Board These 10 Beautiful Trains In Indiana For An Unforgettable Experience

Did you know the very first railroad in Indiana was the Madison, Indianapolis, and Lafayette Railroad. The construction of this railroad was finished in 1838. I decided to do a little digging and we actually have a lot to show in terms of railroad systems. I remember my mother taking us on a train when we were younger. We rode a train, enjoyed a scenic ride, and then got to eat at a pizza buffet before riding the train back. It was so long ago, I don’t actually remember where in the state that was.

From the railroad's website

From May to October you can enjoy a 32 mile round train trip that will last for about five hours. During the ride, you will either be in an open-window coach or the caboose. A lot of the ride runs along the Whitewater Canal. There are a lot of specialty trains including the Civil War Train, the Easter Bunny Express, a Fall Foliage, the Santa Train, and a Polar Express Train.

WikiMedia Commons

You will first enter the National New York Central Railroad Museum by stepping through a passenger coach from 1915. The museum introduces you to a railroad history that starts back in 1833. This museum is perfect if you're someone who likes trains and wants to learn more about them.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Both images from the museum's website.

Hesston Steam Museum is another locomotive museum ideal for individuals who have a love for trains. The museum offers train rides on the weekends and on major holidays.

WikiMedia Commons

Indiana Railway Museum is another locomotive museum that offers a train ride experience. You'll partake in a 20 mile train ride that lasts for about two hours. This is a round trip train ride where you'll travel through a beautiful forested countryside. During the month of October, you can enjoy the beautiful fall colors of the Hoosier National Forest.

Related Stories

10 Reasons Why Everyone Needs To Take This Incredible Boat Ride in Indiana

Paid Content Rockin Thunder Jet Boat Rides

10 Quirky Roadside Attractions In Indiana Worth a Detour

The Ultimate And Definitive Bucket List For Everyone In Indiana

Both images from the museum's website.

Noticing a trend? Indiana is home to A LOT of train museums. This one is actually listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The museum is open from May till September for viewing pleasures every year.

Advertisement

Both images from TripAdvisor

The Madison Railroad Station is another opportunity in the state of Indiana to view a beautiful train exhibit including a wooden caboose.

WikiMedia Commons

Indiana Transportation Museum offers guests a 38 mile train ride through the countryside of the state. The museum offers a lot of specialty trains including one that will give you a ride to the state fair.

WikiMedia Commons

At Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum, caboose and scenic train rides are available on the weekends from the months of May till October. It's an incredible experience you won't want to miss out on.

9. New Haven – Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society

Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society is one of the few locations where a steam locomotive is still operating anywhere in the United States. How cool is that?

10. Knightstown – Carthage, Knightstown & Shirley Railroad

The Carthage, Knightstown & Shirley Railroad offers a 10 mile round trip train ride that runs for a little more than an hour. They even have special events such as the CKS Railroad Train robbery which is really exciting. This train is also available for rides from May to October.

Did you know the Hoosier state had such a long history in the railroading industry? In fact, it’s known as the crossroads of Indiana. There are cities such as Elkhart and Fort Wayne which are known for being home to the biggest locomotive repair shops and roundhouses in the state. I don’t know about you, but I’m not a super big fan of trains because I seem to get stuck waiting for one to pass just about any time I go somewhere. Guess that’s something you get used to though right? What do you think about trains? Have you ever been to any of these places? Share your experiences in the comments below!