All Aboard! Calling all train lovers. The fall season is almost here, and so are Fall Train Rides. We’ve rounded up 9 of the very best train journeys across Indiana. Whether you’re into pumpkin patches, spooky tales, or just soaking up the stunning fall foliage, there’s a ride for you and your family.
So grab your favorite sweater and get ready to embark on a fall journey!
2025 Fall train rides near Indianapolis:
1. Hoosier Valley Railroad Pumpkin Train
Location: Hoosier Valley Railroad | North Judson
Dates: October 4, 11, 18, and 25
Price: Prices range from $8-$20, depending on train type and age. Children’s tickets include a pumpkin.
Purchase Tickets Here
Families can opt for a classic steam engine chugging along on a quick journey to the pumpkin patch or settle in for a longer, scenic diesel-powered ride that crosses the beautiful Kankakee River. For a unique evening adventure, their Twilight Train departs at dusk and includes an animal show before you board. No matter which you choose, every child’s ticket includes a trip to the pumpkin patch to select their own pumpkin to take home.
2. Fall Foliage Express
Location: Nickel Plate Express | Noblesville
Dates: October 11 & 12
Price: $22-$24
Purchase Tickets Here
This ride is perfect for families who want to simply relax and soak in the autumn atmosphere without a specific destination. Departing from Noblesville, you’ll board a 1956 vintage train car for a scenic journey through Hamilton County. The best part? Every ticket includes a cup of local apple cider and a fall-themed donut, making it a complete and cozy autumn treat. For the adults, fall-themed cocktails are available, making this a relaxing outing for everyone.
3. Fall Foliage Flyer
Location: Whitewater Valley Railroad | Connersville
Dates: October 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 & 24
Price: Adults (ages 13 and over) are $27.00, and children (ages 2 to 12) are $16.00.
Purchase Tickets Here
For families looking for a full-day fall adventure, this is it. The Fall Foliage Flyer is more than just a ride; it’s a journey with a destination. Departing from Connersville, the train travels through the scenic Whitewater Valley and then gives passengers a generous two-hour layover to explore historic Metamora. You’ll have plenty of time to shop at the grist mill, grab lunch, and explore the charming canal town before your relaxing return trip.
4. Pumpkinliner
Location: Whitewater Valley Rain Road | Connersville
Dates: October 25 & 26
Price: $12
Purchase Tickets Here
This is your classic, all-in-one fall family adventure. Departing from Connersville, the Pumpkinliner bundles three favorite autumn activities into a single, affordable ticket. Your family will enjoy a scenic train ride, a fun hayride out to the fields, and a pumpkin for every child to take home from the patch. Running for just one weekend in October, this beloved tradition is a can’t-miss event for families looking for that quintessential pumpkin patch experience.
5. Sullivan Express to PumpkinTown
Location: Sullivan Hardware Allisonville | Fishers
Dates: September 26-October 26
Tickets: *Tickets go on sale August 29*
Experience a magical journey at Sullivan Hardware and Garden’s Allisonville location. The Sullivan Express is more than a train ride—it’s an adventure through a mysterious Enchanted Forest. You’ll arrive at PumpkinTown, a village packed with games, activities, and festive fall food. It’s the perfect choice for families who want a complete, theme-park-style experience without leaving the city.
6. Trick or Treat on the Rails
Location: Nickel Plate Express | Noblesville
Dates: October 26
Price: $23-$30
Purchase Tickets Here
For a hassle-free Halloween, climb aboard this festive train in Noblesville. Dress in your costumes for a 65-minute ride on a vintage 1956 train. On board, kids receive a trick-or-treat bag and everyone sips apple cider. It’s a fun, weather-proof way to celebrate the spooky season in a comfortable setting.
7. Ghost Train of Metamora
Location: Whitewater Valley Rain Road | Metamora
Dates: October 10-11, 17-18, 24-25
Price: $15
Purchase Tickets Here
Perfect for families looking for spooky fun without the frights, this half-hour evening train ride tells a ghost story with live characters who “haunt” you along the way. Promising no blood or gore, it’s an ideal ‘starter’ ghost train for all ages, offering just the right amount of atmosphere and intrigue for a crisp October night. Note: This popular train departs from historic Metamora, not the main depot in Connersville.
8. Autumn Limited
Location: Indiana Rail Experience | Pleasant Lake Depot in Pleasant Lake, IN
Dates: October 25, 26, 27
Price: Standard tickets start at $25
Purchase Tickets Here
This three-hour scenic journey is the “choose your own adventure” of fall train rides, traveling from Pleasant Lake, Indiana, across the state line into Michigan. What sets it apart is the incredible variety of seating options, allowing you to tailor your trip from a simple family outing in Deluxe Coach to a luxurious date in a private First Class suite. No matter how you ride, you’ll enjoy a long, relaxing trip with cider, cozy desserts, and beautiful open-air views.
9. French Lick Scenic Train Rides
Location: French Lick Scenic Railway | French Lick, IN
Dates: September: 6, 13, 20, 27; October: 4, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18
Price: $28-$55
Purchase Tickets Here
For a classic fall color tour through the rolling hills of Southern Indiana, this is a must-do. Departing from a historic 1907 depot in French Lick, the 90-minute ride winds through the expansive Hoosier National Forest, showcasing the region’s stunning beauty. The journey’s highlight is passing through the 2,200-foot Burton Tunnel, a dark and historic detour on your scenic trip. For the ultimate foliage viewing, splurge on a seat in the glass-topped Vista Dome car.
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