However, Pere Marquette 1225 -- also known as the North Pole Express -- won’t be running this year. In a statement released Tuesday, the Steam Railroading Institute has decided to not operate any excursions in 2020. This includes the annual Fall Color Tours and North Pole Express. Sept. 2, 2020: Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases up to 103,710; Death toll now at 6,509It is the first time in 16 years that the North Pole Express will not be offered. Donations to the Steam Railroading Institute are tax deductible as charitable contributions to the extent allowed by law.

CARLAND, Mich. – For many Michiganders, the holiday season doesn’t start until the Steam Railroading Institutes’ Pere Marquette 1225 holiday schedule begins. Pere Marquette 1225 -- also known as the North Pole Express -- runs Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 16 to Dec. 21. In 2002, Warner Brothers Entertainment purchased the blueprints of the Pere Marquette 1225 to accurately recreate the train in Robert Zemeckis’ 2004 movie adaptation. The Shiawassee County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning to those wishing to see the steam train on its holiday trips after a photographer suffered a close call with the nearly 450,000 pound locomotive engine. “We are very fortunate to have the legendary Pere Marquette 1225 steam locomotive here in Shiawassee County.