Been taking our grandkids since they were small. It has become an important part of our Christmas's!

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 it was subpar quality. The staff did try though and were friendly. I would recommend playing Christmas music louder or some polar express music while on the train to create a better holiday ambiance. The village of ashley was a cute stop but it could have more there to do. I enjoyed overall experience and it was a fun thing to do during the holiday time. read more

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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" type of experience. Upon arrival, I suggest they hand out tickets and buttons when passengers arrive to their car. Having to arrive extra early to stand in a long line for souvenir tickets was unnecessary. Car assignments could have been sent via email or text. The train car we rode in, Noel, was a double decker, coach class car. It was very nice, clean, comfortable, and spacious to be coach. If you're over 6 feet like me, there is plenty of space between the rows so you can sit very comfortably without feeling crammed. We were seated at the bottom but we were able to check out the top once the ride took off. Our volunteer host was very nice. She asked my son to be her helper which made him happy. The train ride takes an hour to get to Ashley, where we were dropped off to their holiday market area. After they drop us, they pull the train back so you can get some cool photos of the engine. There were plenty of activities for the kids. Just note you'll need to spend some money so bring cash to play games. There were different small business vendors so be sure to support. Kids can see Santa, play games, there's a horse carriage, a warming center, a community center where you can sit and enjoy your food/get some rest. I could say so much more but I think you should check it out for yourself. Tickets went on sale in July and sold out with 24 hours. It's a very popular event. Come experience the North Pole Express for yourself. read more

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I have seen for years advertisements on this polar express experience and it's always sold out. I have no idea why! What is advertised is not what actually happens. No singing, no dancing in the isles, no one is dressed up in polar express costumes. This experience was so overwhelming disappointing. The train ride was supposed to take an hour and 15 min and ended up taking 3 hours! My children were panicked for food and water since we ran out not expecting to be on a train for 3 hours. My family and I were shocked. We thought we booked the wrong event it was so bad. The town of Ashley where they set up very cheap food huts and a level below fair food was surrounded by a very sketchy neighborhood and homes. The train unloaded us off at the side of a trailer park. There was little to no magic to the town for it feel like the North Pole. I'm so upset they are tying to make kids believe that is the North Pole. This whole production needs major help. The price they charge for this experience is almost criminal. Do not recommend to anyone. My 5 year old son even said "I don't ever want to do that again, I don't want to go back" that's bad if a young child is saying that. So disappointed, we feel like we had been robbed or tricked. Please don't spend your money on this. read more

I dont understand the hype for the Polar Express experience. we were so excited and left very disappointed. The train seating is awful unless you can fill a table of four. we sat across from two strangers close enough that our feet touched. There were minimal interactions that made this feel like the Polar Express. Not even singalongs. Intermitent music. Staff that appeared burnt out. The town of Ashley was a cheesy, carni-town with three rides that cost money and appeared unsafe. We visited Santa, wrote a Christmas letter and bought over priced food. The town didnt look anything more than a one street money grab. Very little north pole or magical about it. read more

We've gone on the North Pole Express for several years now, and my family loves it. The volunteers are really great, and one of the years we got a person in our car who had worked to bring the train back to life in the beginning - it was amazing to hear his stories! The village is nice, but do yourself a favor and eat beforehand - you'll have much more time to explore. There are fun things to do and see, and the kids will be waiting to see who gets the first gift of Christmas! It's not cheap, but it's worth paying for one of the better cars, so you get that old time train feeling. And watch out for that hobo! read more

Steam Railroading Institute - Museums Near Me - Owosso, Michigan

If your kids are a fan of the movie, this is for you. This train runs on coal and was the inspiration for the movie. It runs weekends on November and December but be sure to book early as it sells out every year. Tickets go on sale in spring. The reviews were very good about the Vixen car and I really glad I booked this car. The hosts were very fun and the seating was roomy. The town of Ashley is where the train stops and there are many shops, activities and things to do. A popular spot is Santa so stop here or the carriage ride first. They have food trucks and a few spots to eat but I really enjoyed the soup at the Hobo's kitchen. The letter writing to Santa and the first gift of Christmas( chosen from passenger entries is a special touch) read more

Steam Railroading Institute - Museums Near Me - Owosso, Michigan

The train ride was okay. We did the economy seats ($75/each?). I believe tickets range $75 to $125 depending on class. Just disappointed with the village. Not super magical. I could see the other upgraded classes and they looked a lot nicer. I'm sure the entertainment was better there too. Kids enjoyed sitting on the upper deck. Hot coco for us came in a styrofoam cup (no biggie). Conductor punched our tickets. Would have liked maybe a little more theatrics and acting from the volunteers. Instead of telling us we were almost to Ashley they should have said "North Pole". Just didn't feel the magic I hoped we would. Everyone talks highly about this and the tickets sell out so fast! After last night I was left scratching my head, wondering what the big deal was. My kids unanimously voted that Huckleberry Railroad at Crossroads Village was much better. I wish the railroad institute and village of Ashley put more effort into the North Pole/Santa Village aspect. If the mall can pop up a set up for the holidays I dont see why the town cant either. Get some fake snow, some animals/reindeer, ELVES, something! It felt post apocalyptic, dark, and nothing like the North Pole. My kids were left wanting to get back on the train about 30 mins into the village, but you have to wait 2 hours before getting back on and there wasn't that much to do. We made all the stops and ate dinner, with at least 45 mins left. Also, the first stop off the train was the town party store with the tall boy Natty Daddys 4 for $4.44. Definitely not the North Pole experience we were hoping for. read more

