This summer the "Friends of the 261" in cooperation with "The Friends of the SP 4449", the Steam Railroading Institute, Amtrak, CN and BNSF Railway will operate steam excursion trains with Southern Pacific "Daylight" 4-8-4 steam locomotive 4449 to Durand, Michigan. The trips are a ferry move for 4449 to travel to TrainFestival 2009, a gathering of steam locomotives in Owosso, Michigan which will run from July 23 to 26, 2009. This historic locomotive is making its first journey to the U.S. Midwest since it pulled the American Freedom Train in the 1970s.

On Saturday, July 18, 2009, No. 4449 will head from Minneapolis to Chicago on BNSF. After an overnight stay, on Sunday July 19 the train will depart for Durand, Michigan, on Canadian National's ex-Grand Trunk Western route, arriving at the famous Durand Union Depot. All trips will include coach and premium class. Premium class includes reserved seating in Milwauke Road Skytop observation "Cedar Rapids" and Super Dome 53.

On Friday, July 31, the train will depart Durand for Chicago. After a one-day layover in Chicago, it will depart for Milwaukee on August 2, stay overnight and travel from Milwaukee to Minneapolis on August 3rd. Tickets for these trips may be ordered by U.S. Mail by downloading and printing the PDF order form by clicking here

Tickets are available through our online web store at https://secure.261.com/store/