2026 Indiana Rail Experience Schedule

In 2026, the Indiana Rail Experience returns with its most expansive and well-rounded calendar yet — introducing new excursions, new passenger cars, and a full season of train rides, special events, and immersive experiences that bring the sights, sounds, and stories of America’s railroad past into motion across a 100-mile railroad in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio.

Since its inaugural season in 2022, the partnership between the Indiana Northeastern Railroad and the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society has welcomed more than 70,000 passengers to the Northeast Indiana region and generated over $5 million in economic impact.

Explore the season at a glance, along with the full 2026 calendar below.

EXPLORE THE SEASON

The season begins with the debut of the Hillsdale Traveler — a new, regularly scheduled diesel-powered excursion designed as a relaxed, repeatable way to experience the railroad. With multiple classes of service and several departures throughout the summer, the Traveler makes it easier than ever to climb aboard.

Family-friendly favorites return with the popular Ice Cream Train and the Picnic Train — two accessible, affordable rides designed for all ages. The Ice Cream Train delivers a classic summertime experience with Scoops Ice Cream, while the Picnic Train pairs casual coach seating with first-class accommodations, timed for sunset at magic hour. A special partnership with Acres Away Winery adds an elevated option for passengers 21 and over on select evening Picnic Trains.

Father’s Day Weekend expands in a big way with the return of the Tri-State Scenic Steam Excursion on Friday and Saturday between Edon, Ohio, and Hillsdale, Michigan, joined by the debut of the Fox Lake Limited on Sunday — introducing new trips between Pleasant Lake, Indiana, and Montgomery, Michigan.

Signature rides for guests 21 and over return as well, including the Wine & Whiskey Train on Memorial Day Weekend, a dedicated Cigar and Bourbon Experience on July 18, and additional Cigar Train departures throughout the season.

Hands-on opportunities to operate a real vintage locomotive are offered throughout the season. During Throttle Time, guests 18 years of age and older can step into the cab and learn to operate the historic Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive No. 765 or the classic Nickel Plate diesel locomotive No. 358.

Across the calendar, signature events return as part of the year’s America 250 celebrations, including the immersive World War II Weekend and a special September partnership with the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum.

The Indiana Railroad Camp, hosted in coordination with Camp Chief Little Turtle, invites young adults ages 13–17 to enjoy a two-day, hands-on experience in Pleasant Lake. Campers explore operations, rail safety, and both diesel and steam locomotives alongside experienced railroaders, including instructors from Amtrak and Norfolk Southern.

October favorites return in full color, with three days of the Fall Colors Steam Excursion and the Autumn Limited, scheduled just in time for peak color in Indiana and Michigan.

As the year turns toward winter, a familiar tradition enters a new era with the introduction of the Reindeer Run — a reimagining of the Fort Wayne Railroad’s 25-year legacy of short, memorable Christmas train rides designed for younger children, bringing the magic of the holidays to Edon, Ohio, as well as Ashley and South Milford, Indiana.

These shorter holiday rides are followed by the special Indiana Christmas Train, which offers a journey through history aboard a transportive holiday excursion featuring first-class amenities and even more time with Santa.

As the season comes full circle, the Hot Chocolate Festival and Wine & Winter Cozy return in early 2027 — one of our newest experiences and a warm and welcome start to the year!

Subscribe to our email list for announcements and early ticket access. Private cars, group rates, and train charters are available by contacting the ticket agent or clicking here to learn more.

From the first stirrings of steam in summer to the glow of winter lights at year’s end, 2026 invites you to whistle off with us in a year of patriotic celebration.

NEW ARRIVALS

“Your ticket to Low-Cost Luxury” – The New York Central

Joining the fleet this year is the stainless steel New York Central tavern-lounge observation car No. 48 — a streamlined veteran of the Pacemaker, the Chicago–New York service once marketed as “low-cost luxury.” The model of the car is featured in the advertisement above.

