The Steam Railroading Institute is all about preserving steam locomotives, and there is always restoration work going on. The institute displays equipment and offers indoor and outdoor tours throughout the day.
Choices
Both events and excursions, steam and diesel-powered, are offered. Steam power is provided by Pere Marquette 2-8-4 No. 1225. The 7-acre site includes a maintenance shop, turntable, and a variety of railcars. Look around the museum, which is housed in a renovated freight warehouse that was also a creamery. It now contains exhibits, artifacts, and a winter-themed model train layout.
When to go
The museum is open every Friday and Saturday from early April to late September (check their website for exact dates), and special events are scheduled as well. It is closed from January to April except by appointment. In November and December, the North Pole Express is the big event as their steam locomotive takes visitors on a 40-mile round trip to the North Pole in the Village of Ashley, where kids can enjoy hot cocoa, activities, and a visit to Santa. Reserve early, as this excursion sells out fast.
Good to know
No. 1225 was the model and sound effects source for the steam train in the popular movie, The Polar Express.
Worth doing
If you like to watch things go fast, the Owosso Speedway offers short-track racing during the summer and fall on Saturday, Saturday, and Saturday!
Don’t miss
The Michigan Railroad History Museum is housed in historic Durand Union Station, 20 minutes away in Durand.
Getting there
Owosso is about 30 miles northeast of Lansing and 30 miles west of Flint. From Flint, take Highway 21 west to Owosso. From Lansing, take Interstate 69 to Highway 52 north to Owosso. In Owosso, the Steam Railroading Institute is on south Washington Street.
Location: 405 South Washington Street, Owosso, MI
Phone: 989-725-9464
Website: michigansteamtrain.com
E-mail: info@michigansteamtrain.com
