A pumpkin patch is a classic fall stop, but Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum adds a train ride to the trip. On four Saturdays in October, families can board a Pumpkin Train in North Judson for a 45-minute ride through the Indiana countryside, then head to the pumpkin patch on the museum grounds to choose a pumpkin to take home.
One detail Indianapolis families will want to remember before making the trip: North Judson operates on Central Time. All Pumpkin Train departure times are listed one hour behind Indianapolis time during October.
Related Article: 9 Best Fall Train Rides in Indiana
Hoosier Valley Railroad’s Pumpkin Trains
The Pumpkin Train travels on a 10-mile round trip from North Judson to English Lake and back. At English Lake, the train crosses the Kankakee River before returning to town. The ride lasts about 45 minutes, with rural farmland and Indiana fall colors along the route.
Pumpkin Trains run Saturdays, Oct. 3, 10, 17 and 24. Departures are scheduled for 11:30 a.m., 1:30, 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. Central Time.
Related Article: The Ultimate Fall Fun in Indianapolis Bucket List
Quick Details
- Duration: Approximately 45 minutes
- Dates: Oct. 3, 10, 17 and 24
- Times: 11:30 a.m., 1:30, 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. Central Time
- Ages: All ages
- Seating: Coach, open-air and first class
- Tickets: Purchase Pumpkin Train tickets online
Pumpkin Train ticket prices and seating
Families have several seating options, including two types of coach cars, open-air seating and first-class accommodations. Standard coach and open-air tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children ages 3–15. Toddlers ages 2 and younger ride free.
Coach seating with closed windows
These cars have closed windows and are climate controlled.
- Adults ages 16 and older: $20
- Children ages 3–15: $15
- Ages 0–2: Free
Coach seating with opening windows
- Adults ages 16 and older: $20
- Children ages 3–15: $15
- Ages 0–2: Free
Open-air seating
- Adults ages 16 and older: $20
- Children ages 3–15: $15
- Ages 0–2: Free
First-class seating
- Monon Business Car No. 2 lounge seating: $25 per person
- Monon Business Car No. 2 private room: $80, with seating for up to three passengers
- Norfolk and Western Business Car 300: $35 per person, with open seating and complimentary refreshments served onboard
First-class tickets may be worth booking early. Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum says seating aboard Monon Business Car No. 2 sold out during last year’s Pumpkin Trains. Norfolk and Western Business Car 300 adds another first-class option for passengers.
Toddlers can ride in first class while seated on an adult’s lap, but there is no separate toddler ticket. Toddlers do not count toward the three-passenger limit for the private room. Families traveling with a toddler should mention them when checking in to pick up tickets.
The pumpkin patch comes after the train ride
After the train returns to North Judson, passengers are dropped off at the pumpkin patch on the museum grounds. Every ticketed passenger gets to explore the patch and choose a pumpkin to take home for carving.
A few things to know before you ride
- Watch the time zone. All trains operate on Central Time, which is one hour behind Indianapolis during October.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early. Late boarding is not permitted.
- Trains run rain or shine.
- There are no working restrooms on the train.
- Smoking, alcohol and pets are not permitted on the train.
- The historic equipment is currently not handicap accessible.
- Train times are approximate, and delays can occur.
- Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum reserves the right to cancel trips or substitute equipment.
Where does the Pumpkin Train depart from?
Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum is located at 507 Mulberry St., North Judson, IN 46366. Passengers should arrive at least 30 minutes before their scheduled departure.
More information and tickets
For current ticket availability, seating options and Pumpkin Train information, visit the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum Pumpkin Trains page.
