These trips are quite popular, even more so thanks to the use of steam locomotives which draws even larger crowds. It was originally built as the Toronto & Nipissing Railway to a gauge of 3 foot, 6-inches, later widened to standard gauge in 1883. All rights reserved. The company also features one of the nation's premier versions of The Polar Expressduring November and December. Please look for theUpdated! Love you, baby Hunter, Jennifer and Gavin! Waterloo Central Railway: This heritage railroad began service in 2007, operated by the Southern Ontario Locomotive Restoration Society (SOLRS) and owned by the Region of Waterloo. You wont want to miss out on this jolly holiday experience. The GM&O Depot Steam locomotives you can catch in action here include: They also have other locomotives either on display or under restoration. First published by Houghton Mifflin Company in 1985, The Polar Express became an instant family favorite and has sold more than 6 million copies worldwide. is celebrating the season of giving by partnering with star forward for the Memphis Grizzlies Zach Randolph and the Memphis Grizzlies to present Memphis-area children and their families with 100 tickets to ride the December 5 departure. View our schedule and book your ticketsfor this one-of-a-kind experience! It began as an impromptu experiment by a handful of organizations and became so popular Warner Brothers now requires licensing fees through Rail Events, Inc. for any railroad/museum wishing to host the event. http://www.commercialappeal.com/business/non-profits/Polar-Express-teams-with-Grizzlies-on-ticket-donation-359586811.html As the North Pole came into sight, everyone rushed to the windows of the train to get a better view as the Christmas lights gleamed and reflected on the windows.Foggy little hands pressed against the glass, and dozens of tiny eyes searched for the most anticipated and respected person in any child's life: Santa.A soft silence fell over the train as everyone listened for the warm voice of a familiar stranger. What are the best day trips in Mississippi? This colorful display is full of festive floats and seasonal eats. Breakfast included. Ticket prices range from $20 to $85 depending on class of service and date of travel. Please note that they also offer Santa Steam Trains not related to The Polar Express during select dates in December. The Polar Express will depart from Burlington with trips lasting about 1 hour and 15 minutes. AVAILABLE FOR TRAVEL AND DESTINATION WEDDINGS, WE STRIVE TO CAPTURE LIFE AND LOVE IN THE BEAUTIFUL MOMENTS, BIG AND SMALL. The Polar Express was a real train to the "North Pole" with a train conductor, kids go in pj's, they give "hot chocolate", Santa comes through to talk to & take pictures with each child It was magical! Sign Up The trains board at the restored Western Maryland depot in Elkins with the journey lasting about an hour. Exact dates, fares and excursion times are available by visiting www.GrenadaPolarExpressRide.com or calling 877-334-4783. The story concludes with the young boy being picked by Santa to receive the first gift of Christmas and he chooses a simple, silver bell from Santa's sleigh. It was originally built. Numerous organizations, from museums to tourist railroads, now host such themed rides every November and December (some even run into early January). However, Don Strack rescued the data and transferred it over to his UtahRails.net site (another fine resource). To learn more please visit their website. North Carolina Transportation Museum: The best railroad museum in the Tarheel State and one of the best in the nation, the NCTM was born thanks to a generous donation by the Southern Railway. Wedding Photographer and Family Photographer specializing in documentary and lifestyle photography | AVAILABLE FOR TRAVEL, holiday photo gifts, photo gift voucher, christmas pictures, chirstmas, gift guide. Tickets. The Train To Christmas Town is the only attraction of its kind in Mississippi. November - 2023 S Alas, in 2013 the site closed. Departure times range from 1:00 pm-7:30 pm, with all trains leaving from and returning to the Batesville Train Depot. Union Pacific 4-8-4 #844 steams through snowy Winnemucca, Nevada with a special excursion during an early spring storm on April 15, 2009. For ticketing assistance please contact our reservations office at 1-800-74-TRAIN French Lick Scenic Railway P.O. This drive-through display will really make you feel like a kid again. Polar Express Train Ride is now Train to Christmas Town June 14, 2016 by Suzanne Leave a Comment Tickets are now on sale for Train to Christmas Town train ride leaving Batesville, MS for "The North Pole" this November 18 - December 23, 2018. In the years since, shes had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as Parents & Kids Magazine and Girl Meets Strong. The French Lick Scenic Railway is proud to