Visiting a pumpkin patch is a great fall tradition. And what better way to get there than by train? Take The Pumpkin Express and travel by rail to pick out your pumpkin.
Setting off from the historic railroad town of North Judson, Indiana, the Pumpkin Trains take you on a leisurely journey through the countryside, allowing you to marvel at the breathtaking medley of Indiana fall colors.
Related Article: 9 Best Fall Train Rides in Indiana
Hoosier Valley Railroad’s Pumpkin Trains (2025)
With families in mind, Hoosier Valley Railroad offers multiple Pumpkin Train adventures again this year—including daylight Diesel and Steam Pumpkin Trains and the fan-favorite Twilight Pumpkin Trains at dusk. All rides operate on Saturdays, October 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2025.
Related Article: The Ultimate Fall Fun in Indianapolis Bucket List
2025 Quick Details
Duration: 45 Minutes (Diesel) or 25 Minutes (Steam)
Prices: Starting at $8
Ages: All Ages
Dates: October 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2025
Seating Options: Open-Air, Coach, or First Class
Tickets: Find tickets here
Diesel Pumpkin Trains
Climb aboard a diesel-powered train for a fun, 45-minute, 10-mile round trip from North Judson to English Lake and back, crossing the beautiful Kankakee River along the way. After the ride, you’ll be dropped at the pumpkin patch to choose a pumpkin.
Dates: October 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2025
Times: 9:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 3:30 pm (Central Time)
Pricing:
- Coach or Open-Air Seating: Adults (Ages 16+): $20; Children (Ages 3-15): $14; Toddlers (Ages 0-2): Free
- First Class Seating: Lounge Tickets (all ages): $25; Private Room (seats up to 3): $80
Steam Pumpkin Trains
The Steam Pumpkin Trains offer a different experience with a shorter 25-minute journey. These trains are powered by a steam locomotive and provide an authentic vintage rail experience. Like the Diesel Pumpkin Trains, these also finish at the pumpkin patch, where everyone can choose their own pumpkin for fun and games.
Important Note: Steam trains can be dirty! The steam locomotive burns oil and produces smoke filled with particulates that can (and will) stain your clothing.
Dates: October 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2025
Times: 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 4:30 pm (Central Time)
Pricing:
- Open-Air or Caboose Seating: Adults (Ages 16+): $14; Children (Ages 3-15): $8; Toddlers (Ages 0-2): Free
Twilight Pumpkin Trains
Returning for another year at the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum is the popular Twilight Pumpkin Trains! Perfect for families, this train ride begins as the sun sets and ends after dark. The ride is suited for everyone, but remember to wear warm clothes because it can get chilly in the evening.
Each of these diesel-powered trains features an animal show prior to departure, adding extra excitement to your evening adventure. The Twilight Pumpkin Train takes passengers on the same 45-minute, 10-mile round trip from North Judson to English Lake, crossing the beautiful Kankakee River, before finishing at the pumpkin patch where you can select a pumpkin to take home and carve.
Dates: October 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2025
Pricing: Same as regular diesel train pricing – Coach or Open-Air Seating: Adults (Ages 16+): $20; Children (Ages 3-15): $14; Toddlers (Ages 0-2): Free
Pumpkin Patch Experience
Both steam and diesel Pumpkin Trains drop passengers off at the pumpkin patch after their ride. All child ticket holders get to explore the pumpkin patch and choose one regular pumpkin to take home. Additional pumpkins may be purchased on-site for $3.
Where does the Pumpkin Train depart from?
The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum is located at 507 Mulberry Street in North Judson, Indiana. There is ample parking alongside the depot and on both sides of the tracks. Passengers should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure.
More Information
For more Pumpkin Train information, or to purchase tickets visit hoosiervalley.org.
