Named Indiana’s “Best New Experience” by state tourism officials in 2023, the Indiana Rail Experience offers a variety of train trips and events including hour-long rides, themed event trains, and all-day excursions aboard our historic passenger trains from the 1940s and 50s!
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All-day steam-powered fall color excursions in Indiana and Michigan departing Pleasant Lake, Indiana. Tickets start at $119.00. Ticket sales begin July 10th.
2.5 hour, diesel-powered train rides departing Pleasant Lake, Indiana for Reading, Michigan. Tickets start at $35.00. Ticket sales begin July 10th.
A three-day living history event celebrating American military, railroad, and home front history featuring vintage train rides, World War II reenactors, battles, a 1940s Dinner and Dance, classic automobiles, and an immersive and educational experience for all ages in Pleasant Lake, Indiana. Ticket sales begin July 16th at 6:00 PM.
Young adults will work side-by-side with career railroaders, preservationists, and educators as they learn about freight and passenger railroading, railroad safety, history, construction, model railroading, and both modern diesel-electric and vintage steam locomotives.
Pack a picnic basket, bring the family, and invite your friends for a summertime outing aboard a vintage, diesel-powered train during the evening or afternoon. Trip duration and routes will vary based on the date. Cars for guests 21-and-over will be available, too. Tickets start at $9.00 for coach passengers and first-class tables for $75.00. A private section for groups is available for $750.00.
Climb aboard this pet-friendly train for a Saturday afternoon cruise that will benefit local animal care centers. Registration is $45.00.
Diesel-powered cigar train featuring cigars, drinks, lunch, and more! Departing Pleasant Lake, Indiana.
20-minute diesel-powered Christmas train rides with Santa Claus departing New Haven, Indiana. Ticket sales begin August 7th.
1.5-hour diesel-powered Christmas trains departing Pleasant Lake, Indiana. Ticket start at $35.00 for children and $45.00 for adults. Ticket sales begin August 7th.
Hour-long train rides powered by both steam and diesel locomotives featuring complimentary ice cream departing Angola, Indiana. Tickets are $15.00 for children and $25.00 for adults. Children 3-and-under ride free.
Savor wines and delicious dessert pairings aboard our diesel-powered trip with tickets for individuals, couples, tables, and private cars. Departing Angola, Indiana.
History cycles back as we join forces with Steuben County Trails for a diesel-powered train ride from Pleasant Lake, Indiana to Angola, Indiana, and a bike ride return for a gathering at the historic Pleasant Lake depot. Enjoy food, drinks, and friends as you learn about rail and trail development in the region. Tickets are $40.00.
Revel in a summer evening train ride with appetizers, the spirit of your choice, and enjoy coach, first class tickets, a private car for groups, and our cigar car. Tickets start at $85.00. Join our wait list for the next trip!
Step into the cab of a historic steam or diesel locomotive and become an engineer or fireman for a 45-minute session while you operate the locomotive over the railroad.
All-day steam excursion between Edon, Ohio and Michigan on Father’s Day Weekend. Deluxe Coach tickets start at $119.00. First Class tickets starts at $249.00.
In 2023, we acquired the historic Lake Shore & Michigan Southern station in Pleasant Lake, Indiana. In the coming years, we hope to restore this historic structure on Main Street for regular departures. Many of our trips depart Hillsdale, Michigan Angola, and Edon, Ohio, so be sure to check your ticketing and boarding information.
The Indiana Rail Experience is a celebration of this remarkable history made possible through a special partnership with the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society and the Indiana Northeastern Railroad.
Trips depart from Pleasant Lake and other stations along our route. Please consult specific ticket and event details for parking and boarding information.
The Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society offers outstanding, educational experiences through the operation of one of the last surviving steam locomotives in the world: Nickel Plate Road no. 765.
The Indiana Rail Experience is a special partnership between the Fort Wayne Railroad and the Indiana Northeastern Railroad. This collaboration will bring the exciting sites and sounds to our region for years to come.
At the turn of the 20th Century, Northeast, Indiana was powered by over a dozen railroads and interurban lines. Our communities were connected to every major city in the nation by high speed passenger trains and the revered steam locomotive. Very few lives were untouched by the rhythm of the rail.
The Indiana Rail Experience is a celebration of this remarkable history made possible through a special partnership with the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society and the Indiana Northeastern Railroad.