We had high expectations for the polar express train ride, but sadly it fell far short. For what we paid, the quality was quite low. For example, we booked (very pricey) tickets that afforded us "unlimited" hot chocolate and "sweet treats." Not only was the hot chocolate not unlimited, we actually only got one half cup of hot chocolate in a styrofoam cup and were never offered another cup on the way there or back. Additionally, the food was rather sub-par and was cold. Definitely not worth the over $400 we paid for 4 people. The train itself also felt very dirty (crumbs on the table) and smelled bad. There were minimal Christmas decorations and no Christmas music was playing. The "entertainment" was also sub par and we would've enjoyed it far more if they had simply played Christmas music over a speaker. The village of Christmas was slightly underwhelming as well for adults, but I'm sure it's fun for younger kids. Overall, this train ride has such great potential to be magical and a really wonderful experience, the quality of everything from the decorating, the ambiance, the cleanliness of the train, the food/drinks, and the entertainment needs to be kicked up quite a few notches in order to be worth what people are paying. read more

Awesome experience for all ages! Second year for our family. 1 and 3 yr old, it was magical. Bring warm clothes and snacks.

We loved the train ride even though it was kind of costly. Was disappointed in the town. I thought there would be a lot more shops to go through and some restaurants for eating lunch. You are there for 2 hours and we were done in an hour, we did not have kids with us though to see Santa and do other kid games and things. read more

We just went on the Polar Express 1225 this past weekend and the grand-daughters had a fabulous time! They loved the crew/volunteers that worked our car, Prancer. The little town of Ashley did a fabulous job of transforming their town. On the return trip, the conductor engaged everyone in passing the snowball race and after trivia. The girls had a great time and are asking to go again. Well done and I enjoyed hearing the sound of a steam engine from my childhood... 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 conductor on our car explained the royalty fees were too high for the Steam Railroading Institute to purchase). The Chicago train ride is the same cost as The North Pole Express and a much better experience. With that being said the train ride was OK the cars were decorated nicely, more can be done interactively, on the ride to Ashley Christmas Village. The couple we sat across said this was the 2nd time they did it with their children and last year they had a sing along, snowball fight and different engaging activities. The staff on our car was very informative about the train and its history. Ashley Christmas Village was small, they had a lot of places to eat and a few pop-up shops. Overall, I would not recommend this train ride if your looking for a Christmas experience. read more

We were moderately happy with the train ride (paying $1000 for two tables). It advertises better than it is. I would have prepared better if I knew how minimal it was. I totally support small towns and businesses, and did so shopping there, but we expected a better experience. read more

We had the best time mostly thanks to one special person! Shockingly due to weather and a misunderstanding that the train left the station at 5:30 we missed the train to Ashley. Jane is a volunteer who waited for our family and drove us to Ashley in her own vehicle! She was the sweetest, warmest person! She told us all about the Polar Express experience and some of the history of it. We found out a little bit about her and found we share a love for dogs. The village was wonderful especially the volunteers there. A young man opened the Whistle Stop door for every person coming and going! It was a lot of fun! We did ride the train back to Owosso and the Prancer car was decorated so nice. A wonderful experience for anyone who loves Christmas, trains and the Polar Express. Thanks Jane you are an angel! Love you! Greg, Kim, Autumn and Eben Buckner! read more

Train ride was great! The North Pole could of been a little more eventful. All the volunteers were great! Very fun evening.

We went there this last weekend for their First Annual Train Festival and we really enjoyed ourselves. I had been wanting to visit their since I knew the place existed. We spoke to one volunteer that I don't think expected to be asked questions. He was very friendly and explained what he was doing; he was going to make a repair on the 1225 engine. He explained how it worked in terms that were easy to understand. It was a very nice experience and we learned a lot. read more

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The SRI is a great place to bring both young and old who have an interest in old time steam engines. There is a $5.00 donation fee when entering the gate, but the money goes towards the upkeep of the engine itself. For an additional fee you can receive the opportunity to ride in an antique caboose or have your picture taken in the engine. It's well worth the trip for anyone who enjoys trains. read more

The train ride was not as good as I thought it should be. the train we took was the the economy tickets and ended up in a train that was not very good. Also the village of ashley was not a Northpole like place. No elves . The best part was the Santa and Mrs Claus at the end. read more

