On the rail again: Train excursions are back

The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum is beginning train excursions on Saturday, May 1. Take a relaxing, round-trip train excursion through the country side on an open-air car between North Judson and English Lake.

Trains depart at 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. (central time) from the depot in North Judson. The total length of each trip will be approximately 45 minutes. Ticket prices are $12 (adults, 16 and above), $10 (youth, ages 6 – 15) and $6 (children, ages 1 – 5). Groups of 6 or more get $2 off each ticket. Purchasing tickets on-line is recommended as seating is limited.

Before or after the train excursion, be sure to visit the museum and grounds where the admission is always free. The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum has one of the largest museum collections of working railroad signals, a restored WWII Pullman Troop Car, and visitors are welcome to stand next to and touch the C&O 2789 steam locomotive which is the cornerstone of the museum. Stroll around the grounds to see all types of rolling stock, engines, and memorabilia of a by-gone era.

Guest Engineers can operate a diesel locomotive with supervision at the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum. anyone over the age of 18, who holds a valid driver’s license, can “be an Engineer” for 30 minutes or 1 hour, for a nominal fee. Email the museum (ridership@ hoosiervalley.org) for scheduling.

The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum has an exciting schedule of events planned for this season. Regular Saturday train rides continue through the end of September. Hopefully, if Covid Recommendations allow, HVRM will be able to do Pumpkin Trains,

Halloween Trains, and Santa Trains later this year. Times and prices for these special events may vary. Currently, face masks are required and social distancing protocols are being observed.

HVRM is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and education of railroading history. Special group events (including school groups) can be arranged during the week by contacting the depot.

Visit the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum website (www.hoosiervalley.org) for a complete schedule of events. Order tickets on-line or call the depot at 574896-3950 on Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. central time.