SCHEDULE
9:00 AM – Boarding begins
9:30 AM — Depart Pleasant Lake, Indiana
11:45 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 16th, Saturday, October 17th, and Sunday, October 18th.
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 Fort Wayne Railroad members. Click here for an email reminder or click here to become a member.
Departing Pleasant Lake, Indiana, at 9:30 AM with a boarding time of 9:00 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.
Selecting a fare will display detailed information about each ticket class and amenities after your desired date and time are chosen.
A classic, air-conditioned ride perfect for families or groups traveling together.
*Prices do not include processing fees.
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.
*Prices do not include processing fees.
The ultimate first-class experience in our 1950s dining car, Pullman car, observation car, or with complimentary refreshments, amenities, and an executive chef serving guests in the Kitchi Gammi Club and New York Central 48. Guests may also add chef-prepared breakfast to their Silver Diner ticket.
*Prices do not include processing fees.
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.
Questions about your order or accommodations? Our volunteer staff can be reached by clicking the button below.
