Special for the North Judson Mint Festival and Father’s Day, excursion trains depart from the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum depot in North Judson on both Saturday, June 18th, and Sunday, June 19th.  Passengers ride in open-air sightseeing cars or vintage cars.  The train excursion is round-trip from the depot and travels about five miles to the Kankakee River at English Lake, before returning to North Judson.  Trains depart at 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM (central time).  The total length of each trip will be approximately 45 minutes.  Ticket prices are $14.00 (adults, 16 and above), $10.00 (child, ages 3 – 15), and children under the age of 3 are free.  Groups of 6 or more get $2 off each ticket.  Purchasing tickets at www.hoosiervalley.org is recommended as seating is limited.

Before or after the train excursion, be sure to visit the museum and grounds where admission is always free.  The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum has one of the largest museum collections of working railroad signals and a restored WWII Pullman Troop Car.  Stroll around the grounds to see all types of rolling stock, engines, and memorabilia of a by-gone era.  Then walk over to the Town of North Judson’s Annual Mint Festival.  Enjoy a large variety of vendors, food, and activities enjoyable for the whole family.

The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum has an exciting schedule of events planned for this season.  Regular Saturday train excursions continue through the end of September.  October brings the Fall Harvest Trains, Pumpkin & Halloween Trains and Santa Trains run in late November & December.  Times and prices for these special events will vary from regular train excursions.

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 website (www.hoosiervalley.org) for a complete schedule of events. Order tickets at www.hoosiervalley.org or call the depot (574-896-3950) on Saturdays, 9-4 central time.

Article and photo provided by HVRM