Steam Railroading Institute - Owosso, Michigan

Melissa S.

This was a great event for the family! Roger made it such a special event for us. Very hard to get tickets, but very much worth it. Best to have one person purchase all the tickets for a group. Thanks for making my sons wishes come true.

Maria P.

This was my first time going and my first time ever trying to get tickets.
Let’s start with the good things.
The staff is super friendly and organized at the station, everyone really enjoys working there, even the conductors and the staff that goes in every single carriage.
I had the “cheapest” tickets and still it was pricey.
They did gave me hot cocoa which I thought it was extra.

The negative of this experience or things that I would have done different.
- the train was behind an hour, people were waiting in the cold for an hour…I wish they told people before
- they only have two restrooms inside!!! It took me 20 min. And they have portal potty’s outside, but still with the people they get I’m shock only two.
- if you have small children I’ll call ahead and ask for a 4 seater. I wish I did this!
- Ashley was so so so disappointed, the food was terrible and I agree with the vendors, not enough vendors that were about Polar express theme, which was disappointed.
- The line for Santa was so long that when we went he wasn’t “available” anymore!
-I’ll bring my own water and my own food
- again not enough bathrooms and the portal potties are dirty.
- they don’t have enough small children activities, and they have a slide and a carrousel but it’s 3 dolls for each time they go, even the slide which is pricey.
I get that this what mostly people depend on their income but it needs a major improve, specially for the price you pay.
Again, it’s so disappointed for families with small children about the quality of food, the activities and the environment.
It’s sad that I didn’t feel like it was Christmasy or “North Pole”.

Matthew B.

Nice experience. You should try it. Gary was our conductor and was awesome. The town is cute and has some unique things to purchase. We go every year.

Taylor B.

The train ride was nice. The entire experience was extremely underwhelming, especially considering the price of tickets. The Village of Ashley appeared to be a dying town, with majority of events being tied to the church. There were not many food options, if you have dietary restrictions there are minimal to no options. Unfortunately, I would not recommend this experience.

Loren S.

Never ever waste your money. We did the 5pm train. You have 75 minutes on the train, no lights to see on your way except the darkness of the night. You sing 2 Christmas songs, and arrive at the village of Ashley. There it’s basically a horrible Walmart. Five minute wagon ride around the block (with no holiday decorations), some cheap dollar store signs stuck in the ground, homemade crochet and ugly gift that you’d see in the flea market in Florida. You’re there for 2 hours which is about 1 hour too long. You get back on the train for another 75 minute grain ride in the dark. Kids screaming, parents not disciplining or screaming at their kids from the back of the train car, falling down the stairs. The worst $180 I’ve ever spent.

Eagle101

This was our first trip on the Pere Marquette. We choose the swivel chairs which turned out to be an excellent choice for comfort and viewing. The staff in our car and elsewhere were incredibly friendly and made the trip fun. The town of Ashley is definitely geared towards children but it's fun to check out the small stores. Overall, it was a fun experience.

Mandi B.

I’ve been trying to get tickets for years for my son and I, which we all know is hard to do because they go so fast. Well we finally got tickets this year and I was SO excited, only to find out the actual 1225 train wouldn’t even be running. I understand things happen and refused to let that hinder my experience, although I do believe we should have gotten a discount or something. Anyway, the day finally arrives and we go to board the train, and they put my son and I in the very front seats that face each other. Well we got paired with a dad and his daughter and talk about uncomfortable and awkward. There is not enough room for two adults to sit across each other, especially complete strangers! For the amount of money I paid, I expected my son and I to at least have our own seats. I will also say- the people that work on the train were great, but they are all volunteers. For the amount of money these people make, they should be paying the people who work on the train. I also think too much time is spent at the Village, it was very dark and very cold with not enough room inside places for people to warm up and just not enough lighting outside or things to do. We were ready to leave after about 45 min. The train ride was cool, everyone who worked there was nice, but I’m honestly not sure I would recommend this experience to others.

Jennifer M.

The North Pole Express was a magical experience. We went with a group of my Mom-Friends and our kids. We got the seats in the dining cars. The kids sipped on hot cocoa, had delicious treats brought to us on the on the way there and back. The staff in our car (Holly) lead Christmas songs and shared historical information about the train. The conductor came around on the way home and signed the Polar Express book that we bought in Ashley. Ashley completely transformed into the North Pole. All of the staff and vendors there were so incredibly joyful and in character! I was so impressed, it was Disney level commitment. There was a free magic show there, the Grinch, shops, rides, a toy shop where kids could make a toy and so many nods to the Polar Express movie. We loved it! Worth every penny and we will definitely do this again. Also making a trip back to Ashley because we didn’t get to do everything.

If you go, definitely wear your pajamas like in the movie! Lots of people do this or wear matching shirts and holiday hats, necklaces, etc. You can bring snacks on the train, so that is great. Water bottles and non-sugary snacks are a good idea for the kiddos.