Learn more about this business on Yelp.
“educating the public about steam-era rail technology”
The Steam Railroading Institute is dedicated to educating the public about steam-era rail technology and its impact on the culture and economy of the Great Lakes region. The institute is home to the majestic Pere Marquette No. 1225, the largest operating steam locomotive of its kind. This majestic locomotive was also used to generate computer images for the Warner Brothers film, "The Polar Express." The Institute also features Flagg Coal Co. 75, a switcher tank-type steam engine resembling the childhood favorite, Thomas the Tank Engine. Visitors can also participate in the “Engineer for an Hour” program for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to actually drive the P.M. 1225 or the Flagg Coal Co. 75 in a controlled environment. If a scenic passenger ride sounds more relaxing, round trip outings to local cities are also available, including an overnight excursion to Cadillac, Michigan behind the P.M. 1225, allowing passengers to see a part of Michigan they’ve never experienced before. Institute visitors can also see and ride on a fully functional, 100-foot long Pere Marquette turntable used to actually turn the steam engines around in the opposite direction. A full-sized roundhouse and full workshop is currently under construction. Guests also can tour a three-car education train that details the historic timeline of the railroad industry.
I enjoyed myself on this trip. Would I do it again? No, unless someone else paid for it. It wasn't bad but considering the expense, it's more of a "I've done it once and that's good enough for me"... Read more
I liked the North Pole express experience. All the staff were friendly. The train was nicely decorated. I would have liked a meal option on the train but the hot chocolate and cookie was fine but... Read more
I was so excited when I was able to purchase tickets at the last minute. I was under the impression this was the same Polar Express train ride we took in Chiago a couple of year ago. (The... Read more
Steam Railroading Institute
Hours
- Sun, Fri, Sat: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Problem with this listing? Let us know.
Has RV parking changed? Let us know.
-
Parking
-
Pets Allowed
-
Restrooms
-
Wifi
-
Wheelchair Accessible
-
Credit Cards Accepted
Parking
Nearby Hotels
Related Trip Guides
The Great Northern is a 3,600 mile, cross-country odyssey
- 57 Places
- 69:15
- 3,565 mi
The top things to do on a Tunnel of Trees road trip
- 12 Places
- 00:51
- 31 mi
The top things to do on an I-75 road trip
- 34 Places
- 31:05
- 1,933 mi