July 4th – STEAM POWERED
Hillsdale, Michigan and return
HILLSDALE 250 TRAIN RIDES
Train rides to celebrate America 250 featuring Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive no. 765
TRAIN DATES
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
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
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.
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 under three are not counted toward table seat counts, so guests are responsible for ensuring there is appropriate lap space and room for infants.
THE FINE PRINT
- Delivery: Tickets are emailed instantly upon purchase. Check your spam folder and ensure your email address is entered 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 are 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 are listed in the ticket selection screen.
- Review all terms, conditions, and safety advisories before travel.
