When it comes to ways to enjoy the great outdoors, there’s surely no shortage of methods. You can go camping or hiking in Indiana; you can tube one of our amazing rivers, or tour any of our splendid state parks (of which there are 24). You can rent an all-terrain vehicle and tour the backroads and roads less traveled. The potential is almost limitless; if you can dream it, you can probably find a way to do it in the great outdoors of the Hoosier State. Today, for example, we’ll take a look at an amazing train ride that serves one purpose: to introduce you to – and get you acquainted with – the exquisite natural beauty of the hills of southern Indiana. These scenic train rides in Indiana on the French Lick Scenic Railway are one of a kind, and better still, they’re great for kids – so bring the whole family along and discover the beauty of our state.

It's called the French Lick Scenic Railway, and it's been a thing in some way or another since 1961. It all began in Westport, though in 1978 the operation was moved to French Lick. It was formerly known as the Indiana Railway Museum, but nowadays it goes by its current moniker.
French Lick Scenic Railway/Facebook
It's not a museum in the most traditional sense; instead, it's a rolling train ride experience that allows you to experience what it was like when rail travel was the primary form of transportation. Of course, it takes you through some of the most incredible landscapes the Hoosier State has to offer; no matter what time of year it may be, you're in for a splendid treat.
The excursion takes guests on an adventurous look at our state's intriguing natural world.
French Lick Scenic Railway/Facebook
You'll find yourself whisking past interesting geological features, past a log cabin built in the 1850s, and through the second-longest railroad tunnel in all of Indiana.

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The scenic train rides are wonderful, and once you've experienced one of those and fallen in love with Indiana's backcountry, you might want to expand your horizons and try out a more thrilling adventure, like a Wild West Hold-Up.
French Lick Scenic Railway/Facebook
Though if you're only in this for the low-key, scenic cruise, we get it. No judgment here. After all, we don't blame you; the scenic route is easily one of the most beautiful in the state.
The scenic excursions are 18 miles round-trip and run 1 hour and 45 minutes.
French Lick Scenic Railway/Facebook
The railroad also offers excursions like the aforementioned Wild West Hold-Up, Dinosaur Adventure Train, and even the Polar Express during the holiday season! The scenic excursions, however, go all year round.
We suggest taking a scenic ride once for each season of the year; seeing the landscape change is truly an enchanting experience, and each season brings with it different photogenic qualities.
French Lick Scenic Railway/Facebook


Take a ride with Positively Andy on the French Lick Scenic Railway in West Baden, Indiana:

For more information, including how to plan your trip and where to purchase and pick up your tickets, make sure to visit the official French Lick Scenic Railway website. While you are in town for a scenic train ride, why not make it a weekend getaway by staying in this historic home in French Lick built in 1901?

Do you know of any other scenic train rides in Indiana? Tell us about them in the comments! We love learning about your favorite places to visit and things to do around the Hoosier State.

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French Lick Railway

Chris Muras | August 27, 2023

Are there any Indiana train rides?

Why yes, there are a few scenic or themed train rides you can take in Indiana including the French Lick Scenic Railway featured above, the Spirit of Jasper in Jasper, IN, and the Whitewater Valley Railroad in Connersville, IN. Each of these historic railroads offers special themed rides such as Wild West train robberies, Polar Express rides, and rides with Thomas the Tank Engine.

What are some French Lick attractions?

From haunted tours to historic hot springs, French Lick has plenty to keep you busy. Here are a few French Lick attractions for you to enjoy:

  • The French Lick Fountain of Youth: Within the French Lick Resort, you'll find the French Lick Springs Hotel. This hotel is popular for its natural hot springs. As far back as the 1800s, Pluto Spring was revered for its healing waters. Not only was it bottled and sold as a magic elixir but you can bath in these healing waters to this day.
  • French Lick Haunted Trail: If you are looking for something fun (and creepy) to do in October in French Lick, this Halloween event is sure to raise the hairs on the back of your neck. Take a walk on the Little Psycho Path near Sleeping Bear Retreat on the edge of the Hoosier National Forest ... if you dare.
  • Go on a sweet tooth tour: If you aren't a fan of ghouls and ghosts, how about a whole other kind of trail - one your sweet tooth will thank you for? French Lick has enough ice cream shops, bakeries, and confection emporiums to keep you busy for a whole day. Or spend a weekend hitting all of the stops on this sweet tooth temptations trail.

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Featured Addresses
French Lick Scenic Railway, 8594 IN-56 Box 150, French Lick, IN 47432, USA