Indiana is located in the Midwestern region of the United States. The state’s capital and largest city, Indianapolis, is famous for hosting the Indianapolis 500, one of the world’s most prestigious auto races, as well as being home to the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Other large cities are Fort Wayne, Evansville, and South Bend. Indiana borders Lake Michigan and the state of Michigan on the north, Ohio on the east, Kentucky on the south, and Illinois on the west. There are many trains in Indiana – Amtrak trains, regional passenger service and tourist trains.
Long-distance trains in Indiana
Currently, there are ten Amtrak stations in Indiana:
Connersville (COI)
Crawfordsville (CRF)
Dyer (DYE)
Elkhart (EKH)
Hammond-Whiting (HMI)
Indianapolis (IND)
Lafayette (LAF)
Rensselaer (REN)
South Bend (SOB)
Waterloo (WTI)
Most important is railway station in Indianapolis. Only the Cardinal train stops in the capital of the state. The Cardinal train connects New York and Chicago (through Washingto DC three times each week. The train stops among others in Baltimore, Philadelphia and Charlottesville.
The second largest city in Indiana – Fort Wayne – lost passenger train service in 1990 when the Amtrak rerouted trains. Nearest Amtrak station is Waterloo located about 25 miles (40 km) from Fort Wayne. The Baker Street Station in Fort Wayne was opened in 1914. The building is very nice. There are plans to reinstate Amtrak trains through Fort Wayne.
In 1971, the last passenger train left Evansville.
Four passenger trains operated by Amtrak pass through the state of Indiana:
Cardinal from New York to Chicago
Capitol Limited from Chicago to Washington D.C.
Lake Shore Limited from Chicago to New York
Wolverine from Chicago to Pontiac via Detroit via Cleveland and Boston
Amtrak’s Hoosier State Train was ceased on June 30, 2019.
Commuter trains in Indiana
There is a South Shore Line from Chicago, Illinois to South Bend. The electrified interurban railroad is line operated by the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD). The South Shore Line is one of the last surviving interurban trains in the United States. Trains start from Millennium Station in downtown Chicago and terminate at South Bend Airport station. Total length of the route is 90 miles (140 km).
In Michigan City, the track ran down the middle of 11th street from Michigan Boulevard to Tennessee Street – I don’t know if this section is still in use.
There are 22 trains daily in each direction. Some trains end at Carroll Avenue, Dune Park, or Gary Metro Center.
South Shore Line – official website
Tourist trains in Indiana
Fort Wayne Railroad – various occasional steam hauled excursions and special railroad events throughout the year, usually in Northeast Indiana.
Fort Wayne Railroad – official website
French Lick Scenic Railway – diesel hauled trains from French Lick to Jasper (approximately 18 km). Operates weekends and selected other days from April to December. The railway is operated by The Indiana Railway Museum. Dinner trains are available. Trains run through the hills of Southern Indiana, the edges of the Hoosier National Forest and the second longest railroad tunnel in the state. In French Lick tourists can also ride heritage trams connecting West Baden Springs Hotel with the Casino. Heritage trolleys operate every day.
French Lick Scenic Railway – official website
Hesston Steam Museum – a very interesting museum located near the town of Hesston, near the border between the states of Indiana and Michigan. Museum has three different railroads – one narrow-gauge railroad and two miniature railroads. The narrow-gauge line is 2 mile long.
Hesston Steam Museum – official website
Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum – steam or diesel hauled vintage trains from North Judson to English Lake (approximately 8 km). It operates Saturdays, May to October and early December. The museum is located near the former junction of the Erie, PRR, C&O, and NYC in historic North Judson. Steam trains are hauled by a locomotive from 1908. Diesel and steam trains depart from our depot in North Judson and travel through the rural farm country of Northern Indiana. Round trip lasts 45 minutes.
Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum – official website
Indiana Rail Experience – various excursions on the lines of Indiana Northeastern Railroad. Diesel or steam hauled trains. Dining trains are available. There are also all-day steam excursions through three states.
Indiana Rail Experience – official website
Whitewater Valley Railroad – diesel hauled vintage trains between Connersville and Metamora (about 30 km). It operates weekends from May to October and on selected days. Various excursions through the scenic Whitewater Valley. Most of excursions last 5 hours with with a 2-hour layover in historic Metamora.
Whitewater Valley Railroad – official website
Related articles:
Railways in the United States of America by state
