FALL COLORS STEAM SPECIAL

All-day fall colors steam excursion featuring First Class and Pullman accommodations

🎟️ JOIN OUR MAILING LIST FOR TICKETS IN 2026. TICKET SALES BEGIN IN JULY 🎟️

TRAIN DATES

October 16th, 17th, 18th – STEAM POWERED
Pleasant Lake, Indiana – Hillsdale, Michigan

Summary

Perfect for fall lovers, day-trippers, and steam locomotive fans, the Fall Colors Steam Special is a one-of-a-kind autumn adventure with a full-day ride behind a historic steam engine with time to explore charming Hillsdale, Michigan.

ITINERARY

9:00 AM – Check-in and Boarding Begins
9:30 AM – Depart Pleasant Lake
11:45 AM – Arrive in Hillsdale
2:30 PM – Depart from Hillsdale
4:00 PM – Photo runby in Ray
5:30 PM – Arrive in Pleasant Lake

Parking & Boarding

Station and ADA Parking: 1469 West Main Street

Pleasant Lake, Indiana

Parking: 1525 Main St, Pleasant Lake, IN, 46779

TICKET PRICES

Ticket fares range from $109 (Deluxe Coach) to $625 (Private Pullman Table)

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ACCOMMODATIONS

ROUTE GUIDE

FAQ

SCHEDULE

9:00 AM — Depart Pleasant Lake, Indiana

11:30 AM — Arrive in Hillsdale, Michigan for a midday layover, with time to enjoy lunch and explore the town at your own pace

2:30 PM — Depart Hillsdale and enjoy the journey back, including a planned photo runby

4:00 PM — Photo Runby: a chance to step off, watch, and capture the train at speed

5:30 PM — Arrive back in Pleasant Lake

THE EXPERIENCE

Enjoy the Fall Colors Steam Special through the Indiana and Michigan countryside on Friday, October 17th, Saturday, October 18th, and Sunday, October 19th. Guests seeking shorter offerings may also enjoy our 3-hour, diesel-powered Autumn Limited excursion.

These all-day, steam-powered excursions will treat passengers to a scenic ride aboard a vintage passenger train featuring historic Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive no. 765.

Ticket sales begin in July for the general public, but earlier for members of the Fort Wayne Railroad. Click here for an email reminder or click here to become a member.

Departing Pleasant Lake, Indiana, at 9:30 AM, the train will travel over the Indiana Northeastern Railroad and arrive in Hillsdale, Michigan, for a 2.5-hour layover where guests can enjoy shopping, walking tours, and lunch on their own in a variety of area restaurants and food trucks.

With a scheduled departure at 2:30 PM, the train will arrive back at its origin at approximately 6:30 PM.

This excursion is a fundraiser operated by the volunteers of the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society. Your patronage supports our ongoing rail preservation and community enrichment efforts.

THE OFFERINGS

Deluxe Coach, Open Window, First Class, and Private Car tickets are available for this excursion. Children three years of age and younger who do not occupy a seat ride free in Deluxe Coach only.

All tickets are individually priced unless specifically referenced or otherwise marked as Family Packages, Couples, Table, Couch, Suite, etc. ADA-specific seats are available in Deluxe Coach only.

Select First Class tickets include complimentary coffee and light refreshments. Additional amenities are included where listed. A cash bar is available for responsible guests 21 years of age or older.

Guests riding aboard the Kitchi Gammi Club and New York Central 48 will enjoy breakfast prepared and served by our executive chef. Passengers in Silver Diner may also breakfast to their ticket accommodations.

Passengers may bring their own personal food and non-alcoholic drinks. Pets are not permitted, but service animals are welcome.

THE FINE PRINT

Delivery: Tickets are emailed instantly upon purchase. Check your spam folder, but also ensure you enter your email correctly when ordering.
Boarding Info: Parking and safety details are included in your confirmation email. Save it. We’ll also send reminders.
Travel Together: To sit with friends, please book under one reservation.
Refunds: Available 30+ days before travel. Credits offered for late cancellations.
Provisions: Passengers may bring personal food and non-alcoholic refreshments.
Pets: Service animals are welcome, but please leave pets at home.
Accessibility: Due to their historic nature, only select cars are ADA accessible. They’re listed in the ticket selection screen.
Review all of our terms, conditions, and safety advisories before travel.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Selecting a fare will display detailed information about each ticket class and amenities after your desired date and time are chosen.

STANDARD & FAMILY

A classic, air-conditioned ride perfect for families or groups traveling together.

GET NOTIFIED WHEN SALES BEGIN

Deluxe Coach – $85
Family Package (Seats 4) – $285
ADA seats available

*Prices do not include processing fees.

OPEN-AIR EXPERIENCES

Enjoy the sights and sounds of historic railroading from a lounge or individual table seat. Complimentary coffee, refreshments, and breakfast items included. These cars are not climate-controlled, but feature fans, open windows, and expansive double-dutch viewing doors.

GET NOTIFIED WHEN SALES BEGIN

Lawton Park lounge – $185
Centlivre Park table – $685

*Prices do not include processing fees.

PREMIUM & PRIVATE

The ultimate first-class experience in our Pullman car, observation car or 1950s dining car, with complimentary refreshments, amenities, and executive chef.

GET NOTIFIED WHEN SALES BEGIN

Silver Diner – $235
NYC 48 Observation – $425
Pullman Lounge – $425
Pullman Private Table
(Seats 2)– $725
NYC 48 Private Table
(Seats 4) – $1,100

*Prices do not include processing fees.

Preview your journey

Step into the golden era of rail travel aboard one of America’s most legendary steam locomotives. From the rhythmic chuff of the coal-burning engine to the sight of rural farm fields through vintage windows, every mile is a love letter to the mode of transportation that built the nation.