Polar Express train rides in Michigan.

Closest Polar Express rides to Michigan

• French Lick, IN

  French Lick Scenic Railway

  Dates

  Nov 6 - Dec 23 · Select dates, Nov 6-Dec 23, with shows at 12:30, 2:30, 5:30 or 7:30 pm

  Depot

  French Lick depot, 8594 West State Road 56

  Price

  $47-$117 by date (value, moderate and peak nights)

  Length

  About 65 minutes

  Lap children

  Under 2 ride free (the railroad's general rule; confirm when you book)

  Included

  Ticket punch, hot chocolate and cookies, the story read aloud, Santa giving each guest a silver sleigh bell, and carols on the way back

  A 65-minute ride from the French Lick depot to the North Pole and back. Chefs serve cocoa and cookies, Santa hands out bells, and elves lead songs on the return trip.

  Booking: Buy tickets ahead; there are no walk-ups. The depot opens at least 2 hours before the train. Boarding starts about 15 minutes before, and the train does not wait. The show uses flashing lights.

  Parent tip: Most 2026 shows were sold out by late October. Check the calendar for single open seats, and look at Sunday evening and early November dates first.

  Official site

• Dennison, OH

  Dennison Railroad Depot Museum

  Dates

  Dec 3-13 · Dec 3-6 and 10-13; 6 and 8 pm on Thursdays and Fridays, 2, 4, 6 and 8 pm on weekends

  Depot

  Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, 400 Center St.

  Price

  Coach $55-$65, Deluxe $66-$74, First Class $75-$85, plus a $4 fee per ticket; private compartment for 6 is $595

  Lap children

  Everyone 1 year and up needs a ticket and seat. A baby carrier on a seat needs its own ticket

  Included

  Hot chocolate and cookies, the book read aloud, songs and games with elves, and a jingle bell from Santa for each child. Deluxe and First Class kids get an engineer cap and whistle

  Ohio's licensed ride runs for just two weeks in December from a historic depot. Storytellers read the book, elves lead games, and Santa boards with bells.

  Booking: Arrive 1 hour early. Boarding starts 30 minutes before, and gates close 5 minutes before. Strollers go to stroller parking, not on the train. Skip open-toe shoes and slippers.

  Parent tip: Babies over 1 need their own seat here, which is stricter than most rides. The 8 pm Thursday and Sunday trains are the cheapest.

  Official site

• Green Bay, WI

  National Railroad Museum

  Dates

  Nov 20 - Dec 13 · Fridays to Sundays, Nov 20-Dec 13

  Depot

  Museum depot, 2285 South Broadway (across the parking lot from the Lenfestey Center)

  Price

  $35-$75 a seat by car (Northern Lights coach $35 up to table and lounge seats $70-$75). Sold out for 2026

  Length

  About 105 minutes: a 30-minute pre-show, then 75 minutes for the ride and Santa

  Lap children

  Everyone needs a ticket, including lap babies

  Included

  Hot chocolate and a sugar cookie, and Santa on the train. Northern Lights and Glacier Gulch riders can see Santa again in the depot after

  A pre-show at the museum, then a 75-minute train ride and visit with Santa. Pajamas are welcome for kids and adults.

  Booking: Arrive 30-40 minutes before showtime, not earlier; doors open 30 minutes before. Glacier Gulch is the only wheelchair-accessible car. There are no restrooms on the train.

  Parent tip: All 2026 shows are sold out and the museum will not add more. Buy only from the museum, since resold tickets are not honored.

  Official site

Dates and prices were checked on each railroad's official site. Rides often sell out, and details can change, so check the official site before you go. THE POLAR EXPRESS is a trademark of Warner Bros.; rides are run by individual railroads under license.