steam railroading institute

We went on the Polar Express train on Sunday, November 30 at 2:00. Our first frustration with the Railroading Institute started with the lack of information on the website and the fact that when you call for tickets, you are directed to a call center in Alabama which is unable to give you accurate information about the train cars or the event. When I was looking at the ticket prices, I wasn't sure about the difference between the cars and the commuter cars-why doesn't the institute put pictures of the cars on the website? The customer service person in Alabama told me the only difference was that the commuter cars did not get hot chocolate. I did not think that would account for the commuter tickets being $20.00 less, so I called the institute several times to talk to someone to get more accurate information. It took several tries to be connected to someone in the gift shop who told me that the railroad had added some cars from the public transportation department so that more people who couldn't afford to go on the trip would be able to attend at a lower cost. She said that it was a double decker car and not an original car so we chose the original cars. Our group had to be separated into 2 groups and my husband and I had two seats in the Vixen car and our 4 adult children and 2 grandchildren were in the Donner car. There are attendants on each train car and we had two very friendly women in the Vixen car. We mentioned that our group had to be separated and one of the women assured us that we could walk easily through the next 2 cars, which were the food and gift cars, to visit with our children's train car and they could also come back to visit us. We were seated in the last car in Vixen with two bathrooms located directly behind us and 2 commuter cars hooked on after the bathrooms. Our car was a vintage car, and was decorated with Christmas paper and bows and was very festive. After the train took off, the problems started. The attendants served those of us in the regular cars hot chocolate. Immediately, all of the people from the commuter cars were jammed into the aisle in our car waiting to get into the food car that was in front of our car to purchase hot chocolate and popcorn. Many a passenger staggered back holding hot chocolate over our heads as they tried to push through to their commuter car. There was a tremendous line for the bathrooms since the commuter cars do not have bathrooms. We had to wait quite a while to push through the car to visit our children. We could not believe how plain and unappealing their car was. It looked exactly like a commuter car we saw in Chicago. We had our children come back and look at our car and they wondered how much more we paid for our seats. They were shocked when we said that we paid the same price for all seats. When I asked the attendant in the Donner car about the difference in the cars, he said that the car was indeed a former Chicago train car. Not only was it a plain, rather ugly train car, it was extremely hot. The differences between the cars were magnified on the way home. We had our son, his wife and baby take our Vixen seats because they were so hot in their car. The attendants in the Vixen car had people singing Christmas carols and it was a very nice atmosphere. In the Donner car, which we transferred to, it was very bright and nothing was going on. I asked the attendant if they could dim the lights so that we could see outside, he said he didn't think he could dim the lights. He went to talk to someone and was indeed able to dim them but it was such a boring trip back. My thoughts are that if you are paying that much for the trip, ALL the cars should have the same activities going on-not just certain cars that have nice women who do the decorating and do fun activities and singing on their own. I would not recommend this trip now because the commuter cars have turned it into a different trip than I was expecting. The bathrooms were a wreck and smelled awful from our seats because there was way too much demand on them from adding the additional cars. The attendants in our car agreed with us and apologized for the crush of passengers who kept us from being able to leave our seats. Our granddaughter is 3 and enjoyed Ashley, but I can't image anyone much older loving the activities there. There wasn't any snow on the ground and was raining lightly, so maybe Ashley would look better with some snow on the ground. The whole day was disappointing to us. I had more fun on the train in Crossroads Village singing Christmas carols along with the engineer and it was way cheaper!

I go down to the track the 1225 runs on when ever I know it will be moving. What a thrill to watch it lumber, huff and puff down the track

After reading some of the comments regarding the train to Ashley, I was a little nervous since I had purchased four tickets in March. I kept an open mind and told myself we would make the best of it. I'm not sure what some people are expecting, but the four of us had a wonderful time. There is a parking lot across the street from the depot that charges $5, but there is also a large parking lot behind the bowling alley that is free. We boarded without any lines and the volunteers on the Dancer car were excellent. At different times throughout the ride, the passengers in our car would all chime in and sing Christmas carols. I took a deck of Uno cards in the event my five-year old granddaughter got bored. She didn't, but we played a game or two of Uno, took silly pictures, while drinking hot chocolate. As with anything, I'm sure there are improvements that could be made but we choose to dwell on the positives. All the volunteers that we encountered were very nice and welcoming. The magic show was a big hit as well as the face painter ($4 charge but the painter was awesome. The same caliber of face painting would go for at least $20 at DisneyWorld) and the tables with free kids activities. Santa was the best I've ever seen and was worth the 10 minute wait in line. There were reindeer that you could feed and two carnival rides. Not sure if the rides were free or not as we didn't ride them. There was a small craft show and in the back cookie decorating ($1) and beads to make a wooden necklace ($1). I'm glad that we went because the four of us had a wonderful time.

no way the mugs they give you for 1st class have lead and illegal in California.. do not let your kids drink from them.. FAKE POLAR EXPRESS.. rip off

While the train was very cool, that was about it. Upon arrival, we weren't sure where to park. We parked across the street, and paid money. While the entertainment (live juggling) and Santa were awesome, the rest was a complete let down. It was like a giant bazaar. The ice carving was actually a man cutting into a giant log. He was cut for about 30 seconds then take a 15 minute break. The wagon ride literally went 100 yards and then came back. I was expecting lights and carolers. After 30 minutes my 5 year old said he wanted to get back onto the train, he was ready to go home. Upon arrival back at the train station, there are essentially no lights. It was dark and hard to see where we were going. The whole thing could be really cool, but just seemed super disorganized. I would not recommend.