again be hosting THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride this holiday season. Aspen Crossing Railway: This excursion train, based inMossleigh, Alberta, will host officialThe Polar Express excursions. This jolly adventure is perfect for the young and the young at heart. The 1 hour round-trip passenger excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. The Polar Express is another Christmas Carol movie. Alas, in 2013 the site closed. Relive the magic of this classic holiday story with your family on a real train! . Browning Cretaceous Fossil Park In Mississippi Which Was An Ancient Ocean Once Upon A Time, The Unassuming Town Of Pascagoula, Mississippi Is One Of Americas Best Hidden Gems For A Weekend Getaway, 7 Truly Terrifying Ghost Stories That Prove Natchez Is The Most Haunted City In Mississippi, The Coolest Place To Shop In Mississippi, Little Big Store Is A Vintage Goods Store In An Old Train Depot, After A Hike To Mississippis Biloxi Lighthouse, Board The Biloxi Tour Train For A Memorable Adventure, This Summer, Take On A Swamp Boat Tour For The Ultimate Mississippi Day Trip. Love Mississippi? If you have the means, I highly recommend taking your kids, grandchildren, or nieces/nephews! That year it enjoyed just 150 passengers; in five years the number had jumped to 16,000 by 2008. Today, they have a substantial collection of diesel locomotives and a few steam switchers. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships, working for The Royal Obsession and Anatomie clothing. will begin service to the North Pole onboard THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride starting Nov. 20, 2015. In addition, they host an array of various train rides for the public including dinner trains, regular excursions, and specials for virtually every holiday. The organization began as theCentral Oklahoma Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society (NRHS) in 1972 to preserve the state's rail history and provide excursions. It is difficult to truly articulate just how much material can be found at this website. It was designed by architects Wogan & Bernard, Jules K. de la Vergne, and August Perez & Associates in 1949 as actual construction took three years. Batesville, MS Announces First Time Service to The North Pole Onboard. Sunday night my wife and I along with my sister in law / brother in law and the mother in law loaded up and headed down to Batesville, Ms. (a 1 1/2 drive from North East Shelby county, TN. ) That is the case at the Indiana Railway Museum which, since its 1961 founding, has amassed over 65 pieces of rolling stock, including operational diesel locomotives. Please Note: This annual event is extremely popular, so seats fill up quickly and often times, sell out. Reservations: 928-714-1000 x 0. Box 150/8594 W. S.R. Sodor Express (BASED ON THE POLAR EXPRESS) by zman2015. The Midland Railway has acquired an impressive collection of equipment and maintain a railroad that stretches 11 total miles, allowing it to offer visitors 20-mile round trips. One of their special events is hosting officialThe Polar Expressevents during late November through December. 00 Hickory Ln, Batesville, MS 38606. To read more about the railroad please click here. . Unlike some, the state has fully embraced this gift, turning it into a major tourist attraction and historical center. The museum hosts several special events throughout the year, including officialThe Polar Expresstrips from mid-November through December. In more than 160 countries worldwide, approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 30,000 Rotary clubs.". Many had been built to serve the Heartland's agricultural needs but unfortunately railroads were heavily overbuilt throughout the Midwest. Santa joins the ride at the North Pole and visits each car giving each passenger a special gift. Ticket prices start at $38 for children 2 -15 and $57 for adults (16+) for the value day rate, and are higher for Standard and Holiday rates. Kids encouraged to wear footy pajamas. Standard Class tickets also remain and are selling at a record-breaking pace for any first-year introduction of rail service to the North Pole. Box 150/8594 W. S.R. Virginia International Raceway - Alton, VA. Tickets. When you arrive at the North Pole, Santa will come on board for a special visit with all the passengers. THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Based on THE POLAR EXPRESS book and characters TM & 1985 by Chris Van Allsburg. Based on THE POLAR EXPRESS book and characters & 1985 by Chris Van Allsburg. The movie version ofThe Polar Expressis a bit different, and a much longer tale, than the original but for the most part it sticks to the original story. As the North Pole Limited train gently rolls down the rails, a number of lighted displays can be seen outside. The Hobo is the Ghost of Christmas Past, and plays the role of Christmas Future. They were cheap, effective, and required minimum construction; three attributes perfect in an industry constantly on the move. It derailed last December, leaving ticket holders out of luck. Steam Saturdays. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Wes Barris's SteamLocomotive.com is simply the best web resource on the study of steam locomotives. It is the only "Two Footer" currently offering official The Polar Express events. The WWVRR also offers other Christmas-themed rides including the Santa Claus Limited and Metamora Holiday Special Excursions. New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal: This historic passenger station is one of three locations where Amtrak hosts officialThe Polar Expresstrain rides. Free parking. What are the best road trips through Mississippi? If you are researching active or abandoned corridors you might want to check out the United States Geological Survey's (USGS) Historical Topographic Map Explorer. Learn More. Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum: The SW7 was an early switcher model produced by the company in the late 1940s. $49,500. If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. In response to overwhelming demand for tickets to experience the inaugural season of THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride in Batesville, M.S., Diamond and First Class tickets have been added and are now on sale. You three bring so much joy to my life! 1999-2019 F5 Networks. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Remember, tickets must be purchased in advance. I Believe Kids Dark T-Shirt. Volunteering. [CDATA[*/var out = '',el = document.getElementsByTagName('span'),l = ['>','a','/','<',' 109',' 111',' 99',' 46',' 116',' 101',' 101',' 114',' 116',' 115',' 110',' 105',' 97',' 109',' 115',' 109',' 64',' 115',' 101',' 105',' 114',' 105',' 117',' 113',' 110',' 105','>','\"',' 109',' 111',' 99',' 46',' 116',' 101',' 101',' 114',' 116',' 115',' 110',' 105',' 97',' 109',' 115',' 109',' 64',' 115',' 101',' 105',' 114',' 105',' 117',' 113',' 110',' 105',':','o','t','l','i','a','m','\"','=','f','e','r','h','a ','<'],i = l.length,j = el.length;while (--i >= 0)out += unescape(l[i].replace(/^\s\s*/, '&#'));while (--j >= 0)if (el[j].getAttribute('data-eeEncEmail_XUnBnTLiFC'))el[j].innerHTML = out;/*]]>*/, Use Policy I really am, said Joe Azar, CEO of Panola Partnership. The train makes a 1 hour round trip down the old IC passenger main line. Phone: 601.339.2042 **If you want to sit with another family, you must call 423-894-8028 or email info@tvrail.com at least 24 hours prior to your . The museum is primarily dedicated to the region's logging history with several pieces focused on that subject. So much magic still remains in the world for children, and I got to witness it firsthand on the Polar Express with one of my sweetest families. NCTM's collection is primarily focused on those systems which served the state. Here You'll See Presented All www.FindTicketsFast.com's Tickets For The 2023 Polar Express Schedule And The Date & Time Of The Event. Indiana Railway Museum/French Lick Scenic Railway: When you have been around for more than 50 years you are bound to have an impressive collection. If successful, and ultimately profitable, similar commuter/passenger corridors will likely be built across the country in the coming years. Rainier Scenic Railroad (IndefinitelyClosed In 2020): Few other places in America can boast nearly a half-dozen operational steam locomotives. If youre near the coast, going on a shrimp boat tour in Mississippi is a one-of-a-kind experience where youll get a front-row seat to one of Mississippis biggest industries. These include the original WVC (ex-Western Maryland trackage around Elkins), the world-famous Cass Scenic Railroad at Cass, and the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley in Durbin. Mike Hicks / Skelly Stevens / Charlotte Park, 561-655-3836 / 843-408-4398 / 843-371-1362, MichaelH@louhammond.com / SkellyS@louhammond.com / CharlotteP@louhammond.com, Vernon Dahmer Statue Unveiling in Hattiesburg, Mississippi Main Street Association Hunter stood with his golden ticket in-hand (or, on occasion, in-hat)patiently waiting to board the Polar Express in Batesville, MS . While youre on the Gulf, a visit to Ship Island is always a fun day trip, and accessible by a quick 50-minute ferry ride. If youre ready to take your festive fun to a whole new level, youll definitely want to check out this Polar Express train ride in Mississippi. Call your agent today to set up a time to see for yourself! Unfortunately, it really wasnt Batesvilles fault or the people who ran the trains fault locally.. One of their locomotives is a rather unique RS3m with components from two different manufacturers. Several pieces came from the 1927 Fair of the Iron Horse, which had included replicas of original pieces never preserved (such as the "Tom Thumb" locomotive). The Grenada Railroad/Facebook The entire trip takes one hour, and just like in "The Polar Express," passengers are encouraged to wear their pajamas. The organization now offers official The Polar Express events. Enjoy the ride to Christmas Town while your family relives the story of Polar Express, complete with dancing elves, conductors, and other characters. This themed tour, which runs from Biloxi to Meridian, is a great way to do some sightseeing while experiencing Mississippi's history and culture. Quality Inn Batesville. Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world. The Oklahoma Railway Museum is the lone exception, providing the public with trips over about 3 miles of track in Oklahoma City which historically was part of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad (nicknamed the "Katy"). "I'm a very optimistic person, and anyone can tell you here. Batesville, MS; Arts and Entertainment; . Once onboard, cheerful, dancing elves serve passengers hot chocolate and cookies while they read along with the classic childrens book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. Gather up the whole family and enjoy this wonderful tradition! 618 East Pearl Street | Jackson, MS 39201 Mailing Address: P.O. These trains are pulled by historic steam locomotives and a diesel switcher. Polar Express (Sold Out) December 19 - 21, 2022 | 1:20pm - 4:00pm Departing at Mount Prospect, the train will bring you for a journey with a stop at the North Pole for more winter fun. 2023 All Rights Reserved|Website designed by Marketing Alliance, Inc. Its entire existence is thanks to the company whose name it bears, the Baltimore & Ohio, our nation's first common-carrier railroad. Mailing Address: P.O. Autrey admits there are still a lot of pieces to the puzzle before the train can return to Batesville. BATESVILLE, Miss. Free Wifi. See more ideas about polar express cast, batesville, polar express. If you enjoy rail history and seeing these incredible machines in service you must plan a visit to the Mt. In addition, after four more years of work it began hosting passenger trains in 2003. Tickets for 2023 are on sale as of January 10th, 2023 at 9:00am Eastern Time, Value Dates $35(all guests ages 2 & up), Moderate Dates $40 (all guests ages 2 & up), Peak Dates $45 (all guests ages 2 & up), Value Dates $60 (all guests ages 2 & up), Moderate Dates $65 (all guests ages 2 & up), Peak Dates $70 (all guests ages 2 & up), Value Dates $85(all guests ages 2 & up), Moderate Dates $90 (all guests ages 2 & up), Peak Dates $95 (all guests ages 2 & up). Holiday Inn Express located next door to Little America Hotel offers NPX guests a discounted rate of $109.00 per night. There were a total of eleven Maine two-footers in operation at some point including: Through their hard work, the history of this unique aspect of railroading has been well document and preserved. Randolph will present children at Memphis-area Boys & Girls Clubs with 100 tickets for the 1:00 p.m. departure to experience with their loved ones. For more holiday fun, watch the Olive Branch Christmas Parade. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad: One of the nation's top tourist railroads can be found inBryson City, North Carolina. Holiday Express - Blackberry Farm December 1, 8, 9, 15 and 16 2022 | 5:00pm to 8:00 pm Today, she is operable at the Virginia Museum of Transportation. Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the ride. Station Data: Amtrak Train: The last Amtrak timetable showing the Winona route (issued on June 11, 1995) (Source: timetables.org 1995 National Railroad Passenger Corporation) A road trip to Mississippis small towns is a great way to get a feel for small-town life in the Magnolia State, but you also may want to take a state park road trip, driving to some of the most scenic state parks in Mississippi. Chefs aboard each car lead passengers in singing Christmas carols on the ride back to Batesville. You are viewing all Excursions March - 2023 His ultimate goal was to link the nation by rail, creating the first coast-to-coast railroad. They will host officialThe Polar Expresstrain rides from mid-November through early December. You'll feel like you entered a winter wonderland when you embark on this Christmas train in Mississippi. After Conrail lost interest in the corridor, eventually abandoning large sections, the city of Dennsion stepped in to save their depot, acquiring it from the railroad in 1984. Rayonier 3-Truck, 75-Ton Willamette #2 (Willamette Iron & Steel/1929). Where can we park? Itd be a shame to miss out on this spectacular event. What is today transforming into a fluid, interconnected, and very popular attraction was nearly all abandoned (save for Cass Scenic) after CSX Transportation (successor to the Chesapeake & Ohio and Western Maryland) wanted rid of these lines during the 1980's and 1990's. We have done the Chattanooga one twice. Traveling by train may not be as popular as it once was but that doesnt make it seem any less exciting, and while the options of riding a train in Mississippi are a bit limited, they do exist. Scroll down to select your event. It will be the Polar Express, said Batesville mayor Jerry Autrey. If you are considering a visit to a railroad museum soon or riding an excursion the NCTM offers a wonderful experience. P.O. