Events

Aug 04 2022

Littler River Railroad to offer train rides in Hillsdale

By Kelly Lynch Events, News 2 Comments

HILLSDALE, MICHIGAN – For the first time in 70 years, two steam-powered passenger trains will meet in Hillsdale, Michigan. On August 27th and 28th, the Little River Railroad will operate steam-powered train rides out of downtown Hillsdale in a partnership with the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society and Indiana Northeastern Railroad Company. The collaboration is an extension of the Indiana Rail Experience, a new and popular rail tourism program based in Northeast Indiana.

These 25-minute rides will depart from the southwest side of Hillsdale Street and the railroad crossing during the layover of the Fort Wayne Railroad’s popular Tri-State Scenic Steam Excursion. Tickets for the Hillsdale Train Rides are on sale now at indianarailexperience.org and space is limited.

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“Our Tri-State excursions will deliver 800 passengers to Hillsdale over two days in August and we wanted to give area residents an opportunity to enjoy a train ride of their own. The Little River Railroad will also give our guests another great amenity to enjoy while they shop and dine in Hillsdale,” explained Chris Homco, co-event manager for the Indiana Rail Experience.

Based out of Coldwater, Michigan, the non-profit Little River Railroad has operated in rail tourist excursion service since 1975 and routinely offers rides and events in Southeastern Michigan with Little River steam locomotives no. 110 and no. 1.

“We’re looking forward to seeing our attractions operating side by side,” stated Travis Bloom, Vice President of Little River. “Teamwork between members and organizations like this is key to sustaining historic preservation and help bring added value to the communities we serve.”

The town of Hillsdale once linked the New York Central’s original east-west route between Toledo and Elkhart and a north-south route between Fort Wayne and Jackson, Michigan. The Indiana Northeastern, through an association with the Michigan Department of Transportation and nearly Branch County Rail Users Association, has revitalized the railroad line and now serves over 25 customers and supports over 500 regional jobs.

Jun 05 2022

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Indiana Rail Experience 2022 Schedule

By Ticket Agent Events, News No Comments

ANGOLA, INDIANA – Starting next month, the Indiana Rail Experience will bring a number of distinct train rides, community events, and special occasions to families, railroad fans, and people of all ages in the region.

Over four weeks between July and October, historic steam locomotive no. 765 and a vintage passenger train will operate throughout Northeast Indiana. Ticket sales begin at 6:00 PM on June 7th at indianarailexperience.org.

For group tickets and private charters for families or businesses, click here. For sponsorship inquiries, click here.

GET NOTIFIED WHEN TICKET SALES BEGIN

Indiana Ice Cream Train – July 8th, July 9th

Beat the heat, take a break from the lake, and enjoy complimentary ice cream on an hour-long train ride through the Indiana countryside. Our family-friendly passenger trains leave downtown Angola and depart four times daily. Tickets start at $15.00.

Indiana Wine & Spirit Train | July 8th, July 9th, September 23rd, September 30th

Revel in an exclusive 2.5-hour train ride aboard a first-class passenger train with the wine, whiskey, beer, cigars, hors d’oeuvres, and dessert of your choice. Guests will chase the magic hour into the evening and enjoy onboard entertainment during their trip. A selection of cigars will be available in our special open-air car. Guests may also charter an entire private car. Seats are reserved for passengers 21-years-of-age or older. Tickets start at $65.00.

Tri-State Scenic Steam Excursion | August 27th, August 28th, and October 1st

This all-day, 100-mile train ride will treat railroad fans and passengers to a late summer trip from Edon, Ohio to Southeast Michigan for a three-hour layover in the historic downtown of Hillsdale. Upon arrival, guests can visit the local farmers’ market, and walking tours, and enjoy lunch on their own a variety of area restaurants. Deluxe Coach, Open Air, First Class, and Executive Class tickets are available. Select amenities include open window cars, open vestibules, onboard entertainment, and a photo runby. First Class and Executive Class tickets include complimentary appetizers and refreshments. Tickets start at $79.00.

Angola American History Train | September 24th-25th

Dress your vintage best and take a trip back in time to the 1940s aboard a steam-powered passenger train that departs Angola for a visit to a World War II troop camp, interact with re-enactors, and learn how the Greatest Generation and the railroads helped win the war. Before or after your trip, visit the Angola American History Days event near downtown Angola. Tickets start at $29.00.

Nickel Plate Photo Charter | Join Our Waitlist

Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive no. 765 and historic EMD diesels will power freight and passenger cars over the Indiana Northeastern between South Milford, Indiana, Edon, Ohio, and Hillsdale, Michigan. Featuring a night photo session, period actors, and vintage vehicles, the weekend will treat photographers to dramatic scenes of railroading on former Wabash and New York Central Railroad territory. Tickets are available by invitation only. Click here to join our waitlist.

And more…

Events will be hosted in cooperation with the Little River Railroad, Norfolk & Western Business Car No. 300 Preservation Society, City of Angola, and City of Hillsdale, Michigan. Sponsors include Berne Apparel, JICI Construction, The John H. Emery Rail Heritage Trust, McRail Insurance, Trine University, Steuben County Tourism Bureau, and the Steuben County Community Foundation.

The 2022 season of the Indiana Rail Experience will feature vintage passenger cars from the 1920s through the 1950s, including accommodations in deluxe coach, first-class, lounge, and executive class cars. The event will also feature the debut of the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society’s very own open-air car and dining/lounge car.

The Indiana Rail Experience is a partnership between the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, Inc. and the Indiana Northeastern Railroad Company. Additional dates, times, and events may be added. Published times, dates, and details may be adjusted.

CONTACT THE TICKET AGENT