At first the experience was fun. They had the hobo yelling at the kids as we border the train. They thought that was funny. The train itself is nice too and the woman we had for the vixen car were amazing. When we got to ashley country it was a different story, it was run down looking a huge money trap and not big enough for all the kids. We spent 3/4 of our time in line. There are crafts for the kids to do but that's it. You need money for everything else! My daughter asked the whole time to go back on the train.

Excellent experience. We took the North Pole Express train to Ashley Michigan on Sunday December 7 at 2pm. We rode in the Vixen car with reserved seating which included hot chocolate. My only complaint...The Vixen car hosts could brush up on their people skills, they could be a little condescending and their tone was not welcoming at all times.

I felt like I needed to write a second review. Last year we went on the color tour side trip and were not impressed. This year I wanted to take my kids on the 1225 Pere Maquette North Pole Express and decided to give it another go when we were donated 4 tickets by a volunteer of the railroad, Bill Wilson. John G was able to give about 8 family's tickets for this year to family's of the military past or present. To get prepared we watched Polar Express. When we arrived they had the Hobo on the top of the rail cars dancing and interacting. The kids loved it. We boarded with out any lines and had a great ride to the city of Ashley. Once we arrived we checked out the options of things to do. We started in Santa's workshop and built a toy, had face painting and a balloon made, all of which cost extra but It was to be expected. We went and had Hobo soup for lunch. For $5 the kids got a bowl of soup, bread, drink and a wooden toy train. Great deal I thought. Two hours isn't much time to check out all they had to do but it did make it so you weren't waiting in line for long for anything. I also think they should put things a bit closer. They are within a 2 or 3 block area though. Next time I will book the evening tour because I think we lost some of the Christmas feel with out all the lights on. And I do wish there would have been snow but who can control that.

The train ride was done very nice, and in keeping with the era of the train. The volunteers that run the train ride were great. The town of Ashley needs some help and guidance on how to greet 400 guests. I thought I had been dropped off in the middle of a bad county fair, complete with mid-way games, rides, and the ever popular fried food trailers. If that is what they think the North Pole is, i don't want to go. 400 people get off the train for 2 hours, and want to shop and spend their money on something Christmasy. They only stores we found were a rumage sale store, and a homemade something store. BUT Santa was the real deal!!!! Santa was the highlight of the day.

The train was cute and people were friendly but the town Ashley was horrible. Metal shacks set up with vendors charging tons for home made gifts that you could buy nicer at the dollar store! 400 people getting off a train to go to the attractions, you wait in line 45 min for garbage and you only get 2 hrs off the train. Which was fine because you will be disappointed with the town from the minute you arrive anyhow! Save your money! Or if possible, only take the train ride. Skip the town!

Our group of Tour Planners arrived in Owosso looking forward to seeing this attraction. We didn't really know what to expect. We were met by a volunteer and we went through the museum with a guide who shared history with us. Then we went out to ride on the little train, and go to the building that housed the Polar Express. Then we got on another train where "train robbers", appeared and did a little skit. This was fun, I think our seniors will like it. By reading the other comments, I am VERY apprehensive in taking them during one of the major events until the problems are resolved. If I planned this into my tour, and had disgruntled people like the reviews I have read, there would definitely been a problem. Please read the reviews, and see if you can get some help with customer service, and scheduling.

I am so proud that our community has this great attraction. Very few can boast of this terrific place. I wish it was going every day, I think Owosso has a real neat place for all of us.

Had a great experience on train trip from Mt. Pleasant to Cadillac. The crew was very helpful and gave lots of information.However, Steamrailroading Institute's web page leaves a lot to be desired. There was no information about the trip, whether we could take food or drinks, how long it would last and no FAQ. I tried calling but was always asked to leave a message.I would do it again, as we were treated so well on the trip.

If you are interested in trains and if you are in MI you need to visit Owosso. Worth a big detour. If you happen to be there during an event - even better.

We have been planning a trip to see engine 1225 for nearly a year. She did not disappoint even if we didn't see her run. Our tour guide Rich was a wealth of information. Grey tour guide and patient with our impatient boys. If you like trains and/or have boys this is a must stop if you are in the neighbourhood.