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! YorkDurham Heritage Railway: This heritage railway is located above Toronto in the both the York and Durham Regions. Norfolk and Western 611 is one of the railroad's beautiful 4-8-4 J's. However, as highways improved and Amtrak took over intercity passenger service (1971), the line's need dwindled to the point it was sold to new operators in 1988, forming today's Grand Canyon Railway. - The Polar Express could be rolling again in Batesville if the right investors are willing to hop on board. While the scenery alone regularly draws tens of thousands its opulent services, where guests can travel back in time to experience the golden age of rail travel within climate controlled cars, does as well. As a result, when trucks began grabbing increasingly greater market share during the 20th century thousands of miles became redundant and/or money-losing operations. It would also open a 15-mile branch to Minden in 1906. 321 Main Street Utica, NY 13501 United States 1-800-819-2291 With the creation of Penn Central in 1968 many secondary routes like the current Whitewater Valley Rail Road were deemed redundant, unprofitable, and superfluous. Official THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Rides are licensed by Rail Events, Inc. on behalf of Warner Bros. Consumer Products, Inc. Exact dates and times are available by visiting the Schedule & Tickets page. We were looking forward to welcoming . Mayor Jerry Autrey wouldn't go into detail about what's going to replace the. Santa and his helpers greet passengers at the North Pole and then board the train, where each child is given the first gift of Christmas a silver sleigh bell. Located underground in the tiny town of Iuka, the mine is located at the end of a path and has a fascinating history involving the Civil War that few people know about. According to their website, "Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. You Have Found The Polar Express 2023 Tickets Page. During the last 30+ years the organization has collected several artifacts, freight and passenger cars, and even two steam locomotives;Ohio Electric Power 0-4-0F (fireless) #4759 and Chesapeake & Ohio 2-8-4 #2700 (a 1943 product of American Locomotive). The Train To Christmas Town departs from the Batesville Train Depot, which is located at One Public Square in Batesville. Hop on Board! The effort to rebuild the original line began in the 1970's and especially took flight in the 1990's. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride. Hunter stood with his golden ticket in-hand (or, on occasion, in-hat)patiently waiting to board the Polar Express in Batesville, MS. Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the ride! We appreciate the Batesville Polar Express Train Ride supporting our team, players and the youth in the Memphis region.. polar express batesville ms. junio 12, 2022. cottage for sale in timmins on . 877-334-4783. The list of things available are many including train rides, corporate events, theater presentations, group tours, weddings, depots, and more. This Christmas event in Mississippi has it all! Alberta Prairie Railway: This attraction is located inStettler, Alberta offering steam and diesel powered trips which last up to 5 or 6 hours to Big Valley! 3.39 Acres Lot. Prices can range anywhere from $20 to $85 depending on the class of service and date. It was opened in 1902 by Michigan industrialists Justus S. Stearns who wanted a railroad to serve his timberland at the head of Kentucky's Rock Creek. Today, while the railroad offers upscale accommodations along with traditional excursions. Along the way the 25-mile line passed through the small community of Happy Hollow, which he renamed Stearns (where it connected with the much larger Southern Railway). Despite its rural location the Whitewater Valley Rail Road puts on a fine attraction for the public offering several different rides and events throughout the year such as a mock train robbery, holiday specials, murder mysteries, and much more. Drew Jacksich photo. Box 55747 | Jackson, MS 39296 Phone: 601.339.2042 Email:. TheChehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum operates the following locomotive: To host excursions they utilize a 10-mile section of the old Milwaukee Road (which left the west coast in 1980), currently owned by thePort of Chehalis (and used for