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.
Hoosier Valley Railroad’s Pumpkin Trains
With families in mind, Hoosier Valley Railroad offers two unique Pumpkin Train adventures. Along with the classic daylight ride, you can now experience the enchantment of fall under a twilight sky aboard on their newly introduced Twilight Pumpkin Trains. What could be better than savoring the beauty of a starry night, cuddled up with your loved ones, amidst the gentle lull of the train’s rhythm?
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Diesel Pumpkin Trains
The Diesel Pumpkin Trains run by Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum take passengers on a fun, 45-minute journey. These trains start in North Judson, travel 10 miles to English Lake, and then come back again. On the trip, passengers will see the beautiful Kankakee River. And at the end of the ride, everyone visits a pumpkin patch to pick out a pumpkin to carve.
Dates: October 7, 14, 21, & 28, 2023
Times: 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm (Central Time)
Price: Adults (Ages 16+): $22.00; Children (Ages 3-15): $16.00 (includes pumpkin); Toddlers (Ages 0-2): Free
Steam Pumpkin Trains (Limited Availability)
The Steam Pumpkin Trains are a bit different. They’re driven by a powerful locomotive known as the Bock Lumber Company no. 1, and only take about 20-25 minutes to travel about 2.8 miles. Like the Diesel Pumpkin Trains, these also finish at the pumpkin patch, where everyone can choose their own pumpkin.
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Dates: October 7, 14, 21, & 28, 2023
Times: 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm (Central Time)
Price: Adults (Ages 16+): $12.00; Children (Ages 3-15): $8.00 (includes pumpkin); Toddlers (Ages 0-2): Free
Twilight Pumpkin Trains
There’s also a new type of train journey at the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum this year – the 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.
Before the trip, passengers have the chance to enjoy the “Not-So-Scary” Animal Show, brought to you by Silly Safaris. This fun, not frightening, display featuring various animals starts at 4:30 pm. It’s a great bonus for train passengers and the cost is included in your ticket, but you don’t have to go if you don’t want to.
The Twilight Pumpkin Train, powered by diesel, takes passengers on a round trip from North Judson to English Lake, crossing the beautiful Kankakee River. This 45-minute, 10-mile trip finishes at our pumpkin patch where you can select a pumpkin to take home and carve!
Dates: October 7, 14, 21, & 28, 2023
Times: The animal show starts at 4:30 pm with train departure at approximately 5:30 pm. (Central Time)
Price: Adults (Ages 16+): $22.00; Children (Ages 3-15): $16.00 (includes pumpkin); Toddlers (Ages 0-2): Free
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 infomation:
For more Pumpkin Train information, or to purcase tickets visit hoosiervalley.org.
