Indiana Railway Museum in French Lick, Indiana

Written By Kelsey Cecil

French Lick, Indiana · Updated October 19, 2026 · 14 min read

Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesTrains run on scheduled dates; check the online calendar

Founded by volunteers in 1961, the Indiana Railway Museum operates the French Lick Scenic Railway, where history is something you ride: restored cars leave a 1907 limestone depot and roll through the Hoosier National Forest and the 2,200-foot Burton Tunnel.

  • Founded in 1961 in Westport
  • In French Lick since 1978
  • Rides through the 2,200-foot Burton Tunnel
  • Departs a 1907 limestone depot
  • THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
  • Free depot parking

Indiana Railway Museum at a glance

Hours
Trains run on scheduled dates; depot opens two hours before departure. Gift shop Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 9 am to 4 pm, Wed 1 pm to 4 pm (Eastern time)
Admission
Varies by excursion; THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride 2026 runs $47 to $117
Train rides
Scenic Train Ride of about 1.5 hours through the Hoosier National Forest and Burton Tunnel, plus themed, tasting (21+) and holiday trains
Seasonal events
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, Tasting Trains (21+), Themed trains, Cookout trains, Educational field trip trains
Plan for
About 2 to 2.5 hours including boarding
Best for
Families wanting a real train ride, and holiday trips
Best ages
Ages 3 and up
Parking
Free in the depot lot and the French Lick Resort Blue Lot; RVs, large trucks and trailers must use the Blue Lot

Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.

Look inside the book

Taking the kids to Indiana Railway Museum? Bring Rally along.

In Rally Takes the Train, a corgi's little legs can't manage the big train stairs, so Dad gives him a boost. It takes about five minutes to read, a good fit for the drive to French Lick.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Three towns, one small locomotive and a railroad that kept going

The Indiana Railway Museum started small. In 1961 a group of about twenty volunteers in Westport, in Decatur County, began running a tourist excursion with one small locomotive and three passenger cars. By 1962 they carried an estimated 500 riders. The museum stayed in Westport until 1971, when it had to move, and it spent the next five years operating in Greensburg before changing homes once more in 1976.

The move that stuck came in 1978. Under an agreement with the Southern Railway Company, the museum was deeded sixteen miles of track running from West Baden, about a mile north of French Lick, south to the small town of Dubois. That line had once been part of a Southern Railway branch between French Lick and Huntingburg, and it carried the museum into its second life as the French Lick Scenic Railway, the name most visitors know it by today.

French Lick and West Baden were once famous for Pluto Water, a mineral water sold as a cure and shipped across the country, at times on 40 to 50 rail cars. Its strong smell gave rise to the Pluto symbol, named for the Roman god of the underworld, which still turns up around town. Sales ended in 1971, but the rail connection that served the resort towns is what the museum works to keep alive.

The museum is plain about its approach: you will not find cases of old timetables and lanterns here. The point is to give guests a taste of the years when trains were how people traveled long distances, and to let them climb aboard rather than look from behind a rope. Volunteers, members and staff carry that idea forward from the depot in the middle of town.

From the limestone depot into the forest and the tunnel

Trips begin at the historic 1907 limestone depot in the heart of French Lick, only steps from the French Lick Hotel. The depot and gift shop open two hours before a scheduled departure and stay open after the train returns, and on any day you are welcome to walk around the outside of the depot and look at the equipment parked there. It is an active rail line, so keep an eye out for moving trains.

The standard Scenic Train Ride lasts about an hour and a half and winds through the hills and woods of the Hoosier National Forest, past limestone outcroppings, and through the Burton Tunnel, which is just under half a mile long. The tunnel was dug from both ends and joined in the middle, and the museum points out that if you watch closely you can see where the two bores did not line up perfectly. Beyond the regular ride, the calendar fills with themed trains, cookouts, field trip trains, tasting trains for adults and the holiday Polar Express.

Don’t miss

  1. The Burton TunnelBuilt in 1907 and 2,200 feet long, it is the second longest railroad tunnel in Indiana. Look for the slight corner near the middle where the two crews met.
  2. The 1907 limestone depotThe departure point for every ride, set in the center of French Lick near the grand hotel, with a gift shop inside.
  3. Equipment parked outside the depotThe museum invites visitors to walk the depot grounds and look over the equipment on display, even on days when no train is running.
  4. The Hoosier National Forest runThe heart of the ride: forest, hills and limestone formations seen from restored passenger cars.
  5. Pluto Water loreAsk about the mineral water that once filled dozens of rail cars out of French Lick and West Baden, and spot the Pluto symbol around town.

