All Tracks
Lead to Indiana
As a linear heritage destination operating across Northeast Indiana, Northwest Ohio, and Southern Michigan, the Indiana Rail Experience is a living attraction carrying guests through scenic small towns, rolling farmland, and historic mainlines aboard beautifully restored vintage passenger cars.
From the call of the whistle to the kitchen in our Pullman cars, every milepost has something to offer.
Your journey begins with the distant sound of a steam whistle echoing across the countryside. Whether boarding at our quiet depot in Pleasant Lake or journeying on a train filled with visitors from around the country, you’re stepping into a storybook — one written in steel and steam.
Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive No. 765 and vintage diesel engines lead the way, offering both nostalgia and power. With a roster of meticulously restored passenger cars from the golden age of rail travel, every train is a time machine.
Your all aboard starts here
Our trains offer more than just a ride — they’re rolling time capsules. Each of our restored passenger cars, dating from the early 1900s to the 1950s, carries its own legacy. From legendary streamliners and wartime troop transports to first-class parlor service and even circus trains, these cars have been brought back to life to deliver unforgettable journeys.
Whether you’re seated in a breezy open-window coach, sipping cocktails in a vintage lounge, or enjoying a freshly prepared meal in the Pullman, every car offers a different way to experience the sights, sounds, and sensations of railroading’s golden age. Our exclusive Private Car upgrades let families and small groups travel in authentic style, while open-air options keep you close to the rhythm of the rails.
No matter where you ride, you’re part of a rolling storybook — one that still delights and connects people today, just as it did generations ago.
Ride the line, relive the time
Our excursions vary from half-day rambles and all-day adventures to elegant dinner trains, wine-and-whiskey tastings, fall color runs, and festive holiday trips. Whether you’re sipping cocktails in a 1940s lounge car, enjoying lunch in the Silver Diner, or waving from the vestibule as the countryside rolls by, you’re not just taking a train — you’re part of a living, breathing railroad legacy.
From casual travelers and families to die-hard railfans and history lovers, the Indiana Rail Experience is designed to be inclusive, immersive, and unforgettable. Each trip offers multiple classes of service — including Deluxe Coach, First Class, Open Window, Private Suite, and Private Car — so passengers can tailor their journey to their preferences.
Award Winning Non Profit
Preserving and Making Railroad History Since 1972
Operated by the award-winning non-profit Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society and made possible through partnerships with the Indiana Northeastern Railroad Company and local communities, the Indiana Rail Experience is as much about preservation as it is about participation.
Every ticket sold supports the restoration and operation of historic locomotives and passenger cars and helps keep history in motion for future generations.
Our members and volunteers receive exclusive benefits, including early ticket access, discounted rates, and special events like our annual Members Weekend and a celebration of community, legacy, and motion.
