HILLSDALE 250 TRAIN RIDES

Train rides to celebrate America 250 featuring Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive no. 765

TRAIN DATES

July 4th – STEAM POWERED
Hillsdale, Michigan and return

Summary

The city of Hillsdale, Michigan, is hosting “Hillsdale 250: Stars, Stripes & Celebration” on July 4th, 2026, to commemorate America’s 250th birthday. This two-day festival will feature a parade, classic cars, a community time capsule, food, fireworks and two special steam-powered train rides.

ITINERARY

Trips depart at 1:15 PM and 2:30 PM

Boarding

50 Monroe St
Hillsdale, MI 49242

Parking

35 Short St, Hillsdale, MI 49242

TICKET PRICES

Ticket offerings include individual seats, table seats, and lounge seats. Select tickets include specific accommodations and amenities.

Deluxe Coach Class
$15 – $20
Open Window Lounge
$35.00
Open Window Table (Seats 4)
$95.00
First Class Table (Seats 4)
$125.00
Pullman Class
$75 – $145.00

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST FOR TICKET SALES

ACCOMMODATIONS

ROUTE GUIDE

FAQ

SCHEDULE

1:15 PM — Depart Hillsdale, Michigan

2:00 PM – Arrive Hillsdale, Michigan

2:30 PM— Depart Hillsdale, Michigan

3:30 PM – Arrive Hillsdale, Michigan

THE EXPERIENCE

Join us as Hillsdale celebrates the 250th anniversary of American independence with a day filled with patriotism, community spirit, history, and steam railroading.

As part of Hillsdale’s Stars, Stripes & Celebration festivities, guests are invited to experience the sights, sounds, and nostalgia of historic steam railroading aboard a special one-hour excursion behind Nickel Plate Road No. 765.

Departing from downtown Hillsdale, these round-trip journeys offer a unique opportunity to celebrate America’s 250th birthday while riding one of the nation’s most iconic steam locomotives.

To complement the day’s festivities, special steam excursions will depart from Hillsdale at 1:15 PM and 2:30 PM, offering passengers a memorable journey through the Michigan countryside before returning in time to enjoy the afternoon and evening activities throughout the community.

Community Celebration Schedule

10:00 AM – Time Capsule Ceremony
Hillsdale City Hall

1:00 PM – Hillsdale City Parade

1:15 PM – Stars, Stripes & Steam Excursion No. 1

2:30 PM – Stars, Stripes & Steam Excursion No. 2
4:00 PM – Hillsdale County Fairgrounds Opens, featuring food trucks, craft and vendor show, live entertainment, raffles, beer tent, family activities, and fireworks at dusk

Bring your family, friends, lawn chairs, and hometown pride and join us for a Fourth of July celebration filled with history, community, and steam!

THE OFFERINGS

Deluxe Coach, Open Window, First Class, and Pullman Class tickets are available for this excursion. Children three years of age and younger who do not occupy a seat ride free in Deluxe Coach only.

Children three years of age and younger who do not occupy a seat ride free. We do not count children under the age of three towards seat counts at tables, so guests will be responsible for ensuring there is appropriate lap space and room for their infants.

THE FINE PRINT

Delivery: Tickets are emailed instantly upon purchase. Check your spam folder, but also ensure you enter your email correctly when ordering.
Boarding Info: Parking and safety details are included in your confirmation email. Save it. We’ll also send reminders.
Travel Together: To sit with friends, please book under one reservation.
Refunds: Credits offered for cancellations.
Provisions: Passengers may bring personal food and non-alcoholic refreshments.
Pets: Service animals are welcome, but please leave pets at home.
Accessibility: Due to their historic nature, only select cars are ADA accessible. They’re listed in the ticket selection screen.
Review all of our terms, conditions, and safety advisories before travel.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Ticket prices as shown do not include processing fees.

STANDARD & FAMILY

A classic, air-conditioned ride perfect for families or groups traveling together.

Deluxe Coach – $15/25

*Prices do not include processing fees.

OPEN-AIR EXPERIENCES

Enjoy the sights and sounds of historic railroading from a lounge or individual table seat. Complimentary refreshments included.

Lawton Park lounge – $35.00
Centlivre Park Table (Seats 4) – $95.00

*Prices do not include processing fees.

PREMIUM & PRIVATE

The ultimate first-class experience. Exclusive cars, complimentary refreshments.

Silver Diner Table – $125.00
Pullman Lounge – $75.00
Pullman Private Table
(Seats 2)– $145.00

*Prices do not include processing fees.

Preview your journey

Step into the golden era of rail travel aboard one of America’s most legendary steam locomotives. From the rhythmic chuff of the coal-burning engine to the sight of rural farm fields through vintage windows, every mile is a love letter to the mode of transportation that built the nation.