Pere Marquette 1225 - North Pole Express

Pere Marquette 1225's claim to fame came in 2004 when it was used as the prototype for the steam locomotive in Warner Bros.' film "The Polar Express". Along with the franchise being a film, the book that preceded it was inspired by a former Michigan State University student, which saw the 1225 on display next to the football stadium. In light of the fame of the engine, the new owner, the Steam Railroading Institute operates extremely popular Christmas themed excursions every December from Owosso to the town of Ashley, which bases their Christmas festival around the train's presence.