Kelly Lynch

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 car also served as the observation car on the James Whitcomb Riley, a highly regarded New York Central passenger train named after a famous Indiana author.  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. To-date, over $400,000 has been invested in developing the railroad campus and restoring the historic depot.

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)

• Sunday, May 10, 2026: Throttle Time – Nickel Plate Road 358 (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.

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

• Saturday, June 6, 2026: TBA
  

• Friday, June 19, 2026: Tri-State Scenic (Steam)

• 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

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

• 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.

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

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

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

• Sunday, December 13, 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)

• Tuesday, 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.

In 2024, the event served more than 8,000 residents and reached over 250,000 spectators in person and online. This year’s expanded schedule is expected to draw even larger crowds, with Santa’s journey stretching across three festive evenings. A full schedule will be released on November 6th, 2025.

“Railroading already carries with it a special kind of magic and it is never more true than during the holidays,” said Kelly Lynch, Executive Director of the Fort Wayne Railroad. “Partnering with Cameron Health and our new sponsors makes this event more than just a passing spectacle — it’s a way for families to make new memories together and kick off the holiday season. And those who see Santa’s train can continue the tradition by joining us aboard the Indiana Christmas Train in December.”

RIDE THE INDIANA CHRISTMAS TRAIN IN DECEMBER

Tickets for the Indiana Christmas Train are on sale now at indianarails.org. Departing from Pleasant Lake, Indiana, these 1.5-hour excursions offer a festive journey through the winter countryside, featuring twinkling lights, music, and holiday magic.

Available accommodations include Deluxe Coach, First Class, Family Packages, and Private Suites. A limited number of new tickets have just been added in Deluxe Coach and First Class.

Guests can also enjoy themed experiences such as the Christmas Cocktail Class (for adults only), a Private Lounge for groups of up to 15, exclusive Pullman Lounge and Pullman Table dates.

ABOUT CAMERON HEALTH

Cameron Health is a trusted, independent, not-for-profit hospital system serving northeast Indiana, northwest Ohio, and southern Michigan.

Cameron focuses on whole-person wellness through community partnerships, innovation, and compassionate relationships, with values rooted in inclusion, integrity, teamwork, and excellence. Discover more about its mission at cameronhealth.com.

ABOUT THE FORT WAYNE RAILROAD

For over 50 years, the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society has created unique and memorable experiences celebrating the Golden Age of Railroading — a transformative era of American transportation, innovation, and connectivity spanning the 1930s to the 1950s. In 2023, its rail tourism partnership with the Indiana Northeastern Railroad Company, the Indiana Rail Experience, was named Indiana’s Best New Experience by Visit Indiana. Since 2022, its events have generated an economic impact of over $5 million on Northeast Indiana.

The Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society’s operations are made possible entirely by volunteers and funded through ticket sales, memberships, donations, grants, and sponsorships. For more information, visit fortwaynerailroad.org.

Open House and Ice Cream Train Rides Offered on August 9, 2025

PLEASANT LAKE, IND. — The Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society is proud to announce the completion of the first phase of restoration at the historic Pleasant Lake railroad depot. To celebrate, the public is invited to a free open house on Saturday, August 9, coinciding with the community’s annual Pleasant Lake Days festival.

The event will include free tours of the restored 1880s-era depot, railroad exhibits, live music, and family-friendly activities, as well as special Ice Cream Train rides aboard a vintage passenger train departing from the depot in the late afternoon. Tickets for the Ice Cream Train go on sale July 24 at 6:00 PM at indianarailexperience.org.

“This station has been part of Pleasant Lake’s identity for over a century,” said Kelly Lynch, Executive Director of the Fort Wayne Railroad. “We’re thrilled to see it return as a symbol of neighborhood pride and as a destination for future events, excursions, and community.”

More than $259,000 has been raised to restore and revitalize the Pleasant Lake campus. The depot’s cosmetic restoration — completed with support from local volunteers, private donors, and Third Street Construction — includes a renewed foundation and floor in the freight house, fresh paint, replacement of damaged and rotted woodwork, new transoms and windows, restored and replica signage, new electrical and security systems, and even the incorporation of an original Lake Shore & Michigan Southern coal stove for the passenger station. This past winter, the original Pleasant Lake depot sign was returned to the building for the first time in decades, and focus will now move to restoring the station’s interior.

Underwriting and support for the project have come from Visit Indiana, Norfolk Southern, the Indiana Historical Society, the M.E. Raker Foundation, the Olive B. Cole Foundation, the Steuben County Tourism Bureau, Indiana Michigan Power. Donations to support future work can be made online or by mail.

