THE EXPERIENCE

On Saturday, October 11th, 2025, the Hillsdale Railroad Festival debuts with vintage steam train rides, a fall-themed farm destination, and a lively downtown block party.

Presented by the City of Hillsdale in partnership with the Indiana Northeastern Railroad and Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, the event celebrates the city’s railroad legacy with family-friendly fun and historic charm.

Ride the Crossroads Flyer to Crossroads Farm’s corn maze in Reading, Michigan, for outdoor fun, fall crafts and concessions, outdoor games, face painting, and a photo booth during the layover. Admission to Crossroads Farm is included in every ticket.

Trains will operate between Hillsdale and Crossroads Farm three times during the afternoon, providing families an hour-long layover for outdoor fun.

That night, explore the visiting train and enjoy live music, food trucks, and local vendors at the Hillsdale Block Party.

THE OFFERINGS

Deluxe Coach, Open Window, First Class, and Pullman 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. Open Window Lounge seats are reserved for guests 21-and-over.

All tickets are individually priced unless specifically referenced or otherwise marked.

Due to ground conditions at Crossroads Farm, no ADA deboarding is available. ADA boarding in Hillsdale and seating is available only in Deluxe Coach.

Select First Class tickets include complimentary coffee and light refreshments. Additional amenities are included where listed.

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

THE SCHEDULE

Each trip is timed to allow passengers and families time to visit the activities at Crossroads Farm. Guests are not required to visit Crossroads Farm and those wishing to remain on the train may do so for the immediate return trip to Hillsdale.

Crossroads Flyer – Trip 1
12:15 PM – Departs Hillsdale
12:45 PM – Arrives Reading
1:00 PM – Departs Reading
1:30 PM – Returns to Hillsdale

Crossroads Flyer – Trip 2
1:45 PM – Departs Hillsdale
2:15 PM – Arrives Reading
2:30 PM – Departs Reading
3:00 PM – Returns to Hillsdale

Crossroads Flyer – Trip 3
3:15 PM – Departs Hillsdale
3:45 PM – Arrives Reading
4:00 PM – Departs Reading
4:30 PM – Last Crossroads Flyer Returns to Hillsdale

Locomotive Lineup & Train Display
5:30 PM – Locomotive lineup begins on Hillsdale Street, train open for public tours

Hillsdale Block Party
5:30 PM – 8:00 PM – Free and open to the public, live music, food trucks, street vendors, and local artists

THE FINE PRINT 

Ticket prices as shown do not include processing fees. Tickets are automatically emailed to passengers upon checkout and are not sent via any other means. Guests are advised to double-check their email address for accuracy before completing their purchase, and to check their spam or junk mail folder if they don’t see the confirmation email, and to communicate with the ticket agent using the purchasing email and not an alternate address.

Parking, boarding, and safety information is included with every purchase confirmation. Your review of this information is essential to ensuring an enjoyable experience.

Passengers wishing to travel together should book their tickets as part of the same reservation and under the same name. Refunds or exchanges are only available 30 days or more before travel. In place of refunds, credits for future travel and experiences are offered. Due to their historic nature, only select cars are ADA accessible.

By traveling with us, you agree to our terms and conditions.