locomotive as a "Baldwin 2-8-4 S-3 class Berkshire type steam locomotive" and says it was built in 1931 at the Baldwin Locomotive Works.
How long is the Pere Marquette Rail Trail? ›The Pere Marquette RailTrail is 30 miles of paved, flat, scenic trail between Midland and Clare, Michigan.
Is the Pere Marquette still running? ›Steve Wasiura, the institute's superintendent of facilities and railroad operations, said in a press release that “1225 has been a reliable performer throughout its excursion career, and this work will keep it running for decades more.
Who owns the Pere Marquette? ›Currently, the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso, Michigan owns the Pere Marquette 1225.
What whistle does 1225 have? ›Pere Marquette #1225's Whistle
The locomotive utilizes a 5-chime Nathan whistle, as delivered from the Lima Locomotive Works. The whistle features a higher-pitched note and overall carries a classic steam locomotive sound, slightly trailing off towards the end.
What class is the Pere Marquette 1225? ›
Pere Marquette 1225 - YouTube
How fast is the Polar Express? ›How fast does the train go? The train averages about 30 miles per hour.
Is there a real train that goes to the North Pole? ›In 1985, Chris Van Allsburg published The Polar Express, a children's book about a young boy who catches a train outside his bedroom window bound for the North Pole where he, along with other kids on board, meets Santa Claus.
How many carriages does The Polar Express have? ›The train appears with five cars throughout most of the film. However, on occasion, it is seen with as little as three or as many as eleven and twenty.
Where is the actual Polar Express? ›The Polar Express Train at the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento, California, is so popular, it sells out early nearly every year. This ride includes many elements of the movie, including the dancing waiters who serve hot chocolate and cookies!
How many voices did Tom Hanks do in Polar Express? ›Hanks plays five roles in the film including that of a small child (whose voice would later be dubbed in by Daryl Sabara). Initially Zemeckis considered having him play every role, but after trying this, Hanks grew exhausted, and they whittled down the number.
How much did The Polar Express cost to make? › Why does The Polar Express look weird? ›The reason for this, apparently, is due to a phenomenon called Uncanny Valley - which is when non-human objects which look akin to human beings prompt feelings of eeriness and disgust, due to their similarities, and yet their simultaneous differences.