freight service by Tacoma Rail); founded in 1986, public outings began three years later. One of the B&O's original streamliners, the Abraham Lincoln, operated during its brief ownership of the Alton Railroad in the Midwest. Since 1996 it has operated about 12 miles between Uxbridge and Stouffville. A strike in 1960 severely crippled the road and it never reopened. CLICK TO BOOK Groups of 20+ must book via phone at 973-419-6255 VIEW FULL SCHEDULE VIEW SEATING CHART One lucky child selected by Randolph will also be given the opportunity to take on the responsibilities of Junior Conductor shouting ALL ABOARD and commencing the magical train ride. All written content, photos, and videos copyright American-Rails.com (unless otherwise noted). Visitors can learn about the railroad's impact on North Carolina and also take a train ride behind restored steam and diesel locomotives. Have you ever taken a train ride through Mississippi? Do you believe in Santa Claus? $42.99 $64.99. Tickets for THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride are non-refundable/non-exchangable. Warner Home Video will once again offer THE POLAR EXPRESS in standard-definition, Blu-ray and 3D DVD versions this holiday season. Depending on what part of the state youre in, there are plenty of things to do in Mississippi that make for wonderful day trips. grenadapolarexpressride.com Departing from Batesville, the Polar Express train ride is one of the most unique train rides in Mississippi, and a must during the holiday season. Midland Railway: The all-volunteer Midland Railway is based in Baldwin City and has grown into a popular attraction. The Polar Express is a children's book written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg, originally published in 1985. Western Maryland Scenic Railroad:The WMSR is one of the East's noteworthy tourist trains, operating 15.3 miles of the former Western Maryland's main line between its old terminal of Cumberland and Frostburg, including the famous "Helmstetter's Curve.". Virginia & Truckee 2-8-0 #29 steams through the snow south of Virginia City, Nevada with a chartered photo special on March 2, 2010. The V&T became one of the richest little short lines in the nation (it was earning $100,000 in profits each month in 1875) and would expand to Reno where a connection was reached with the Southern Pacific (31 miles from Carson City). By Judy Koutsky and Grant Rindner Aug 17, 2020 Save Article Judy Koutsky Judy Koutsky's work has appeared in over 30 publications including Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Parents, Prevention and Scholastic. Their static displays, cars, and locomotives are numerous including several diesels, passenger cars, freight cars, and other types of equipment. Dec. 9th @ 6:00 p.m. at the Gibson Theatre. We are proud to have Zach partner with the areas newest iconic holiday excursion, The Polar Express Train Ride, said Diane Terrell, vice president community engagement and executive director of the Memphis Grizzlies Foundation. Were not going to have the Train to Christmas Town. French Lick Scenic Railway THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements & Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s18) Running over a former New Haven Railroad line, the Cape Cod Central Railroad was formed in 1999 and through dedicated service and determination has become a popular venue. In 2014, we hosted over 850,000 guests at 50 licensed events with 45 partner railroads in the US, Canada, and the UK. It took more than 25 years but the group finally secured their own 3-acre site in 1999. 618 East Pearl Street | Jackson, MS 39201 In addition to its numerous pieces of static equipment, the museum operates a number of special events and trains throughout the year includingThe Polar Expresson select dates in late November through Christmas. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Azar says these cars are whats left of the Train to Christmas Town that werent part of the bankruptcy filed by Ed Ellis, who owned Granada Railroad and operated the holiday attraction in Batesville. Thank ya!Feel free to check us out on Instagram, @thewarmtharoundyou. Its current operation is collection of open-air and enclosed cars pulled by historic diesel locomotives. THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride operates on select dates through Dec. 27, 2015, with departure times at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Each ticket includes fantastic entertainment, delicious hot chocolate, a scrumptious cookie, and a keepsake sleigh bell to bring home. Whether you are attending one of our events or enjoying a fun THE POLAR EXPRESS party at home, hop on board with our new and unique products. When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad has been a top attraction within the state's western mountains since it formally launched in 1988.