A tunnel, a forest and a holiday train

For kids, the tunnel is usually the moment: the car goes dark for nearly half a mile, then pops back into the trees. The hour and a half ride is a manageable length for most school-age children, and the depot grounds give little ones a chance to look at equipment up close before boarding. The museum also runs educational trains for field trips and family themed trains through the year.

In late fall and early winter, THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride brings the holiday story to life with treats, entertainment and a visit from Santa. Those dates sell out, so book early. Tasting trains are for guests 21 and over, so check the age listing before you buy.

Plan your visit: tips for Indiana Railway Museum

  • French Lick is on Eastern time; double check if you are driving from western Indiana.
  • Boarding starts 20 to 30 minutes before departure, and the train leaves on time.
  • Do not use a shortest route setting in your GPS; it can send you down winding back roads.
  • THE POLAR EXPRESS dates sell out, so buy tickets early.
  • Tickets are collected on board.

The biggest event of the year is THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, which brings the holiday story to the French Lick line in November and December with festive treats, entertainment and Santa on board. Tickets come in value, moderate and peak tiers, and many 2026 departures were already sold out by October. For more holiday ideas around the state, see our guide to Christmas train rides in Indiana.

Members and volunteers keep the line running

The Indiana Railway Museum began with about twenty volunteers, and volunteers and members are still part of how it operates today. Its website lists membership options, volunteer opportunities and seasonal jobs, including roles on THE POLAR EXPRESS. You can also support the railway by donating, buying from the depot gift shop or simply riding the train.

More rail stops within a long drive of French Lick

French Lick sits in the hills of southern Indiana, so other rail museums are a real drive away. The La Grange Railroad Museum in Kentucky is about 68 miles off, the Wabash Valley Railroaders Museum in Terre Haute is about 76 miles north, and the Kentucky Railway Museum is about 83 miles away. See all of Indiana's train museums to plan more stops.

Every train museum in Indiana

Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive

Watercolor view from inside a dark tunnel looking out at a sunny beach and cliffs
From Rally Takes the Train, watercolor by Leslie Dunn.

The Burton Tunnel is almost half a mile long, which is a long time to sit in the dark if you are small. In our book, Rally rides through a dark tunnel with Mom and Dad, and then there is that big bright light and everyone cheers. My mom imagined that moment before she passed in 2021. I love that kids in French Lick get to feel it for real, and you can read how her story became a book on our story page.

Free for train families

Print the Rally coloring pages before you go

Watercolor coloring pages from the book, free to print. Tuck a few in a folder with crayons for the drive or the wait for the next train.

Get the free coloring pages
Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A train story for the ride homeRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi's first train trip to see his grand-paw-rents. Hand-painted in real watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, for ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

More for train families

Work or volunteer at Indiana Railway Museum?

We want this page to be the best introduction to your museum on the web. Send new hours, event dates, corrections or photos to kelsey@rallytakesthetrain.com and we will update it. You are welcome to share this page with your members.

Sources

Everything on this page comes from the museum’s own website and social pages and, for history, Wikipedia, checked October 19, 2026.

Indiana Railway Museum: 20 questions riders ask

Where is the Indiana Railway Museum in French Lick, Indiana?

The Indiana Railway Museum and its French Lick Scenic Railway are based at 8594 West State Road 56, French Lick, Indiana 47432. Trains leave from the 1907 limestone depot in the center of town, a short walk from the French Lick Hotel. The railway asks drivers not to pick a shortest route option in their GPS, which can lead down winding back roads.

How do I buy Indiana Railway Museum tickets?

Tickets for every ride are sold through the event calendar on frenchlicktrain.com, where each departure shows its price and a Buy Tickets button, or Sold Out when it is full. You can also call 1-800-74-TRAIN for help. Tickets are collected on board, and buying ahead is wise for popular dates.

How much does the French Lick Scenic Railway cost?

Prices depend on the excursion, so check the calendar on the railway's website for the ride you want. As of October 2026, THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride tickets for November dates range from $47 to $117 depending on the date tier and seating class. Scenic rides, themed trains and tasting trains are each priced separately.

Is the Indiana Railway Museum a museum or a train ride?

It is mainly a train ride. The Indiana Railway Museum operates as the French Lick Scenic Railway, and it says you will not find a traditional museum of display cases here. Instead, the history is the train itself: you board restored cars and ride through the Hoosier National Forest, and you can look over equipment parked around the depot.

How long is the French Lick Scenic Railway train ride?

The Scenic Train Ride lasts about an hour and a half. It runs from the French Lick depot through the hills and forest of southern Indiana and through the Burton Tunnel before returning. Plan to arrive early, because boarding begins 20 to 30 minutes ahead and the train leaves exactly on its posted time.

What is the Burton Tunnel on the French Lick train?

