If your kids love trains, this activity is worth adding to your list. From May through October, families can ride miniature trains during Indiana Live Steamers public ride days at Johnson County Park in Franklin.
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At Indiana Live Steamers, visitors can travel through the park on a miniature railroad built for ride-on trains. The trains move at about 5 miles per hour, and each ride covers roughly nine miles over about 20 minutes. Along the way, riders pass through wooded parkland, cross bridges, roll through open prairie areas and travel beside cattail-lined creeks.
Public boarding takes place at the platform near the McClain Cabin. The historic cabin is believed to be the oldest home in Johnson County and adds another point of interest to the visit.
Parking is available at McClain Station, where public passengers board the train. Most riders get off at The Woodlands Station, which is a short walk from the McClain Cabin parking area. Riders may also exit at Nebo Station or Whistle Stop Station.
To help offset club expenses, Indiana Live Steamers charges $4 per person for public rides. The club accepts cash only.
Find more information about Indiana Live Steamers.
What to Expect at Indiana Live Steamers
- Scenic ride: The route takes passengers through wooded sections of the park, over bridges and past prairie and creek views.
- Leisurely pace: Trains travel around 5 miles per hour, making the ride easy for families with young kids.
- Miniature railroad experience: These are ride-on scale trains running on real track, which makes the experience especially fun for train-loving kids.
- Historic setting: Boarding takes place near McClain Cabin, a well-known historic site in Johnson County Park.
- Budget-friendly outing: At $4 per rider, this is an affordable family activity and a good fit for a cheap day out.
2026 Indiana Live Steamers Public Ride Days
- May 16, 2026
- June 20, 2026
- June 26, 2026 (during Sparks in the Park)
- July 18, 2026
- August 15, 2026
- September 19, 2026
- October 17, 2026
