Owosso's Steam Railroading Institute cancels Virginia fall excursions
The Owosso-based museum said it could not secure arrangements to move its steam engine and is working on alternative excursion options.
The Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso said it will not operate fall color excursions in Virginia this year, according to a Fall Calendar Update posted to the organization's website on Aug. 13.
"We're disappointed to share that we will not be able to operate fall color excursions in Virginia this year," the notice said. "Unfortunately, circumstances beyond SRI's control have made it impossible to secure the necessary arrangements to move the steam engine, preventing us from planning and operating the excursions."
The institute, which operates from 405 S. Washington St. in Owosso, said it is not dropping the idea of new trips. "We are actively working on other excursion options and hope to have some exciting alternatives to share soon," the notice said.
SRI thanked the Virginia Scenic Railway for its partnership on the project and encouraged supporters to check out that railroad's own events and excursions.
No railroad ban, operations manager says
The update included further detail from Aaron Farmer, operations manager at SRI. "There was no 'ban' on steam locomotives or outright refusal by the railroads to move the equipment that led to this decision," Farmer said in the statement.
Farmer said the organization needed enough lead time to announce and market the excursions, along with firm commitments from all of the railroads involved, before it could responsibly move forward. "Every railroad involved viewed the proposed operation positively and expressed interest in seeing the venture come to fruition," he said.
He also asked supporters not to criticize the railroads publicly, saying those relationships are critical to SRI's ability to operate historic equipment and that a professional, collaborative approach "gives us the best chance of getting these opportunities approved in the future."
What happens next
SRI said it hopes to announce alternative excursion options soon. The organization's website continues to list its North Pole Express 2026 season among its programs.
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