When I was a kid, my Mom would take myself and 3 siblings on a train from Detroit to Tennessee for the summer. Everything about the trip was well loved with wonderful memories. With that in mind, I booked the Vixen, for my husband and my 2 grandsons for last weekend. Underwhelmed is the word I would use for a very expensive afternoon. The boys have loved the Polar Express movie and were envisioning something similar to that. The train car was what I expected, lots of years of use and tape holding many things together. The volunteers were outstanding, so personable and fun. Hot chocolate was good, I did bring extra snacks, and they did enjoy their first long train ride. The Village of Ashley leaves a lot to be desired, some stores are located in old buildings which did add to the atmosphere. The remainder were garden sheds lined up on the street. Games and activities were simple, best enjoyed by young children. The food is limited to simple items, pack something healthy. Kudos go out to the couple that run Penny Lane; they were so engaged with the customers and provided lively conversation to one and all. My recommendation for the future is addressed to the residents along the train ride: Clean up the garbage that has been dumped, mattresses, TV's, furniture etc. it detracts from the countryside. The North Pole Express brings many visitors to your community as well as needed revenue. You should all want to "get onboard" read more

This could be SO much better. There was generally such a lack of attention to detail. The adult car tickets are so expensive we were expecting a lot more. For example, when we boarded the train we were really expecting to be greeted by the conductor with some enthusiasm and joy reminiscent of the film the train markets itself to be imitating. We were not. Very ho-hum. Also, the step stool up and down off of the train is treacherous, there were employees standing there but they could have at least offered a hand to those stepping down or up. Once on the train the table seating was really uncomfortable, plus it would have been nice to have been served hot chocolate in an actual mug and not styrofoam cups. If they had provided our complimentary mugs at the beginning instead of at the return trip we could have used those to drink from instead of drinking out of nasty little partially-filled styrofoam cups. Also, it would have been nice if someone was walking up and down the aisle once or twice with a thermos to offer hot chocolate refills, marshmallows and whipped cream. Once at the town it was clear by our first stop at the fire station lunch that the town was going to be sadly disappointing. The food (the chicken and dumpling soup) was marginal at best. Many of the shops listed were actually just a table in a room with other 'shop' tables. The wide, barren concrete street itself had no holiday presence at all, construction barriers blocked the road instead of putting a little thought in to it and placing, for example, a few Christmas trees in planters or something. My husband and I took the horse drawn carriage ride and the two drivers barely even said hello much less introduce us to the horses who pulled the carriage, or even just greeting us with an enthusiastic Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays would have been a friendly gesture. Come on, a nice person could be on the carriage ride to sing a Christmas carol or something. The two drivers silently took us around a pretty sad town block with abandoned, boarded up homes and one house even had a huge tree crushing part of it that clearly had been there for years. Definitely not close to the beauty and grace of some other holiday events we have been to in SE Michigan. read more

The train ride was good. Comfortable, heated car, friendly volunteers. The town of Ashley was not all that exciting but maybe that had to do with the winds and the rain. What i would love to know is, what was sprayed all over my jeep from the train. I parked in a lot guided by the workers of the SRI, payed 5 dollars for the spot. Now i have a substance that wont come off of my jeep. 2 car washes didn't touch it. High pressure water didn't touch it. Only after grabbing a cleaning rag from the dispenser at the car wash and scrubbing a 5" x 20" spot for about 5 minutes as hard as i could did the Grease? Oil? Hydraulic fluid? come off. IDK how much this is going to cost me to remove. I drove an hour home in the rain and could not see out the windshield because of this. I enjoyed Huckleberry railroad more. Even without the heated cars. read more

Michigan's best kept secret. Recently we took people from Swaziland to this museum and we all loved it. The tour is great and the guide knowledgeable. Our pastor from Swaziland works with trains and was thoroughly impressed. I encourage everyone to take the time to view this museum. larry f read more

The overall experience was okay. We came from NW Indiana for this experience and we were a bit disappointed. The experience with the train was good. The volunteers were phenomenal. I feel the ticket price for the train ride was a bit overpriced, though. Upon arrival to the "North Pole" is where we became disappointed. If you are taking little kids who are expecting a "North Pole" experience, you will be disappointed. It takes you to a small town where the residents basically put on a small carnival. Hardly any elves, and it hardly displayed any festivity. Overall, your taking a train to a Christmas themed small carnival. Do not tell your kids it's the North Pole. read more

I paid over $200 for tickets and then wasn't even seated with my family even though I bought the tickets in March. The staff made it right once I told them. Great service. read more

Wow, whole family had a blast. Was invited to ride in the caboose of the North Pole Express train. It was a great experience. The kids got to drink hot chocolate, have cookies and sit up top in the caboose and watch the world go by. We had our own private conductor who punched the tickets spelling everyone's name out on their ticket very similar to the movie. We enjoyed the train ride to a small organized village where there were many things to see and do. Kids made toys, sat on Santa's lap, got to see flame throwers, and reindeer. Their were many interesting stores and things to buy and see. All in all a fun exciting event for the whole family. The volunteers were knowledgeable and delightful. Received souvenir coco cups which will always be a reminder of a great time. read more