Steam Railroading Institute

06/01/2026

The Steam Railroading Institute is proud to participate in the Year of the Nonprofit campaign.

Our mission: To educate the public about steam-era railroad technology and its impact on the culture and economy of the Great Lakes region by safely operating, preserving, exhibiting and interpreting historic railroad equipment.

We're grateful to be part of a county filled with organizations working every day to make a difference. Follow along throughout the Year of the Nonprofit to learn more about the people, programs, and nonprofits helping our community thrive.
Learn more about the Year of the Nonprofit campaign and the important role nonprofits play in our community: https://www.cookfamilyfoundation.org/year-of-the-nonprofit/

05/28/2026

Have you ever wondered what it was like to have the controls of a mighty steam engine in your hands? or be responsible for the coal that keeps the iconic PM 1225 moving down the tracks? Now is your chance with two special offerings at the Steam Railroading Institute. Our Hands on the Throttle class will put you in the engineers seat inside the cab of the largest operating steam engine in Michigan and Fireman Fundamentals will have you heating up the historic machine. Time slots are open Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6 during Owosso's Curwood Festival. Head over to michigansteamtrain.com for more information and to grab your tickets!

05/28/2026

We're still feeling the excitement from our amazing weekend with Lake State Railway. Being able to revisit the rails PM 1225 called home during World War II was a special treat but being able to give back a little to our amazing volunteers was truly the icing on the cake. The volunteers and staff at SRI put their whole heart into maintaining not only PM 1225 but the history of steam rail in Michigan. We couldn't be more proud or more thankful to have such an amazing crew support us all year around. Thank you cannot be said enough, but that won't stop us from expressing it every chance we get - Thank You!

05/20/2026

For the first time in 75 years, steam once again echoed across the former Pere Marquette Railway lines in Saginaw as Pere Marquette 1225 triumphantly returned to its home rails. In partnership with the Steam Railroading Institute and Lake State Railway (), the legendary Berkshire powered an unforgettable journey from Saginaw to Flint, retracing a route once dominated by the mighty Pere Marquette steam fleet. The weekend included runs for Lake States employees during their Family Days event, and an SRI appreciation run to Holly along with a historic freight run on Monday, May 18, 2026. The weekend carries even greater significance when remembering July 14, 1950, when the Saginaw News documented the final departure of steam from Saginaw, led by C&O 2694, formerly PM 1210, alongside eleven other cold Berkshires headed out as dieselization took over.

Head over to our YouTube page to view the story (video has been reloaded with closed captioning):
https://youtu.be/nehkJuhsVJE

05/16/2026

05/16/2026

A great reminder from our friends Union Pacific Railroad. Always keep safety in mind when train watching.

This weekend's steam conditions in Ogden, Utah:
💨 High excitement
💥 Heavy whistle blasts
🚫 100% chance you should stand 25 feet back

Big Boy is taller than a two‑story building and weighs 1.2 million pounds! That’s why we ask everyone to stay at least 25 feet back from the tracks (including drones!) How would YOU measure 25 feet? Stay back. Stay aware. Stay rail safe. 🚂💛

05/15/2026

Who's fired up for the weekend? SRI sure is!

05/11/2026

Long before the Steam Railroading Institute became what it is today, an incredible team of dedicated volunteers was hard at work preserving history on the campus of Michigan State University.

This look back to 1978 captures major restoration work on the iconic Pere Marquette 1225 cab; from rebuilding the cab sides and roof to reinstalling vital appliances. Every rivet, every panel, and every hour of labor was driven by passion, determination, and a belief that this locomotive deserved a future.

The entirely volunteer crew behind these efforts laid the foundation for everything the Steam Railroading Institute is today. Their dedication didn’t just restore a locomotive; it built a legacy that continues to inspire.