The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum is gearing up for the start of its 2021 season. Saturday excursions from North Judson to English Lake start May 1. The 45-minute round trips depart at 12:30 and 2:00 p.m. CDT.
But before that, Starke County Tourism’s Spring Has Sprung Bloomer Run will set off at 10:00 a.m. Tourism representative Mark Rippy told the North Judson Town Council Monday that last year’s inaugural event was very successful, even though COVID-19 pushed it back to October. Council members agreed to waive the run’s special event permit fee.
While events are being planned to bring visitors to Hoosier Valley, the museum also remains busy with its preservation efforts. The museum recently announced plans to restore the Monon railroad’s very first diesel locomotive.
The switcher, built in 1942, had a long career on tourist railroads, before its cab was destroyed after hitting a bridge in Logansport while being moved by truck in 2018. Hoosier Valley says it’s entered into an agreement with the locomotive’s private owner to restore and operate it.
More information about train excursion tickets and volunteer opportunities can be found at hoosiervalley.org. COVID-19 precautions remain in place, and the museum says it’s requiring face masks and observing social distancing protocols.