The Burton Tunnel is a 2,200-foot railroad tunnel built in 1907 for the Southern Railway's branch from French Lick to Huntingburg. It is the second longest railroad tunnel in Indiana. Crews dug it from both ends and met in the middle, and riders can spot a slight corner near the center where the two halves did not line up exactly.

When was the Indiana Railway Museum founded?

The museum was founded in 1961 in Westport, Indiana, with one small locomotive, three passenger cars and about twenty volunteers. It moved to Greensburg in 1971 and then to French Lick in 1978, after the Southern Railway Company deeded it sixteen miles of track between West Baden and Dubois. It has run the French Lick Scenic Railway ever since.

What are the Indiana Railway Museum hours?

Trains run on scheduled dates listed in the online calendar, and the depot and gift shop open two hours before each departure. As of October 2026, the gift shop is also open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 am to 4 pm and Wednesday from 1 pm to 4 pm, closing for lunch on non-train days. All times are Eastern.

What time zone is the French Lick Scenic Railway in?

French Lick is in the Eastern time zone and observes daylight saving time. The railway reminds visitors driving from the western part of Indiana, which runs on Central time in some areas, to double check departure times. Arriving an hour late is an easy way to miss the train, so plan around Eastern time.

Where do you park for the French Lick Scenic Railway?

Parking is free in the depot parking lot and in the Blue Lot of the French Lick Resort. Anyone driving a large pickup, an RV or a vehicle pulling a trailer must use the Blue Lot. Leave enough time to park and walk over, since boarding starts 20 to 30 minutes before the train departs.

Does the Indiana Railway Museum run THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride?

Yes. The French Lick Scenic Railway hosts THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride each holiday season, with festive treats, entertainment and a visit from Santa. As of October 2026, early November departures are listed from $47 to $117, and several were already sold out. Book through the railway's calendar as early as you can.

Is the French Lick Scenic Railway good for toddlers and young kids?

It can be. The ride is about an hour and a half, which works for many young children, and the dark Burton Tunnel and forest views give kids something to watch for. The holiday Polar Express ride is aimed at families. Tasting trains are 21 and over, so check each listing before booking with little ones.

What are the tasting trains at French Lick Scenic Railway?

Tasting trains are adults-only rides for guests 21 and over that pair a scenic train trip with curated food and drinks. The railway lists bourbon, wine, tequila and chocolate tasting trains among its offerings. They are popular for date nights and outings with friends, and dates and prices appear on the excursions calendar.

Can you see trains at the French Lick depot without riding?

Yes. The railway invites visitors to explore the outside of the depot and look at the equipment parked there whenever they like. Because it is an active rail line, trains can move at any time, so stay alert and keep children close. The gift shop inside keeps regular weekday hours.

Does the Indiana Railway Museum offer group trips or field trips?

Yes. The railway's contact form lists bus and group tours, educational trains for field trips, private trains, cookouts and themed trains among the ride types you can ask about. Use the contact form on frenchlicktrain.com or call 1-800-74-TRAIN to talk through dates and pricing for your group.

Is there a gift shop at the Indiana Railway Museum?

Yes. The gift shop is inside the French Lick depot and opens two hours before each train, staying open after it returns. As of October 2026 it also keeps weekday hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 am to 4 pm, and Wednesday from 1 pm to 4 pm. Seasonal Polar Express merchandise is sold too.

Where can I see Indiana Railway Museum photos and reviews?

The railway shares photos and ride videos on its Facebook, Instagram and YouTube pages under the French Lick Scenic Railway name, which are the best places to see the cars, the depot and the Burton Tunnel. Visitor reviews are posted on Tripadvisor under the Indiana Railway Museum listing, and the railway's own website shows its fleet.

How can I volunteer at or join the Indiana Railway Museum?

The museum was built by volunteers and still welcomes them. Its website has pages for memberships, volunteer opportunities and employment, including seasonal roles and auditions for THE POLAR EXPRESS. Donations are accepted online as well. Use the contact form and choose Volunteering or Memberships as the question type to get started.

What is Pluto Water and why does French Lick talk about it?

Pluto Water was a mineral water from French Lick and West Baden sold nationwide as a strong laxative, and at times 40 to 50 rail cars were used to ship it. Its smell inspired the Pluto name and symbol, after the Roman god of the underworld. Sales stopped in 1971, but the Pluto symbol still shows up around town.

What train museums are near the Indiana Railway Museum?

The nearest ones on this site are a drive away. The La Grange Railroad Museum in Kentucky is about 68 miles off, the Wabash Valley Railroaders Museum in Terre Haute about 76 miles, and the Kentucky Railway Museum in New Haven about 83 miles. My Old Kentucky Dinner Train in Bardstown is roughly 81 miles away.

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Kelsey Cecil
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