Canadian National Railway Company is sending two locomotives that celebrate America's 250th birthday across Michigan this month with stops in East Lansing, Durand, Royal Oak and Flat Rock. The events are a part of the railway’s America250 Hometown Whistle Stop Tour and will take place from Tuesday, Aug. 18 through Wednesday, Aug. 19.
One train, “Screaming Eagle,” has a large bald eagle near the pilot in front of an American flag. The other, “Air Force One,” features a red, white and blue pattern with gold highlights, reminiscent of an Air Force One presidential aircraft.
“This is a unique opportunity to come out and take a photo, get to talk to actual people that work for the railroad and enjoy a great community event with our local partners,”
said Jeffrey Price, manager of U.S. Public and Government affairs for CN. “It’s a good educational moment for anyone that is curious about the railroad.”
The 90-minute stops in East Lansing, Duran and Flat Rock will feature speeches by CN executives, an appearance from CN’s canine mascot Milo, and media and photo opportunities in which people can take pictures of the locomotives and learn more about CN and “the importance of railroads in the state of Michigan,” Price said.
Royal Oak will not have a full event, but the trains will still roll through the city for photos in between the Durand and Flat Rock stops.
While the Whistle Stop Tour has traveled all across the country, Price said CN has a particularly strong history in Michigan.
“We’re continuing that legacy of the original railroads that continued through Michigan,” Price said. “After all these years, railroads are still a vital part of the economic community.”
Price said connecting with the community is a top priority for the Whistle Stop Tour, and that its goal is to “be a good ambassador to the communities that we go through.” CN looks to celebrate both “the history of rail in the U.S.” and the semiquincentennial anniversary of the nation in general, Price said.
Whistle Stop Tour arrival times
CN recommends coming at least 30 minutes before each expected train arrival time.
- East Lansing Amtrak Station: Tuesday, Aug. 18, 3:25 p.m.
- Durand Amtrak Station: Wednesday, Aug. 19, 8:40 a.m.
- Royal Oak Amtrak Station (roll-by): Wednesday, Aug. 19, between the Durand and Flat Rock stops
- Flat Rock Huroc Park: Wednesday, Aug. 19, 12:35 p.m.
Jude O'Meara is a 2026 Detroit Free Press High School Apprentice, and part of a program where student journalists join the Free Press newsroom during the summer.
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: America-themed trains to roll through state during Whistle Stop Tour