As a result of support from underwriting organizations like these, the partnership between the Fort Wayne Railroad and Indiana Northeastern Railroad has been able to host over 50,000 passengers and generate more than $5 million in economic impact across the region, according to the Steuben County Tourism Bureau.

As part of the ongoing investment in Pleasant Lake, the Fort Wayne Railroad and Indiana Northeastern are now rebuilding one of the depot’s original railroad sidings to facilitate the servicing, maintenance, and boarding of excursion trains. The new siding will be complemented by renewed landscaping and additional infrastructure, paving the way for future expansion.

Constructed in 1882 for the Fort Wayne & Jackson Railroad and later owned by the New York Central, the Pleasant Lake depot is a rare structure that combines passenger and freight service under one roof. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was once documented as one of Indiana’s 295 most threatened historic structures, a title it no longer shares.

Following the end of regular passenger service in the 1940s, the depot was briefly revived in the 1980s for tourist trains under the Little River Railroad and later preserved by residents in the 2000s.

The open house will complement the full schedule of Pleasant Lake Days festivities, including fireworks, a parade, car show, kids’ games, food trucks, and more. Visitors can expect a festive, family-friendly atmosphere.

For more information and to purchase tickets for the Ice Cream Train, visit indianarailexperience.org.

A 1940s steam locomotive will take guests on a tour of Autumn colors in Northeast Indiana and Southeast Michigan this October

STEUBEN COUNTY, IND. – As part of its expanding season, the Indiana Rail Experience has just announced its first-ever Fall Color Trains in a partnership with the Indiana Northeastern Railroad and Fort Wayne Railroad.

Featuring accommodations aboard vintage passenger cars, first-class tickets, a private car, and a layover in historic downtown, the first weekend of trips on October 7th and 8th will depart Pleasant Lake, Indiana for Hillsdale, Michigan. On the second weekend, excursions will depart Hillsdale and Angola, Indiana on October 14th and 15th. Tickets are on sale now at https://www.indianarailexperience.org/#fallcolors

“With the changing seasons, cooler weather, and dramatic sunsets, the railroad really transforms into something scenic and captivating for visitors,” said Andrew Hershman, Marketing and Sales Manager for the Indiana Northeastern. “Our company has spent the last three decades reinvesting in the line and developing industry in the region, and we’re looking forward to welcoming passengers to enjoy it this fall.”

Traversing the former line of the New York Central Railroad, the trips will offer scenic and picturesque glimpses into quiet farms, lakeside towns, and curving railroad. The October 14th and 15th excursions will be the first Indiana Rail Experience trips to depart Hillsdale.

In 2022, the Indiana Rail Experience welcomed over 7,500 visitors from 32 states and 2 countries and was named the Best New Experience by the Indiana State Tourism Association. The 2023 season includes both steam-and-diesel-powered excursions, with a series of Christmas trains planned out of Northeast Indiana in November and December.

INDIANA CIGAR TRAIN TO VISIT MIDWEST ON JULY 1st

NORTHEAST INDIANA – Rudy’s Shop and the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society have joined forces to create Rudy’s Rolling Smoke, a one-of-a-kind Cigar Train aboard a vintage train set featuring special guest Eric Espinosa. Sponsored by Rudy’s, Fort Wayne’s premiere cigar and wine store, tickets are on sale now at cigar-train.com and start at $199.

“There is nothing else like this in the Midwest. Our cigar car had become the most popular car on our wine and whiskey trains, which lead us to create an entire train ride dedicated to enjoying cigars, spirits, and the passing countryside aboard a historic passenger train,” said Kelly Lynch, Vice President of the Fort Wayne Railroad. “We’ve taken what we love about our favorite lounges and cigar bar, and put it on rails.”

The exclusive cigar train departs Pleasant Lake, Indiana – just north of Fort Wayne and 30 minutes south of the 80/90 toll roads – and heads for Hillsdale, Michigan for a layover and lunch at the Hillsdale Brewing Company. Tickets include generous cigar packages, spirits, refreshments, lunch, and snacks. While onboard guests will get to meet and greet Erik Espinosa and enjoy complimentary premium cigars from Espinosa Cigars.

The train includes both coach and VIP seating in historic railcars specially outfitted for cigar smoking, including an executive Pullman car with a smoking platform for VIP passengers, an open-air baggage car and bar, and other traditional seating for both cigar smokers and non-smokers.

