The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum is excited to announce the forthcoming return of steam-powered excursions. After an extensive multi-year restoration and intense crew training, the Bock Lumber Company No. 1, a 0-4-4T Forney-type steam locomotive built in 1908, will provide power for steam train excursions on Saturdays, beginning September 10th.
Steam excursions are currently scheduled for 10:40 AM, 12:40 AM, and 2:40 PM, Central Time, on September 17th and October 8th, 15th, and 22nd. Steam trains depart from the depot and travel about 1 mile to the park where passengers have the opportunity to disembark to take pictures before returning to the depot. This excursion takes approximately 35 minutes. Additional dates may be added, and times adjusted in accordance with passenger demand. Passengers, ages 3 and above, can purchase tickets online or at the ticket office for $10 each. Groups of six or more will be discounted $2 off each ticket. Advance ticket purchasing, at www.hoosiervalley.org, is recommended as seating is limited.
Before or after your train excursion, allow time to explore the HVRM museum displays and grounds which are free of charge. There is one of the largest museum collections of working railroad signals, a restored WWII Pullman Troop Car, and a diorama of North Judson in the early 1950s depicting the Pennsylvania, Chesapeake & Ohio, Erie, and New York Central railroads which all ran through the town. Stroll around the grounds to see all types of rolling stock, engines, and memorabilia of a bygone era.
Diesel train excursions will continue to run on Saturdays until the end of October. These 10-mile, round-trip excursions to the Kankakee River take approximately 45 minutes. In October, there will be Pumpkin Trains on October 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th along with the ever-popular Twilight Halloween train, with the Not-So-Scary, Scary Animal Show put on by Silly Safari Shows, on October 29th. (Santa Trains begin the Saturday after Thanksgiving.) Tickets are available online at www.hoosiervalley.org or by calling the depot on Saturdays at 574-869-3950. Groups of six or more receive $2 off each ticket purchased. Please book in advance, as many of these special trains sell out.
Prior to boarding, passengers purchasing tickets online need to pick up their tickets at the ticket office. Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure.
Located in North Judson, IN, the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum is an all-volunteer, non-profit educational organization dedicated to the preservation of railroad history in northwest Indiana. The museum educates the public through interpretive displays and its tourist railroad operations. Additional information about the museum can be found online at www.hoosiervalley.org.
