OWOSSO, MI
At a Glance
- TypeHeritage railroad & tourist attraction
- LocationOWOSSO, MI
- Rating4.5 ★761 Google reviews
About Steam Railroading Institute
At the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso, Michigan, historic steam locomotives Pere Marquette 1225 and Chicago and North Western 175 pull occasional passenger excursion trains across the former Ann Arbor Railroad railyard. Visitors board restored vintage cars, travel a short heritage route, and experience the sights and sounds of operating steam power amid restored turntable and warehouse facilities that house the institute’s collection.
Upcoming Events
No ticketed events are currently listed for Steam Railroading Institute. Many heritage operators publish schedules seasonally or run on regular open hours instead of dated events.
Check the operator’s website for current hours and special runs, or subscribe to event alerts and we’ll email you when something is scheduled.
Plan Your Visit
- ParkingFree lot · paid lot
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible entrance · accessible restroom · accessible parking
Find the Depot
The Trains
Operating steam power headlines the collection — Pere Marquette 1225 and Chicago and North Western 175 pull occasional excursions across the former Ann Arbor Railroad railyard, amid a restored turntable and warehouse.
History
See full history
The Steam Railroading Institute traces its origins to 1969 when the Michigan State University Railroad Club was created on the Michigan State campus. In 1970 the club, urged by Randy Paquette, began restoring the Pere Marquette 1225 locomotive that had arrived on campus in 1957 as a donation from Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Chairman Cyrus Eaton. After the university declined to operate the steam engine, a nonprofit was established in July 1979 as the Michigan State Trust for Railway Preservation, which later adopted the present name Steam Railroading Institute. The organization purchased and renovated the former Ann Arbor Railroad freight warehouse in 2004 to serve as its visitor center.
Around the Depot
Owosso, Michigan anchors the Steam Railroading Institute; the Flushing Area Historical Society lies 16 mi off, and the Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad 27 mi on.
Getting There & Staying Nearby
Optional trip extras from our travel partners.
Rent a Car
Most heritage railroads sit well off the interstate. Picking up a rental at the nearest airport is usually the easiest way in.
Compare rentals on Discover Cars →Bookings made through this link support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.
Tours & Activities near Owosso
Tours
Guided tours, day trips, and things to do around the area, bookable in advance through Viator.
Browse nearby tours →Bookings made through this link support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Steam Railroading Institute located?
OWOSSO, MI 48867
How do I get tickets to Steam Railroading Institute?
Tickets and current schedules are available on the operator's official website at http://www.michigantransitmuseum.com.