North Pole Express 2014

If you missed this years North Pole Express, sign up for our emailing list and you won't miss out on next years North Pole Express. You may sign up on our home page at www.261.com

Holiday traditions create life long memories for young and old alike.  RHMA, RCCRRA, Jones Lang LaSalle and St. Paul Union Depot would like to invite you and your loved ones to participate in the Twin Cities’ newest holiday tradition – The North Pole Express.

Children and trains go together during the Holiday Season like colorful lights, brightly iced cookies, festively wrapped gifts and family and friends.  This is your invitation to join us for North Pole Express at St. Paul Union Depot; an experience highlighted with vintage passenger cars and an operating steam locomotive.  Minneapolis-based steam locomotive “Milwaukee Road #261” and refurbished cars, maintained and staffed by RHMA volunteer members, will provide the experience of a real steam train, Santa and his elves and holiday fun for all.  Bring the family and friends and climb aboard this holiday apparition from the past for an hour long experience that includes the North Pole and a visit from Santa Claus.  Avoid the trouble of setting up your old train set around your tree this year and let us provide you with a REAL train for the holidays.

Arriving at Union Depot:
Please allow plenty of time to travel, park and walk to Gate C (Amtrak gate) in Union Depot.  There are many one-way and limited-access streets around Union Depot.  Once you arrive at Union Depot plan on walking – the majestic building covers several city blocks!  Take time to explore the art and history inside the building.

Traffic Note:
The Kellogg-Third Street Bridge between Mounds Boulevard and Broadway Street has posted lane restrictions. For traffic entering the Saint Paul downtown area from westbound I-94, the city of Saint Paul recommends using either the 6^th Street exit or the 12^th Street exit. East Seventh Street is another route.   Near Union Depot, construction of the Saints ballpark can cause detours around Broadway and 5^th Streets.

Parking:
There are three parking lots at Union Depot St. Paul.

Lot A ~ the head house ramp, is enclosed and can be entered off Sibley Street near the Kellogg Boulevard intersection. Once parked just take the elevator up to Level 1 (head house, concourse or waiting room) to board the holiday train at Gate C.

Lot B ~ can be entered off Sibley Street, between Shepard Road and Kellogg Boulevard, or from Kellogg Boulevard at the intersection with Broadway Street. This parking is covered as well. From the lot follow the signs to the Union Depot and take the escalators or elevators up to the waiting room to board the holiday train.

Lot C ~ is a surface lot to the east of Union Depot. There are two entrances along Kellogg Boulevard, both west of Broadway Street. Once parked, walk east along Kellogg Boulevard to Union Depot’s Kellogg Entry (East Entry). Take the escalators or elevators up to Gate C in the waiting room to board the holiday train.

Light rail and other transit:
The Green Line (light rail) from downtown Minneapolis, the University of Minnesota and the Midway area of St. Paul stops in front of Union Depot. After the Green Line arrives at Union Depot, walk through the head house, concourse and waiting room to board the holiday train at Gate C. Many Metro Transit buses serve Union Depot either on the bus platform or at the intersection of Broadway Street and Kellogg Boulevard.

Accessibility:
Accessible drop-off locations are in the carriageway (off Sibley between Kellogg and 4^th Streets) and at the Kellogg Entry (East Entry) at 240 E. Kellogg Boulevard.

There are no strollers or wheelchairs for rent or loan.

Tickets

Your ticket to the North Pole Express includes:

· A one-mile train ride to the North Pole at the east end of the Union Depot property.

· At the North Pole, Santa will greet the train and board the North Pole Express for the ride back to the Union Depot, passengers will remain on the train.

· Santa will walk through the train greeting all the children and handing out treats and goodies!

· At the end of the train ride, passengers will head into Union Depot, where children can enjoy a free cup of cocoa and enjoy a holiday treat brought to you by BNSF Railway.

· There will be other children’s activities inside the Union Depot as well.

· The train will be heated, but dress for the weather, all cars will get the same experience

NORTH POLE EXPRESS SCHEDULE

December 5: 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
December 6: 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 7 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.
December 7: 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m.
December 11: 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m., & 7 p.m.
December 12: 4 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
December 13: 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m., & 7 p.m.
December 14: 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m.

Adult – $19.50
Child – $17.50 (3-12 years old)
2 years old and under free