What is it about the autumn season that brings with it the overpowering need to get out and explore the countryside when it’s at its most colorful? We’re not sure, but it’s such a popular pastime that it’s called “leaf-peeping season” for a reason! Well, there’s no better way to go leaf-peeping in Indiana than an old-school fall train ride, and one of the best fall foliage train rides in Indiana is sure to thrill the entire family with its old-world charm and vividly colorful atmosphere. This year, it’s a little different — enjoy the Pumpkinliner excursion, a pumpkin train ride that will show you all of the fall beauty available in Indiana!

The Whitewater Valley Railroad reached Connersville in 1867.
Whitewater Valley Railroad/Facebook
In 1972, following a history full of twists and turns, it became a not-for-profit and today, it still runs like it always has. It's been a staple of the Indiana countryside for decades now, and we wouldn't have it any other way.
It operates year-round, with special events every season that you won't usually find anywhere else.
Whitewater Valley Railroad/Facebook
The Pumpkinliner is a truly wonderful experience that successfully captures the magic of autumn, as it carries riders through some intensely vibrant and colorful landscapes on a short-and-sweet journey during which you and the family will make lifelong memories on the way to a pumpkin patch delight!
The Pumpkinliner excursion is a special event and operates this year on October 22nd and 23rd.
Whitewater Valley Railroad/Facebook
The trek takes you from Connersville to The Pumpkin Patch and departs four times on each day. Departure times are at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. Tickets are limited and reservations ARE recommended. This is a wonderful experience that the whole family will love, but you won't be the only ones eyeballing it for something fun to do!

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Perhaps the best part - other than the fall color and memories, of course - is just how affordable the journey is.
Whitewater Valley Railroad/Facebook
Tickets are $10 for everyone age two and older, and kids 12 and under get a pumpkin to take home!
The Pumpkinliner excursion is far from the only one Whitewater Valley Railroad offers.
Whitewater Valley Railroad/Facebook
You'll find all kinds of fun and interesting events year-round, like historic wild-west rides, magical Christmastime rides, and much more. Whitewater Valley is a rolling history museum with passionate volunteers who truly enjoy sharing the fascinating history of one of Indiana's oldest train lines with curious guests.
No matter what time of year you visit, you're sure to leave with a lot more knowledge about Indiana train rides than you arrived with - and we wouldn't have it any other way!
Whitewater Valley Railroad/Facebook

For the most up-to-date event information, ticket sales, reservations, and much more visit the official Whitewater Railroad website.

So what do you think? Do you plan on taking any scenic train rides in Indiana this year? Tell us your plans in the comments! And if you need some more exciting things to do in Indiana, take a look at Airbnb experiences. There may be some things to do that you hadn’t even imagined.

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Scenic Train Rides

Tori Jane | August 18, 2022

Where can I find the best fall foliage near me?  

No matter which part of Indiana you’re from, you’re sure to find amazing fall foliage within very close range as soon as the time is right:

  • Visit Brown County State Park, which is famous for its being one of the most beautiful places in Indiana and see it when it's at its most majestic.
  • The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is a gem to visit year-round, but it’s one of our favorite things to do in Indiana during the fall thanks to its otherworldly beauty.
  • Other places around the Hoosier State for autumn splendor include Eagle Creek Park as well as just about every other state park in Indiana!  

 

Where can I see amazing fall colors in Indiana?  

Naturally, the list doesn’t just stop with the above ideas – oh, no. It goes on seemingly forever, and we are HERE for it. Other favorite places of ours for viewing fall colors in Indiana include:

 

What are some great places for leaf peeping in Indiana? 

There are some places to see fall foliage in Indiana that might surprise you – like its unusually beautiful college campuses, such as:

  • University of Notre Dame
  • Butler University
  • Perdue University

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