Civilians & Soldiers in History Day with train excursions at Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum

Monday, July 7, 2025 at 10:00 PM

The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum, located in North Judson, will run diesel and steam train excursions for their annual Civilians & Soldiers in History Day on Friday evening, July 18^th, and all day Saturday, July 19^th.

Passengers have their choice of riding in open-air sightseeing cars, a vintage coach, or first-class accommodations in a former Monon business car while traveling through the Northwest Indiana countryside. Train excursions are round-trip from the depot and travel about five miles to the Kankakee River at English Lake, before returning to North Judson. The total length of each trip is approximately 45 minutes. Ticket prices begin at $14.00. Purchasing tickets at www.hoosiervalley.org is recommended, as seating is limited.

Numerous displays from various eras of US history will be on display on the museum grounds, where admission is always free. Military and civilian reenactors will explain displays, answer questions, and participate in scheduled demonstrations. Additionally, HVRM features a restored WWII Pullman Troop Car. Stroll around the grounds to see one of the largest museum collections of working railroad signals and all types of rolling stock, engines, and memorabilia of a bygone era.

Regular Saturday train excursions continue through September, including Ice Cream Trains. The fall brings Pumpkin Trains and Santa Trains, which run in late November and December. Times and prices for special events vary from regular train excursions. Seating is limited, and it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance before excursions sell out.

HVRM is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and educating the public about 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.