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HILLSDALE TRAVELER
Diesel-powered day trip to Hillsdale and return featuring first class and coach amenities

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

TRAIN DATES

May 2nd, July 4th, August 1st
The train will operate with an extended layover on July 4th

SUMMARY

Travel historic New York Central rails between Pleasant Lake, Indiana, and Hillsdale, Michigan, aboard a classic diesel-powered excursion. This leisurely round-trip journey connects two states along a corridor that once defined the region.

Duration

10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
(5 – 6 hours)

Parking & Boarding

Pleasant Lake Depot
1469 W Main Street,
Pleasant Lake, IN 46779

TICKET PRICES

Ticket fares range from $40 (Deluxe Coach) to
$250 (Private Pullman Table)
Explore all 6  accommodation tiers below.

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST FOR TICKET SALES
ACCOMMODATIONS
ROUTE GUIDE
FAQ

SCHEDULE

10:30 AM — Depart Pleasant Lake

12:30 PM — Arrive in Hillsdale

Enjoy a relaxed layover in Hillsdale with time to explore shops, grab lunch, and take in the town at your own pace.*

2:00 PM — Depart Hillsdale

4:00 PM — Arrive back in Pleasant Lake

An extended layover will be offered on July 4th to accommodate holiday activities in downtown Hillsdale. A separate schedule will be provided. 

THE EXPERIENCE

Step aboard the Hillsdale Traveler and trace historic New York Central rails between Northeast Indiana and Hillsdale, Michigan — a corridor that once stitched together towns, industries, and lake communities across the Great Lakes heartland.

Departing from the historic station in Pleasant Lake, the train glides north through rolling farmland and wooded corridors, following the original Fort Wayne & Jackson Railroad route that defined commerce and community for generations.

Restored passenger cars, wide-open scenery, the open-air souvenir car, and the steady cadence of a heritage diesel invite you to settle in and let the rails do what they’ve always done: connect places and people.

Upon arrival in Hillsdale, enjoy time to explore a town shaped by these same rails before reboarding for the southbound return.

Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure, and the full round-trip experience spans a leisurely afternoon — part excursion, part living history, part summer ritual.

THE OFFERINGS

Seating is available in Coach, First Class – Dining Car, Open Air, or Pullman Class aboard Kitchi Gammi. Dining Car guests enjoy air-conditioned table seating with curated charcuterie and breakfast selections included. Pullman Class offers a more intimate, hosted experience with elevated service and limited seating.

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. All tickets are priced per person unless otherwise specified.

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

TICKET SALES BEGIN APRIL 15

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

  • Deluxe Coach – $40/$50
  • ADA seats available

*Prices do not include processing fees.

OPEN-AIR EXPERIENCES

TICKET SALES BEGIN APRIL 15

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.

  • Lawton Park lounge – $75.00
  • Centlivre Park table (Seats 4) – $200

*Prices do not include processing fees.

PREMIUM & PRIVATE

TICKET SALES BEGIN APRIL 15

The ultimate first-class experience. Exclusive cars, complimentary refreshments, amenities, plus an executive chef in Pullman class.

  • Silver Diner – $120
  • Pullman Lounge – $150
  • Pullman Private Table
    (Seats 2)
    – $250

*Prices do not include processing fees.

Looking to climb aboard?

Contact the Ticket Agent

Questions about your order or accommodations? Our volunteer staff can be reached by clicking the button below.

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