Built in 1949 and recently renovated by Great Scenic Railway Journeys and the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, the car now features table and lounge seating alongside a stainless steel kitchen. Decades after gliding through Northern Indiana on its original route, No. 48 returns to familiar territory on original New York Central trackage, placing a new generation of passengers inside that legacy. More details on 48 – and other new visitors will be available soon.

The 48 joins a train set of open-window cars, traditional coaches, a 1950s dining car, and a 1920s Pullman car — together forming a moving cross section of the Golden Age of American railroading. To tour this unique collection of passenger cars, click here.

The 2026 calendar also arrives as the Fort Wayne Railroad completes a series of major improvements to the historic Pleasant Lake station and grounds — making the site more accessible than ever thanks to support from the Indiana Destination Development Corporation and following a year of cosmetic restoration and foundation work on the 143-year-old structure.

A new 1,500-foot siding has also been constructed at the station, allowing for the storage, servicing, and maintenance of the growing passenger fleet — with more improvements still to come.

The Fort Wayne Railroad has also partnered with the Fort Wayne TinCaps to introduce the PufferBellies — a new alternate identity that pays tribute to the region’s rich railroad heritage. The team will take the field in uniforms inspired by Nickel Plate Road No. 765 during Wednesday night home games from May through August of the 2026 season.

GET INVOLVED

Behind every mile traveled, and every whistle heard, is a team of people making it all possible: volunteers, members, and donors who give their time, talent, and resources to keep this railroad in motion. From restoring historic equipment and maintaining the fleet to welcoming passengers aboard and bringing each experience to life, thousands of hours go into every season of operation.

If you’ve ever wanted to be part of something bigger — to work with your hands, learn new skills, or help preserve a living piece of American history — there’s a place for you here. Whether you choose to volunteer your time or support the mission through a donation, your contribution directly fuels the restoration, operation, and growth of this railroad and the experiences it creates.

Step off the platform and onto the railroad by clicking here.

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

CHOOSE YOUR JOURNEY

2026 EXCURSION & EVENT SCHEDULE

For more information on each event, click the event name. All events, dates, details, and itineraries are subject to change.

Refresh this page for the most current information. For the latest updates and early access to tickets, subscribe to our email list. Fort Wayne Railroad members receive priority access to tickets and select discounts where applicable.

April

• Saturday, April 25, 2026: Hillsdale Freedom Display (Diesel)

May

Ticket sales begin in April. Click here to be notified.

• Saturday, May 2, 2026: Hillsdale Traveler | Picnic Train (Diesel)

• Friday, May 22, 2026: Ice Cream Train (Diesel)

• Saturday, May 23, 2026: Ice Cream Train | Wine & Whiskey Train (Diesel)

• Sunday, May 24, 2026: Ice Cream Train (Diesel)

June

During June, Nickel Plate Road no. 765 is planned to operate during Steam in the Valley at the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad in Northeast Ohio on June 5th, 6th, 7th, and 12th, 13th, and 14th. Additional events are planned for the Indiana Rail Experience.

• Saturday, June 6, 2026: TBA

• Saturday, June 20, 2026: Tri-State Scenic (Steam)

• Sunday, June 21, 2026: Fox Lake Limited (Steam)

July

• Saturday, July 4, 2026: Hillsdale Traveler | Hillsdale 250 Train Rides (Steam)

• Sunday, July 5, 2026: Ice Cream Train (Steam)

• Tuesday, July 14, 2026: TBA

• Saturday, July 18, 2026: Ash & Iron Cigar and Bourbon Excursion

• Friday & Saturday, July 24 – 25 2026: Members Weekend

• Sunday, July 26, 2026: Throttle Time – Nickel Plate Road 765 (Steam)

• Monday, July 27, 2026: Railroad Camp (Steam)

• Tuesday, July 28, 2026: Railroad Camp (Diesel)

August

• Saturday, August 1, 2026: Hillsdale Traveler | Picnic Train (Diesel)

• Friday, August 7, 2026: Edon Days Ice Cream Train (Diesel)

• Saturday, August 8, 2026: Pleasant Lake Days Ice Cream Train (Diesel)

• Saturday, August 15, 2026: South Milford Days (Diesel)

• Sunday, August 23, 2026: Throttle Time – Nickel Plate Road 765 (Steam)

September

Ticket sales begin in June. Click here to be notified.