ABOUT RUDY’S SHOP

Located next to Fort Wayne’s Parkview Field, Rudy’s Shop is celebrating its ten-year anniversary in 2023. Featuring a lounge, firepits, beer garden, and private cigar floor, Rudys sells premium cigars, Indiana beer and wine, and DeBrand Fine Chocolates.

ABOUT THE FORT WAYNE RAILROAD

For over 50 years, the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society has offered remarkable and inspiring experiences through the preservation, restoration, and operation of historic railroad equipment and artifacts significant to Northeast Indiana. An all-volunteer, award-winning, and safety-driven non-profit organization, it has operated Nickel Plate Road no. 765 for over 100,000 miles in public exhibition and passenger train excursion service and routinely welcomes visitors from all 50 states and half a dozen countries. In 2022, Fort Wayne Railroad’s Indiana Rail Experience was named Indiana’s Best New Experience by the Indiana Tourism Association. Its operations are funded by ticket sales, memberships, donations, grants, and sponsorships.

PLEASANT LAKE, INDIANA – A new generation of railroaders will enjoy a special event of immersive hands-on training and education thanks to a partnership between Camp Chief Little Turtle, the Indiana Northeastern Railroad, and the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society during the 2023 season of the Indiana Rail Experience.

The Indiana Railcamp – the first of its kind in the state – will welcome up to 30 young adults ages 13 through 17 on July 13th and 14th. Campers 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, and Scouts will be able to earn their Railroading Merit Badge. The cost is $150 per camper and registrations are open at scoutingevent.com/157-INDIANARAILCAMP2023.

The first session of Indiana Railcamp will be sponsored by the Dekko Foundation and Steuben County Foundation, and scholarships for qualified attendees are available. Additional dates and expanded experiences will be announced for scouts and the general public. To sign up for future events, visit https://forms.gle/jMH5cBQJobCz98xE6. For information on scholarships, click here.

“We’re delighted to find partners in the Anthony Wayne Area Council as part of the Scouts BSA Program at Camp Chief Little Turtle, Dekko Foundation, and the Steuben County Foundation to increase our educational offerings,” said Joe Knapke, president of the Fort Wayne Railroad. “We hope some of the attendees will become future railroaders, and begin learning valuable trade skills and knowledge about the rail industry. Passing on these skills, knowledge, and passion is central to our mission.”

“We are ecstatic to partner with the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society to bring this unique experience to youth in our Scouting community. This is not only an incredible experience, but youth will be deepening their understanding of how railroads play a vital role in our lives. This just may be the spark for our region’s next generation of conductors and engineers.”

ABOUT THE ANTHONY WAYNE AREA COUNCIL AND CAMP CHIEF LITTLE TURTLE

Anthony Wayne Area Council (AWAC) of the Boy Scouts of America serves 11 counties in northeast Indiana. During the summer, it serves many Scouts from other parts of Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, and Ohio at AWAC’s Camp Chief Little Turtle (CCLT). This 1,200-acre camp is located at 2282 W. 500 S., Pleasant Lake, Indiana. Our youth development programs include aquatics, shooting sports, outdoor skills, fishing, conservation, and an innovative STEAM (Science-Trades-Engineering-Arts) Program. This summer, we will offer over 90 programs and merit badge sessions ranging from sailing, climbing, fish and wildlife management, engineering, and welding. In 2023, we anticipate over 1000 youth to participate in our summer camp experience. This includes 4 sessions of Scouts BSA camp for youth 11-17, which is six nights without internet and video games and five days of career & hobby-based instruction. We view summer camp experiences as pivotal experiences in a child’s life, from conquering fears and building confidence, to learning a new life skill or career option. We also recognize the importance of youth getting away from devices and out into nature.

ABOUT THE FORT WAYNE RAILROAD HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INC.

For over 50 years, the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society has offered remarkable and inspiring experiences through the preservation, restoration, and operation of historic railroad equipment and artifacts significant to Northeast Indiana. An all-volunteer, award-winning, and safety-driven non-profit organization, it has operated Nickel Plate Road no. 765 for over 100,000 miles in public exhibition and passenger train excursion service and routinely welcomes visitors from all 50 states and half a dozen countries. In 2022, Fort Wayne Railroad’s Indiana Rail Experience was named Indiana’s Best New Experience by the Indiana Tourism Association. Its operations are funded by ticket sales, memberships, donations, grants, and sponsorships.