NORTH JUDSON – According to the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum, Santa Trains will be available for Christmas and winter fun on Saturdays in mid-November and into December.
Visitors can ride in a vintage commuter coach, vintage deluxe coach or former business car through the wintery countryside for approximately five miles from the depot to the small town of English Lake.
After crossing the Kankakee River, the train returns to the depot and museum grounds. During the trip, passengers will enjoy visiting with Santa and each child and toddler will receive a gift bag from Santa.
Diesel powered trains depart on Saturdays, November 22nd, November 29th and December 6th, 13th, and 20th at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 5:00 PM (Central Time). The total length of each excursion is approximately 1 hour. Ticket prices begin at $20.00 and are pro-rated, depending upon age and car option. Passengers can choose between coach or first-class seating options. First class seating options include the opportunity to book the entire former business car for private groups, suites for up to three people, or general lounge seats.
Purchasing tickets online is recommended, as trains have sold out in past years. Seating is restricted, to give Santa enough time to visit and take pictures with all the passengers. Purchase tickets at http://www.hoosiervalley.org.
Before or after the train excursion, be sure to visit the museum and grounds, where admission is always free. The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum is located at the former crossroads of the Pennsylvania, Chesapeake & Ohio, Erie, and New York Central Railroads. HVRM has one of the largest collections of working railroad signals. Stroll around the grounds to see all types of memorabilia, rolling stock, and engines of a by-gone era.
The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and education of railroad history. The museum is open on Saturdays, year-round, and some select Sundays. Regular train excursions are from May through September. Special event train excursions are before Easter, during the month of October, and before Christmas.
Visit the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum website (www.hoosiervalley.org) for a complete schedule of events, dates, and train departure times. Order tickets online or call the depot (574-896-3950) on Saturdays, 9-3 Central Time.
