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Indiana "The Polar Express" Train Rides In French Lick!

Published: November 10, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Tucked amid the rolling hills and hardwood forests of southern Indiana, the French Lick Scenic Railway blends living railroad history with a family-friendly slate of excursions that turn a day out into a genuine experience. Operated by the Indiana Railway Museum, the line carries guests through the Hoosier National Forest on vintage equipment, past limestone cuts and farmsteads, and through one of the state’s notable railroad tunnels. In recent decades it has also become a national holiday destination, hosting the official The Polar Express Train Ride each November and December. Here’s how the railway’s story unfolds—from the golden age of resort railroading to its present-day role as a cultural and tourism anchor for the French Lick–West Baden area.

French Lick and neighboring West Baden Springs surged to fame in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as mineral-springs resorts. Special trains whisked celebrities, athletes, and big-city vacationers to the grand hotels that still define the skyline. Railroads were the lifeblood of the area: they ferried guests to the French Lick Springs Hotel and the domed West Baden Springs Hotel, shipped local limestone and timber, and connected these towns to Chicago, Louisville, and Indianapolis. As U.S. travel shifted to highways and airlines after World War II, passenger trains vanished, branches were trimmed, and the once-busy resort platforms went quiet.

That might have been the end of the story, but railfans and preservationists had other ideas. The Indiana Railway Museum formed in the early 1960s with a mission to preserve equipment and tell Indiana’s rail story through hands-on experiences. By the late 1970s the museum moved operations to French Lick, where access to a scenic stretch of ex-railroad right-of-way made excursion service viable. Over time, the museum acquired additional trackage south of town, creating today’s French Lick Scenic Railway and enabling longer rides through the Hoosier National Forest. The rebranding to French Lick Scenic Railway aligned neatly with the rebirth of the local resort economy in the 2000s, when restored hotels, golf, and a casino drew visitors back in large numbers.

A typical scenic excursion departs from the depot in downtown French Lick, a short stroll from the French Lick Springs Hotel. Trains are usually powered by vintage diesel locomotives and use refurbished mid-century passenger coaches with comfortable seating and large windows. The round trip generally lasts about an hour and a half, traveling an out-and-back route that showcases southern Indiana’s natural and industrial heritage. Riders often point to the moment the train glides into a long, cool tunnel as a highlight, as well as the way the route transitions from town to forest to farmland. Onboard narration or staff are on hand to share stories about the hotels, the mineral-springs craze, and the rail line’s working past.

The museum’s mission extends beyond sightseeing. Equipment is maintained by a blend of professionals and dedicated volunteers who handle everything from mechanical overhauls to period-appropriate upholstery and paint schemes. On select days, static displays at the depot provide context with interpretive panels and artifacts. For families and casual visitors, the educational angle is subtle and approachable—less a lecture and more a living backdrop that makes the ride feel like stepping into a moving exhibit.

Seasonally, the French Lick Scenic Railway leans into themed trips that widen its appeal. Spring often brings kid-friendly outings such as Easter trains. Summer can feature special experiences like the Dinosaur Adventure Train and other family programs that combine hands-on activities with a train ride. Fall is prime time for leaf-peeping, with weekend departures timed to the changing colors of the Hoosier National Forest. Food and beverage tastings, photo charters, and other limited-run offerings appear throughout the year, subject to demand and staffing. The schedule and exact themes change annually, so it’s wise to check the railway’s official website well ahead of your visit.

The busiest season by far is the holidays, when the line hosts The Polar Express Train Ride. This is the officially licensed, theatrical adaptation of Chris Van Allsburg’s beloved book and the Warner Bros. film, produced in partnership with Rail Events Productions. The experience transforms the train into a rolling stage: car hosts and chefs lead the hot chocolate song-and-dance, the story is read aloud as the countryside slips by in the winter dark, and the train makes its way to a “North Pole” tableau. Santa boards to greet each child and present the iconic silver bell, and passengers are encouraged to wear pajamas, just like in the story. Multiple seating classes are typically offered, ranging from standard coach to premium options, with amenities like souvenir mugs often included at higher tiers.

A few practical notes can help you make the most of The Polar Express in French Lick. Performances usually run multiple times a day from mid-November into late December, and many departures sell out weeks in advance, especially on weekend evenings. Booking early is essential if you’re coordinating with resort stays or larger groups. Plan to arrive 45 minutes to an hour before your scheduled departure to allow time for parking, ticket pickup if needed, and boarding. Strollers and bulky items may need to be checked at the platform depending on the train’s configuration. The railway works to accommodate guests with mobility needs in select cars, but advance coordination is recommended to ensure appropriate seating and boarding assistance. Weather in southern Indiana can be unpredictable, so dress for cold evenings and possible precipitation as you move between car and platform.

If you’re combining the train with a broader French Lick getaway, you’ll find plenty to fill a weekend. The historic French Lick Springs and West Baden Springs hotels, with their restored lobbies, spas, and dining rooms, are attractions in their own right. Golf courses, hiking in the Hoosier National Forest, and regional wineries round out a classic Midwest mini-vacation. Families often build a full day around the railway: a morning scenic ride, lunch in town, and an afternoon at the hotel pools or walking trails, saving The Polar Express for a separate evening later in the season.

For rail enthusiasts, the French Lick Scenic Railway also rewards a closer look. The line’s right-of-way tells a story of adaptation: a branch that once hauled raw materials and resort guests has been repurposed as a cultural asset, keeping steel wheels rolling while supporting the local economy. The museum’s collection, restoration projects, and operating know-how preserve skills and technologies that might otherwise be lost. Buying a ticket isn’t just entertainment; it directly supports the stewardship required to keep historic rolling stock safe and operable.

Planning is straightforward. Start with the official French Lick Scenic Railway website for current schedules, fares, and event calendars. You can purchase tickets online, choose seating preferences, and review FAQs about parking, accessibility, and policies like lap infants or costume guidelines for The Polar Express. If your plans include overnight stays during the holidays, check both the railway and local lodging availability at the same time, as peak dates align and rooms can book out quickly. If you’re local or flexible, consider weekday departures for smaller crowds and easier parking.

More than a nostalgic novelty, the French Lick Scenic Railway stands as a working example of how heritage transportation can enrich modern communities. It reconnects today’s visitors with a travel mode that once defined the region, complements the restored elegance of French Lick’s grand hotels, and brings a beloved children’s tale to life each winter with the official The Polar Express Train Ride. Whether you come for fall colors, a family adventure, or the magic of hot chocolate and silver bells, the journey offers something rare: a chance to let time slow to the rhythm of the rails while history and imagination share the same track.