• Tuesday, September 1, 2026: Auburn Cord Duesenberg Hoosier Tour (Steam)

• Friday, September 4, 2026: WWII Weekend (Steam)

• Saturday, September 5, 2026: WWII Weekend (Steam)

• Sunday, September 6, 2026: WWII Weekend (Steam)

October

Ticket sales begin in July. Click here to be notified.

• Saturday, October 3, 2026: Cigar Train (Diesel)

• Sunday, October 4, 2026: Throttle Time – Nickel Plate Road 358 (Diesel)

• Saturday, October 10, 2026: Hillsdale Railroad Festival (Diesel)

• Sunday, October 11, 2026: Hillsdale Railroad Festival (Diesel)

• Friday, October 16, 2026: Fall Colors Steam Special (Steam)

• Saturday, October 17, 2026: Fall Colors Steam Special (Steam)

• Sunday, October 18, 2026: Fall Colors Steam Special (Steam)

• Friday, October 23, 2026: Autumn Limited (Diesel)

• Saturday, October 24, 2026: Autumn Limited (Diesel)

• Sunday, October 25, 2026: Autumn Limited (Diesel)

November

Ticket sales begin in August. Click here to be notified.

• Thursday, November 19, 2026:  Cameron Christmas Train

• Friday, November 20, 2026: Cameron Christmas Train

• Saturday, November 21, 2026: Cameron Christmas Train (Steam)

• Friday, November 27, 2026: Edon Reindeer Run (Diesel)

• Saturday, November 28, 2026: Ashley Reindeer Run (Diesel)

• Sunday, November 29, 2026: South Milford Reindeer Run (Diesel)

December

Ticket sales begin in August. Click here to be notified.

• Friday, December 4, 2026: Indiana Christmas Train (Diesel)

• Saturday, December 5, 2026: Indiana Christmas Train (Diesel)

• Sunday, December 6, 2026: Indiana Christmas Train (Diesel)

• Friday, December 11, 2026: Indiana Christmas Train (Diesel)
  

• Saturday, December 12, 2026: Indiana Christmas Train (Diesel)

• Sunday, December 13, 2026: Indiana Christmas Train (Diesel)

• Friday, December 18, 2026: Indiana Christmas Train (Diesel)

• Saturday, December 19, 2026: Indiana Christmas Train (Diesel)

• Sunday, December 20, 2026: Indiana Christmas Train (Diesel)

• Monday, December 21, 2026: Indiana Christmas Train (Diesel)

February 2027

Ticket sales begin in December. Click here to be notified.

• Saturday, February 13, 2027: Hot Chocolate Train | Wine & Winter Cozy (Diesel)

• Sunday, February 14, 2027: Hot Chocolate Train | Wine & Winter Cozy (Diesel)

ABOUT

Since 1972, the Fort Wayne Railroad has worked to restore and transform historic railroad equipment into operating attractions, including most notably Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive no. 765. For over 40 years, its dedicated volunteers have exhibited vintage rail attractions throughout the Midwest and Eastern United States.

In association with the Indiana Northeastern Railroad, the organization created the Indiana Rail Experience in 2022 and now routinely operates tourist trains between Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. With growing attendance numbers and an economic impact of over 5 million dollars, the 100-mile-long route was named Indiana’s Best New Experience in 2023.

Its operations are made possible entirely through volunteers and funded by ticket sales, memberships, donations, grants, and sponsorships. For more information, visit fortwaynerailroad.org.