The Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce: Train Festival 2009

The Largest Railroading Event in America is Coming to Michigan in 2009

Coming July 24-26, 2009, the sounds of steam whistles, the clicky-clack of steel wheels on rails, the smell of coal smoke and excitement of children of all ages will take over the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso, Michigan.

This quaint American Town is located in the central region of Michigan just outside of Lansing. All the charm of Owosso will welcome tens of thousands of visitors from all over North America and other regions of the world to Train Festival 2009.

The theme of the weekend will be Trains, Trains, Trains! The Steam Railroading Institute has an award winning collection of railroad equipment and railroad artifacts. The museum is an interpretive experience for visitors of all ages.

During the weekend of July 24-27, 2009, visitors to the museum will experience an even greater museum. Steam and Diesel Locomotives from around the country will be on display for visitors to tour the cabs, take photos, watch demonstrations and much more. Huge model train layouts will be on display including a massive all-Lego model train. Railroad vendors from around the globe will have unique items for purchase that you won’t find any where else. Families will be able to take an all day excursion or shorter one-hour train ride behind various vintage locomotives.

For the thrill seeking visitor, you will even be able to pull the throttle and blow the whistle on one of these steam locomotives. Scaled down miniature trains will be hauling passengers around the grounds of the event as well. Train Festival 2009 will allow visitors of all ages to experience railroading at its best. With an expected attendance of 30,000+ for the three day festival, the Steam Railroading Institute will be buzzing with railroad excitement.

Railroad equipment is currently being arranged. As soon as a final list of equipment attending the event and a schedule is finalized, it will be posted on the event website at www.trainfestival2009.com.

The website will be interactive including a web blog, forums, video and much more. For more information contact: the Steam Railroading Institute at 405 South Washington Street, Owosso, MI 48867or phone (989) 725-9464.

Shuttle Service

The Owosso/Shiawassee Kiwanis Club has arranged for shuttle service transportation from several locations in and around the Train Festival venue.

For only $5 per person per day, an Indian Trails bus will take you from any of several locations directly to the Train Festival venue. Following is a list of confirmed bus stops:

The Shiawassee County Fairgrounds
McCurdy Park, Corunna
Owosso High School
The Durand Depot
Durand High School

Let us do the driving and you can enjoy the beauty and majesty of the wonderful Mid-Michigan area.

For additional information about the shuttles, email Pam Early.

Additional Transportation

Thomas Transportation Service, LLC, will provide private automobile transportation services within the Owosso and Corunna area for $3.00 per passenger. Call (989) 413-4301 to reserve a ride.

Train Festival 2009 Postcards and Posters

A nice selection of postcards and posters are available from the Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce. Click for more information.