When it comes to seeing the outdoors, there is no shortage of options. From climbing up cliffs and hiking through forests to tubing down rivers and fishing in lakes, Indiana offers limitless ways to spend time enjoying nature. In this article, we'll talk about one of the most amazing ways to take in all the natural beauty the Hoosier State has to offer along the scenic French Lick Railway.
This train ride's main purpose is to provide its riders with an incredible tour of Southern Indiana's natural landscape. This journey will take you past rolling hills, valleys filled with wildflowers, and log cabins built in the 1800s, keep reading to learn more.
The French Lick Scenic Railway was created back in the 1960s. Today, the railway is operated by The Indiana Railway Museum. They aim to provide an immersive and educational experience for all of their visitors that doesn't include the traditional markings of a museum. You won't find display cases and preserved items here. Instead, you'll find a unique way to experience history through themed excursion options and 25 miles of railroads.
Each train ride starts off in the town of French Lick at the French Lick Depot located at 8594 West State Road 56. The depot is open 2 hours before train departure times and 30 mins after the return of the train. Trains operate on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Saturdays every month of the year. It's highly recommended to reserve tickets online at least a couple of weeks in advance.
The French Lick Railway offers several different excursion types. The most popular is the scenic ride. It is an hour and 45-minute journey through 18 miles of the Hoosier National Forest. Highlights include a 2,000-foot-long tunnel and log cabins.
Dinner trains are also available most weekends from July until October. They return and depart from Jasper and include a pizza and beer or chocolate and wine option.
The railway also offers seasonally themed excursions that include a trip to Summerville and a popular Polar Express themed ride in the winter.
This experience is super family-friendly and even includes special action-packed excursions that will keep kids on the edge of their seats. Their Dinosaur Adventure Train includes fossil digs and a live reptile encounter while their Wild West Hold-Up Train includes a visit from a roving group of bandits.
For more information on the French Lick Scenic Railway, be sure to visit their official site here.
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