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Indiana Train Rides and Excursion Trains

Indiana train rides are not often thought of, probably because the state isn't home to any well known tourist railroads like the Durango & Silverton in Colorado or the Napa Valley Wine Train in California. However, there are some real jewels to be found here such as the French Lick Scenic Railway, operated by the Indiana Railway Museum, hosts a lot of events and activities and offers visitors quite a long train ride. There are also short train rides hosted by museums like the Indiana Transportation Museum and Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum. Overall, Indiana offers quite a mix of excursions and all make a point to keep alive the history of the state's railroads. If you may be interested in learning more about Indiana's railroad museums please click here.

Indiana railroading has a rich history dating back to the 1830s and historically has not only been home to the important market of Indianapolis but also a key through route to other important markets like St. Louis and Chicago. As mentioned above Indiana's excursion trains do a very nice job of telling this history with many using sections of routes once owned by mighty railroads like the Pennsylvania Railroad and New York Central. Also, you won't find breathtaking open vistas or luxurious accommodations with Indiana train rides. However, Indiana train rides do offer bucolic, open farmland scenery and a laid back, relaxing trip by train. Any of the state's tourist railroads are certainly worth the price to ride and most offer special events or trains during their seasonal runs.

Indiana Train Rides And Excursion Trains

Carthage, Knightstown & Shirley Railroad

Sometimes a forgotten about tourist train the Carthage, Knightstown & Shirley Railroad, based in Knightstown, Indiana operates on former Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railway (better known as the "Big Four Railroad") trackage. The normally use a Whitcomb diesel locomotive for power and regularly stage train robberies to the delight of visitors, along with running other special excursions throughout the year. For more information about riding this excursion train please click here.

Indiana Railway Museum/French Lick Scenic Railway

The Indiana Railway Museum also operates the popular French Lick Scenic Railway based in French Lick, Indiana. They operate a 20-mile round trip excursion train which runs through the Hoosier National Forest. Special events and excursions are also operated throughout the year such as dessert trains, Halloween specials, and the Polar Express for the Christmas season. For more information about visiting the museum and tourist train please click here.

Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum

The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum based North Judson mostly looks to preserve and keep alive the region's rail history. However, it also operates a 10-mile excursion train (20-mile round trip) using a combination of cabooses and open air cars for passengers to enjoy the journey. For more information about visiting the museum and tourist train please click here.

Indiana Transportation Museum

The Indiana Transportation Museum based Noblesville (near Indianapolis) holds the state's largest collection of preserved railroad, and other transportation equipment. The ITM also offers excursion train rides on former Nickel Plate trackage and features many special trains and events throughout the year. For more information about visiting the museum and tourist train please click here.

Whitewater Valley Railroad

The hitewater Valley Railroad based Connersville, like the Carthage, Knightstown & Shirley Railroad operates on former Big Four Railroad trackage. Its 19-mile line connects Metamora and they use one of several diesel locomotives on the property to power their trains. The railroad also hosts a number of special events throughout the year such as the Polar Express and "A Day Out With Thomas" the tank engine. For more information about visiting the museum and tourist train please click here.

Please Click Here To Return To The Main Tourist Railroads Section

If you may be interested in reading a brief history of Indiana's railroads please click here. Also, for more information about Indiana train rides you might want to consider the book Tourist Trains Guidebook, which is put together by the editors of Kalmbach Publishing's Trains magazine. The guide below is the latest, released in just April, 2011 that now includes more than 470 museums and tourist trains (it also lists all of Alabama's rail museums). In any event, if you're interested in perhaps purchasing this book please visit the link below which will take you to ordering information through Amazon.com, the trusted online shopping network.

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