Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum opens train excursions this weekend

The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum begins its 2023 Train Excursion Season on Saturday, May 6, in North Judson. 

Diesel excursion trains will depart from the depot every Saturday, and some select Sundays, until the end of September.  Passengers have their choice of riding in open-air sightseeing cars or vintage cars while rolling down the tracks through the Northwest Indiana countryside.  Train excursions are round-trip from the depot and travel about five miles to the Kankakee River at English Lake, before returning to North Judson. 

Trains depart at 10:00 AM, 12:00 Noon, and 2:00 PM (central time).  The total length of each trip will be approximately 45 minutes.  Ticket prices are $14.00 (adult, age 16 and above), $10.00 (child, ages 3 – 15), and children aged 2 and under are free.  Groups of 6 or more get $2 off each ticket.  Purchasing tickets at www.hoosiervalley.org is recommended, as seating is limited. 

Steam excursion trains may be available during this season on Saturdays and/or Sundays.  Please check the HVRM website (www.hoosiervalley.org) or call the depot (574-896-3950) for the schedule and availability.

Be sure to visit the museum and grounds where admission is always free.  The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum has one of the largest museum collections of working railroad signals and a restored WWII Pullman Troop Car.  Stroll around the grounds to see all types of rolling stock, engines, and memorabilia of a bygone era.

The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum has an exciting schedule of events planned for this season.  Civilians & Soldiers in History displays, reenactors, and events will be on Saturday, July 22nd.  Fall brings Pumpkin & Halloween Trains and Santa Trains run in late November & December.  Times and prices for special events will vary from regular train excursions.  Remember that seating is limited, and it is recommended to purchase tickets, in advance, before the excursions sell out.

HVRM is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and education of railroading history.  Special group events (including school groups) can be arranged by contacting the depot.

Visit the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum website (www.hoosiervalley.org) for a complete schedule of events. Order tickets at www.hoosiervalley.org or call the depot (574-896-3950) on Saturdays or days when train excursions are scheduled.