Mount Pleasant, IA · Museum train · 2026 season

North Pole Express at Midwest Central Railroad

Midwest Central’s North Pole Express offers Santa train rides on three December weekends.

Illustrative stock photo: Grand Canyon Railway locomotive 237 decorated with a Christmas wreath
Illustrative stock photograph. Grand Canyon Railway locomotive 237 with a Christmas wreath on November 18, 2013. Historical holiday decoration; the source does not identify this departure as the Polar Express. The Commons file was cropped vertically by 5% in 2024. Bill Morrow / Wikimedia Commons · Image source · CC BY 2.0 · Display crop; photograph otherwise unchanged.

2026 dates published

December 5–6, 12–13 and 19–20, 2026

Published operating dates do not guarantee seats. Check your exact departure and class in the official booking calendar.

The published November 1, 2026 at 9 a.m. sale opening is still ahead of the October 26 check. No seats are claimed.

Ticket-sale announcement: November 1, 2026 at 9 a.m.

Source reviewed 2026-10-26 · Ticket status observed 2026-10-26

Tickets and official updates

Choose a train departure first. Confirm the date, class, child tickets and checkout total with the operator before arranging other travel.

Check official updates →

Where to board

Mount Pleasant boarding location

Midwest Central Railroad, 403 East Thresher Road, Mount Pleasant, IA 52641

Official boarding information →

Plan your visit

Boarding
Midwest Central Railroad, 403 East Thresher Road, Mount Pleasant, IA 52641
Departure choices
The source lists 10 a.m., noon, 2, 4 and 6 p.m.; confirm the selected train during the sale.

Would an overnight stay help?

Compare your departure time and drive home before deciding. An evening train or a long journey may make staying nearby useful. Secure the correct holiday train first, then check lodging independently; no hotel or regular-excursion booking establishes holiday admission.

Sources and railway guide

Visit the Midwest Central Railroad railway guide →