As a longtime Polar Express enthusiast, visiting the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso, Michigan, home to the legendary Pere Marquette 1225, was nothing short of magical. The real-life steam engine that inspired the locomotive in The Polar Express came alive before my eyes, and the experience stirred something deep in my heart.
Before this visit, it never truly hit me that the 1225 was real. It lived solely in the pages of a beloved book and the cinematic magic of the film. But as I stood before it, its massive steel frame towering over me, I was overwhelmed with emotion. When I laid my hand on its side, I felt more than cold iron. I connected with a piece of my childhood, a timeless tradition, and a profound belief in the power of wonder and imagination.
Though my love for The Polar Express began long before I joined the team at the Historic RailPark & Train Museum, being immersed in the preservation world has deepened my appreciation for steam locomotives. These machines are vessels of history, memory, and dreams, reminding us that magic isn’t just made in movies.
The 1225 is currently under restoration in Owosso, with hopes of being back on track just in time for the Christmas season. If you find yourself in Owosso around the holidays, I highly recommend visiting. You will not want to miss the chance to board the North Pole Express and relive the enchantment firsthand.
I had the opportunity for this once-in-a-lifetime experience while attending the 2025 NRHS (National Railway Historical Society) Convention. The NRHS is a national organization dedicated to preserving railroad history through excursions, education, restoration, and fellowship. What makes it especially meaningful is that membership is open to anyone who shares a love for railroading, whether you are a historian, preservationist, or simply a fan of trains. Becoming a member connects you with a nationwide network of people committed to keeping the legacy of rail alive.
For me, this visit was not just a stop on a map, it was a heartfelt return to wonder and a reminder of how communities like the NRHS help keep that sense of wonder alive for generations to come.
Learn more about visiting the Institute here: Steam Railroading Institute (North Pole Express & more) facebook.com+8michigansteamtrain.com+8en.wikipedia.org+8
