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Indiana has a surprising number of vintage trains still rolling down the tracks, and most of them make easy day trips. Some wind through national forest, some follow an old canal, and one pulls into a restored canal town.
Others run through farm country or past a steam-powered sawmill. Each stop on this list has its own personality, from museum-style rides to themed excursions with onboard food.
Hours and schedules can change by season, so check before you go. Pick a track, buy your ticket, and let someone else do the driving for a change.
1. French Lick Scenic Railway, French Lick, IN
Operating days are limited here, so the schedule is the first thing to know. The railway lists hours of 11 AM to 3 PM on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and it is closed the other days.
The ride runs about 20 miles on a historic train through lush forest and farmland. An announcer explains local history along the way, which keeps the slow pace interesting.
The route passes through Hoosier National Forest and includes a tunnel that is more than 2,200 feet long.
The attraction also functions as a railway museum, with reenactments and periodic events. Tickets are recommended in advance, and the free parking lot is on site.
Restrooms are available, but there is no restaurant, so plan your meal before or after.
Families will find it kid-friendly, with activities for younger riders. Call ahead or check the website for special event dates before making the drive.
2. Whitewater Valley Railroad, Connersville, IN
Set aside most of an afternoon for this one. A full round trip from Connersville to Metamora and back takes about five hours, which makes it one of the longer rides on this list.
Historic engines pull the train through the Whitewater Valley to a restored 19th-century canal town. Along the way you pass through country scenery and alongside the Whitewater Canal.
The conductor shares history on the trip toward Metamora, so there is plenty to listen to between views.
The depot at 455 Market Street lists daily hours from 9 AM to 5 PM, though train departures follow their own schedule. Check the website for ride dates and special themed trips like the Wild West ride.
Free parking is available in a lot and on the street, and restrooms are on site. Weekday afternoons tend to be the busiest, while Sundays are typically quieter.
3. Nickel Plate Express, Noblesville, IN
Riders here can choose between a train car and a pedal-powered rail bike. That mix sets this stop apart from the others on the list.
The Nickel Plate Express is a themed tourist railroad with scenic family excursions. Trains use historic 1950s passenger cars and travel through the Indiana countryside.
Offerings include a Brunch Express, and trivia night is listed among the highlights.
The rail bikes are easy to pedal and give a more hands-on way to see the line. Tickets are recommended in advance, since themed trips can fill up.
The station is at 825 Forest Park Drive in Noblesville. Parking is free in the lot and on the street, and restrooms are available.
The railroad is kid-friendly and welcoming to a wide range of guests.
4. Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum, North Judson, IN
Saturday is the day to plan around. The museum lists hours of 9 AM to 3 PM on Saturdays and is closed the rest of the week.
This educational rail museum offers historic train rides through the Indiana countryside. You can choose an open-air car or an air-conditioned one, depending on the weather and your preference.
The collection includes many engines and rail cars from around the country, plus a unique steam engine.
A gift shop is on site, and the museum offers tours. There is no restaurant, so bring snacks or eat in town.
Tickets are recommended in advance.
The address is 507 Mulberry Street in North Judson. Parking includes free and paid lots, and restrooms are available.
Seasonal family events are held here, so the website is worth a look before your trip.
5. Hesston Steam Museum, La Porte, IN
Steam power is the star at this La Porte County museum. It features a woodland train trip, steam-powered machines, and a blacksmith shop.
The train ride covers about 2.5 miles through the woods and over ponds. Along the grounds you can also see steam locomotives, a crane, and a steam-powered sawmill.
The scenery moves between forest and cornfields.
Seasonal events add variety. A haunted train ride runs in the fall, and a candy cane express runs in the winter with a heated caboose and a Santa set-up.
Hours are 11:45 AM to 5 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, and the museum is closed on weekdays. A cafe, restaurant, restrooms, and a gift shop are on site, so you can stay for a few hours.
The address is 1201 E 1000 N in La Porte.
6. Spirit of Jasper, Jasper, IN
Dinner and a train ride can happen at the same time here. Spirit of Jasper runs scenic excursions in restored vintage passenger cars, with concessions available on board.
There are different seating options, so you can pick what suits your group. Food is served during the trip, and a limited bar is available for adults.
The pace is slow, which leaves plenty of time to watch the scenery and the old tracks roll by.
The train departs from 201 Mill Street in Jasper. Restrooms are available on site.
Schedules and ticket details are not listed here, so check the website or call 812-482-5959 before planning your day.
It is a gentle outing for anyone who likes the look of old rail cars and a relaxed ride through southern Indiana.
