There’s no better vintage experience than a scenic train ride in Indiana! In fact, there’s a rail company in central Indiana – Whitewater Valley Railroad – that hosts historic train rides throughout the year. It is the perfect way to enjoy the state’s natural beauty. This rare experience is not something you’ll want to pass up if you love old-fashioned attractions. Scroll on for more details about this charming old railroad.

Whitewater Valley Railroad in Connersville, Indiana, operated as a fully functioning railway from 1867 until about 1976. Nowadays, the line operates as a nonprofit that gives locals the experience of traveling the old-fashioned way.
Whitewater Valley Railroad/Facebook
Though canal service was the original way the town moved its products, the invention of the railroad soon closed down many of these waterways. The tracks in Connersville were operated by many different companies over the years, including Big Four, New York Central, and Penn Central.
Whitewater Valley Railroad/Facebook
Since 1974, this track has been used for passenger operations, taking eager railfans on scenic journeys between Connersville and Brookville. Over the years, it has undergone upgrades and closures and currently only runs as far as Metamora, which is about 20 miles.
Whitewater Valley Railroad/Facebook
The best thing about this train trip is all the scenic wonder. In October, guests are invited to board a steam locomotive for a fabulous journey through Indiana's fall sights. Take in all of Indiana's beautiful fall foliage on this unforgettable excursion.
Whitewater Valley Railroad/Facebook
This fall-themed scenic train ride takes place on Thursdays and Fridays in October and begins at the Connersville Station. Once passengers arrive at Metamora, they have a two-hour layover that allows them to visit boutiques and restaurants as well as several historic sites.
Whitewater Valley Railroad/Facebook
Guests may see a working grist mill, a replica horse-drawn canal boat, and many other vintage and historic wonders throughout the town.
The Fall Foliage Flyer train trip costs $27 for adults and $16 for children ages 2 through 12.
Whitewater Valley Railroad/Facebook
This mostly volunteer-run attraction operates from April through December and features many different types of excursions throughout the year. Locals enjoy twilight diners, wild west experiences, murder mystery rides, holiday-themed trips, and more.
Whitewater Valley Railroad Information Station/Facebook

This Connersville train ride is located at 455 Market Street, Connersville, Indiana, 47331. You can make reservations on the Whitewater Valley Railroad website and find updates and photos on its Facebook page.

Connersville is only a little over an hour from Indianapolis, so why not make a weekend of it and stay in this 19th-century-inspired Indianapolis hotel to go with your old-fashioned rail experience?

If you’ve ever been on this scenic train ride, we’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to reach out and share your experiences and photos with us. And for more like this, check out 10 more scenic train rides in Indiana that you’ll want to take.

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Scenic Train Ride in Indiana

Tori Jane | August 13, 2021

Can I go on any train rides in Indiana?  

You can go on plenty of train rides in Indiana. Indiana is home to typical train services such as Amtrak, and there are also historic and themed train ride experiences you can enjoy, such as:

  • Three different steam railroads at the Hesston Steam Museum
  • The French Lick Scenic Railway
  • The Nickel Plate Express (featuring several themed train rides for children and adults)
  • Several different steam and diesel excursions at the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum

 

What are some Indiana railroads still operating today?  

Trains aren’t necessarily a relic of the past; today, there are still lines running throughout Indiana and the Midwest (as well as the rest of the country).

Currently, passenger rail services are offered by Amtrak, as well as the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (also known as the NICTD). Those aren’t all, though: if you’re not looking for your typical “A to B” rails, then you’re in luck!

Indiana has a handful of scenic railroads as well, like the famous French Lick Scenic Railway, which is perfectly suited if you’re looking for a ride through beautiful landscapes that are uniquely Indiana. The Whitewater Valley Railroad is another excellent one.

Where are the most scenic places in Indiana?  

Some of the most scenic places in Indiana are:

  • Huntington Sunken Gardens
  • Turkey Run State Park
  • Cataract Falls
  • The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
  • Marengo Cave
  • The Kesling Wetland and Farmstead

Visit our article for more scenic places in Indiana.

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455 Market St, Connersville, IN 47331, USA