Keeping Steam Alive
This holiday season put on your favorite pajamas or 1940s/50s attire and join us for a nostalgic journey to the Christmas of yesteryear when you climb aboard the North Pole Express, pulled by the world-famous Pere Marquette 1225! Depart from the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso for a four and a half hour, round trip excursion to the Village of Ashley’s Country Christmas.
Who We Are
Our Mission
The Steam Railroading Institute is dedicated to educating the public about steam era railroading in Michigan and the Great Lakes Region. This includes the preservation of the skills and technology for maintaining steam locomotives by operating steam era equipment and providing the experience of steam locomotives in actual operation.
Visit Us
Situated on the site of the former Ann Arbor Railroad’s steam shops and roundhouse in Owosso, the Steam Railroading Institute is open to the public on select days from April to September for visits and tours. Visitors will get a firsthand look at what it takes to restore, maintain, and operate railroading equipment from the golden age of steam.
Climb Aboard
The Steam Railroading Institute offers a variety of events and excursions throughout the year. By fulfilling the educational mission, these unique programs range from hands-on activities at the Institute to fall color tours by rail in Northern Michigan. The most popular of all is the North Pole Express, available during the holiday season.
The Steam Railroading Institute is dedicated to educating the public about steam-era railroading. The Institute is the home of the largest steam locomotive ever used in Michigan, Pere Marquette 1225. Now the Institute is starting on the restoration of its second locomotive, Chicago and North Western 175. The Institute will return this more than a century-year-old locomotive, and you will be able to ride behind it on excursion trains around Michigan.
