3 Epic Train Rides In Indiana For That Wonderful Scenic Experience You Need
Train rides in Indiana are fun yet relaxing. In today’s high-paced world, sometimes you want to find an activity that brings back some of the simpler joys in life. If you’re looking to stop and enjoy the scenery around you, why not take some special, scenic train rides in Indiana? Here are 3 amazing scenic train rides in the Hoosier state you won’t want to miss out on.
The French Lick Scenic Railway offers year round scenic Indiana train rides that are perfect for train lovers of any age. Their train rides run about 18 miles (roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes) and offer gorgeous sites of the southern parts of our state.
French Lick Scenic Railway, 8594 W. State Road 56, Box 150, French Lick, IN 47432, USA
Train rides travel through parts of the Hoosier National Forest, offering some of the most beautiful sites in the Midwest. Before or after your ride, you can also visit the fun and informative Indiana Railway Museum in French Lick. Visiting here is truly a memorable Indiana rail experience.
This railway also offers special event train rides, like Wild West Hold-ups, a Day Out with Thomas the Tank Engine, The Polar Express train ride, and more. All events can be found at the website for French Lick Scenic Railway and the train station can be found at 8594 W State Road 56, French Lick, IN 47432.
You'll find this charming train station in Jasper, Indiana. This excursion train is perfect for family parties, day trips, and even work events. It's one of the best train rides in Indiana.
Spirit of Jasper, 201 Mill St, Jasper, IN 47546, USA
You'll see stunning scenery and architecture, like bridges during this excursion. The Spirit of Jasper connects to French Lick, so they offer many of the same special events.
This railway also offers dining experiences, a chocolate and wine tasting trip, and Strassenfest Train rides. You can find all excursions on Spirit of Jasper's website and the station at 201 Mill Street, Jasper, IN 47546.
This railway can be found in eastern Indiana and offers some incredible train rides from Connersville to historic Metamora. It is one of the most scenic train rides in Indiana.
Whitewater Valley Railroad, 455 Market St, Connersville, IN 47331, USA
Every weekend the train departs to Metamora, a charming canal town, for a day of shopping and exploring. You can check out the working grist mill, take a replica horse-drawn boat ride, or enjoy a late lunch at one of Metamora's eateries.
Of course, this railway offers special excursions as well. Enjoy a foliage flyer ride in the fall, a wild west dinner ride, a music fest ride, twilight dinners, a Polar Express ride, and excursion with Thomas the Tank Engine. Check out the current and upcoming special events at Whitewater Valley Rail Road. You'll find this train station at 455 Market St, Connersville, IN 47331.
Have you ever taken one of these amazing train rides in Indiana? For more fun in the Hoosier state, check out these epic off-the-grid destination trips.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
train rides in Indiana
September 07, 2022
Jessica Bohl
What are some great train displays in Indiana?
Train lovers rejoice. There are some little-known train displays in Indiana that are worth checking out. Take, for instance, the Railway Garden at the Gabis Arboretum (formerly Taltree Aboretum) at Purdue Northwest. The arboretum has 300 acres of stunning landscapes, including a restored prairie, wetlands, and some fantastic woodlands hiking trails. But not too many people know about the super cool two-acre railway garden. It has a large display garden with G-gauge miniature trains and also tells the fascinating stories of American railroads. So it is the perfect place to visit for train lovers, nature lovers, and history buffs.
Are there any train-themed restaurants in Indiana?
For those who truly cannot get enough of trains, there is even a train-themed restaurant in Indiana. Head over to Tyler’s Tender Restaurant in Schererville, and don’t let the plain exterior fool you. Inside is not only great food, but a retro diner with a rounded bar in the center. The real showstopper, though, is the actual train track that spans the entire length of the bar! And the train can even deliver your food! Kids will love watching their burger, friends, and shake delivered right to their seat. Grown-ups too! There is also a separate model train on display that is fun to admire. So next time you are looking for a yummy, but fun dining experience, check out Tyler’s Tender Restaurant and the cool trains there. It is perfect for families, friends, and even solo diners. You will not be disappointed.
Courtney's originally from the East Coast, but has found a charming new home in Indiana. She loves checking out local music, reading, and trying new food. She's also a little too addicted to coffee and has a Maine Coon cat she answers to.
