Summer may be coming to an end, but train riding season continues at the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum.
The museum’s Fall Harvest Train returns on October 1. HVRM Marketing Director Loretta Kosloske says it provides an opportunity to see the fall foliage, as well as get a glimpse of farmers working on this year’s harvest.
After that comes the Pumpkin Train on October 8, 15, and 22. Kosloske says the 75-minute excursion features a round trip to the Kankakee River at English Lake, before heading to the pumpkin patch south of State Road 10.
The annual Pumpkin Train typically attracts a mix of visitors and local residents, with many coming back year after year, according to Kosloske. She adds the Pumpkin Train is a big draw for the museum, making up a major potion of its income each year. The trains often sell out in advance.
In addition to the fall colors, the excursions also give visitors a chance to experience some vintage railroad equipment. Kosloske says visitors have the option to ride in one of several cabooses, a vintage commuter coach, or an open-air car. Those are flat cars with flooring, benches, railings, and a roof added to protect visitors from inclement weather. Trains are hauled by diesel locomotives.
Hoosier Valley’s train excursions wrap up the last Saturday of October with the Halloween Train, including a “Not-So-Scary, Scary Animal Show.”
Complete schedule and ticket information may be found at HoosierValley.org.
