Fall Colors Steam Special

The Fall Colors Steam Special is an all-day train excursion through the Indiana and Michigan countryside behind historic Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive No. 765. Passengers travel aboard vintage passenger cars from Pleasant Lake, Indiana, to Hillsdale, Michigan, with time to enjoy the fall scenery along the way.

After arriving in Hillsdale, passengers have an extended midday layover to explore on their own. Guests can have lunch at local restaurants or food trucks, browse shops or take a walk around town before boarding the train for the return trip. The afternoon journey also includes a planned photo runby, giving passengers a chance to step off the train and watch and photograph No. 765 as it passes.

Several seating experiences are available, including Deluxe Coach, open-air and open-window cars, First Class accommodations, historic Pullman seating and private options. Select premium tickets include coffee, refreshments or chef-prepared breakfast. Passengers may also bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks. A cash bar is available for guests age 21 and older.

2026 Schedule & Departures

The Fall Colors Steam Special runs Friday through Sunday, October 16-18, 2026.

• Dates: October 16, 17 and 18, 2026
• 9 a.m.: Boarding begins in Pleasant Lake, Indiana
• 9:30 a.m.: Train departs Pleasant Lake
• 11:45 a.m.: Arrive in Hillsdale, Michigan, for the midday layover
• 2:30 p.m.: Depart Hillsdale for the return trip
• 4 p.m.: Planned photo runby
• 5:30 p.m.: Approximate arrival back in Pleasant Lake

Tickets & Reservations

Ticket prices vary based on the passenger car and seating experience selected. Processing fees are additional.

• Deluxe Coach: $85
• Deluxe Coach Family Package: $285 for four seats
• Lawton Park Lounge: $185
• Centlivre Park Table: $685
• Silver Diner: $235
• New York Central 48 Observation: $425
• Pullman Lounge: $425
• Pullman Private Table: $725 for two seats
• New York Central 48 Private Table: $1,100 for four seats

Children age 3 and younger who do not need their own seat may ride free in Deluxe Coach only. ADA-specific seating is also available in Deluxe Coach.

Before You Ride

• Passengers should plan to be ready for boarding at 9 a.m.
• Guests traveling together should book under one reservation when possible.
• Only select historic passenger cars are ADA accessible.
• Passengers may bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Pets are not permitted, but service animals are welcome.
• Refunds are available 30 or more days before travel, with credits offered for later cancellations.

Guests looking for a shorter fall train ride can also check out the Autumn Limited, a three-hour diesel-powered excursion.

Looking for more train adventures? Find more fun train rides and events around Indiana in our complete guide.