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Tickets for Diesel-powered Fall Color Trip from Mt. Pleasant to Cadillac Chestnut Festival, October 11th now on sale. The
Steam
Railroading Institute will be running a diesel powered Fall Color
Excursion between Mt. Pleasant and Cadillac, Michigan. Due to the fact
the costs of operating #1225 to Cadillac this season would be
considerable, and that we needed time to complete #1225's annual FRA
inspection, Great Lakes Central has graciously offered the use of their
diesel.
This
has allowed us to keep the trip, which would easily be over $125 a
ticket with the #1225, to a more managable price range for our patrons.
Tickets are now on sale, with adult tickets priced at $50 and children at $30. The train will leave Mountaintown Station at 9 AM, and arrive at Cadillac at approximately 11:45 AM.
There you will be able to attend the Cadillac Annual Chesnut Festival,
before reboarding the train at 3 PM for a 5:45 PM arrival at Mt.
Pleasant. You may purchase tickets online by clicking our, or contact
the Steam Railroading Institute at (989) 725-9464. TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Due to overwhelming demand, tickets for the Steam Railroading Institute's North Pole Express went on sale January 14, 2008. Now our fifth season, our NPE trips are run behind the Pere Marquette #1225, and run from the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso to the "North Pole", better known as the Saginaw County Fairgrounds in Chesaning, Michigan. Tickets for certain dates tend to sell out early, so if you wish to book specific dates, book as early as possible. Don't delay, order today!
2008 N.P.E. DATES & TIMES
Ticket Availability *UPDATED* as of August 27th
Based upon 300 seats (four coaches) per train Call for our Caboose Option --- Up to 15 people can ride in an actual caboose for $1000! (989) 725-9464
November 28th - (4 PM Only: 215 Seats Remaining)
November 29th - (10 AM: 212 Seat Remaining, 4 PM: 225 Seats Remaining
November 30th - (10 AM: 278 Seats Remaining, 4 PM: 285 Seats Remaining)
December 6th - (10 AM: SOLD OUT, 4 PM: 53 Seats Remaining)
December 7th - (10 AM: 227 Seats Remaining, 4 PM: 270 Seats Remaining)
December 13th - (10 AM: 160 Seats Remaining, 4 PM: SOLD OUT )
December 14th - (10 AM: 268 Seats Remaining, 4 PM: 272 Seats Remaining)
December 20th - (10 AM: 186 Seats Remaining, 4 PM: 170 Seats Remaining) December 21st - (10 AM: 274 Seats Remaining, 4 PM: 244 Seats Remaining) DON'T DELAY! - TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE NORTH POLE EXPRESS AND OTHER S.R.I./ M.S.T.R.P. EXCRUSIONS
Q: Do I receive tickets in the mail?
A: No. The email confirmation you receive at the time you purchase your tickets serves as your reservation until the day of your trip. Upon your arrival at SRI (we ask that you arrive an hour before your trip) you will pick up your tickets at our will call desk, located in our Visitor's Center. These tickets are designed to be souvenirs, a momento of your trip.
Q: What is the "Caboose" option?
A: The "Caboose" option allows up to 10 people to ride the North Pole Express in their own private caboose. The Steam Railroading Institute's restored Pere Marquette and Ann Arbor cabooses are available for the flat rate of $1,000 per party. The caboose will have its own Conductor and is heated by the original coal stove and light from the period oil lamps. Guests may sit in the cupola (the upper section of the caboose) for a unique view of the train and passing scenery. Caboose guests will have hot chocolate (heated on the coal stove).
Q: What does the "North Pole Express" include?
A: The "North Pole Express" is an immersive experience for the entire family. Passengers enter the story of the magical "North Pole Express" at the Steam Railroading Institute's Visitor Center in Owosso. Once aboard the train the story continues to "Santa's Village" in Chesaning's "North Pole USA" with hot chocolate served by the Porters. At "Santa's Village" passengers will visit with Santa while exploring on their own for more than an hour. When the locomotive blows a long whistle passenger will board the train for the return trip to the Steam Railroading Institute's Visitor Center.
Q: What is the "Santa's Village?"
A: The Saginaw County Fair Grounds holds their winter fair called "Santa's Village at North Pole USA." "North Pole Express" passengers are brought to the Fair Grounds and unload at the Fair Grounds Boarding Platform. "Santa's Village" is housed in a large commercial building on the Fair Grounds site. The building is heated for a very comfortable temperature when wearing a coat or sweater. A variety of attractions will be available in the Village such as a puppet show, Santa Claus, and holiday rides including a Carousel. Visitors can have their pictures taken next to the Authentic "North Pole USA" or with Santa. The scene created will attempt to replicate the imaginary and magical village at the North Pole. Admission to "Santa's Village" is included in your North Pole Express package.
Q: When should I arrive at the Steam Railroading Institute?
A: The Steam Railroading Institute is open to visitors until one hour before departure. North Pole Express riders are welcome to visit the Steam Railroading Institute before that time but be advised that the site is closed for each of the 9 days. North Pole Express passengers are welcome to start arriving at the Steam Railroading Institute one hour before their departure time. Riders will be required to present their boarding passes as they enter the site. The train arrives at the Steam Railroading Institute about 15 minutes prior to departure so we recommend being at the Visitor Center no less than 30 minutes prior to departure.
Q: Is there lodging available in the area?
A: Please see the Shiawassee County Lodging and Camping page by the Shiawassee County Convention and Visitor Bureau. The closest lodging is the Comstock Inn and Conference Center located immediately across the river from the Steam Railroading Institute. Ticket and hotel packages are available for 2 adults and 2 children as an option for those wishing to do, but are available on a first come, first serve basis.
Q: Will the Steam Railroading Institute be adding any more dates as these trips sell out?
A: Possibly, but only if all other trains are sold out, and there is enough demand for an additional train. This has only happened once, in 2007. If a train were to be added, it would most likely be on Friday, December 19th at 4 PM.
Q: Can I add my name to the mailing list for Steam Railroading Institute events?
A: It would be our pleasure. Simply call or e-mail us at npe@mstrp.com with your name, mailing address, phone number, and e-mail address. Guests on this year's North Pole Express trains will automatically be added to that mailing list.
DON'T DELAY! - TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
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