Train excursions for family fun

The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum, located in North Judson, is running diesel and/ or steam train excursions every Saturday, and some select Sundays, until the end of September.

Passengers have their choice of riding in open-air sightseeing cars or a vintage coach, while rolling down the tracks through the Northwest Indiana countryside. Train excursions are round-trip from the depot and travel about five miles to the Kankakee River at English Lake, before returning to North Judson. The total length of each trip is approximately 45 minutes.

Ticket prices begin at $10. Groups of six or more get $2 off each ticket. Purchasing tickets athoosiervalley.org is recommended, as seating is limited.

Be sure to tour the museum grounds, where admission is always free. HVRM has one of the largest museum collections of working railroad signals and a restored World War II Pullman Troop Car. Stroll around the grounds to see all types of rolling stock, engines, and memorabilia of a by-gone era.

An exciting schedule of events is planned for this season. Autumn brings Pumpkin and Halloween trains and Santa Trains run in late November and December. Times and prices for special events vary from regular train excursions. Remember that seating is limited and it is recommended to purchase tickets, in advance, before excursions sell out.

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 by contacting the depot.

Visit the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum at hoosiervalley.org for a complete schedule of events.

Order tickets at hoosiervalley.org or call the depot (574)-896-3950 on Saturdays or days when train excursions are scheduled.